about Colorado Springs World Affairs Council
Connecting Colorado Springs to the World Since 1979
Founded in 1979, the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, educational organization. The Council is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America, a national network of over 90 autonomous councils across the United States, and Global Ties US, a non-partisan organization established to promote excellence in citizen diplomacy. To learn more about the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council and its activities, please call: 719-579-8443 or contact us.
A new way to support global understanding and civic dialogue in the Pikes Peak region. Join a community of leaders shaping meaningful impact.
Our Mission
Our Purpose
Our Vision
Colorado Springs World Affairs Council Staff
Terri Browning
Executive Director
A University of Georgia graduate, Terri commissioned in the US Army as a Signal Officer in 2001, and did a total of 13 years in
Leah Musgrave
International Visitor Program Manager
Recent UCCS graduate Leah Marie Musgrave engages her time as the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council IVLP Program Manager. With two degrees in Women and
Colorado Springs World Affairs Council Board of Directors
Carol Zanmiller
Board Chair
Carol Zanmiller has a long career in the space and defense industry. She started her career in engineering, working all aspects of space, from building
Gretchen Bliss
Vice Chair
Gretchen Bliss – A leader in cybersecurity education and community engagement, Gretchen Bliss directs Cybersecurity Programs at UCCS and has held senior roles at NORAD
Carrie Sechel
Treasurer
Throughout Carrie’s 25+ year career, she’s worked with a diverse set of clients, from Fortune 500 companies like JP Morgan to niche startups and individual
Jim Rix
Secretary
Jim retired from the Air Force after 27 years of service in a wide range of intelligence and information operations roles, deploying for 3 conflicts.
Martin Burlingame
Director
Martin Burlingame is the Division President of One80 Binding at One80 Intermediaries with offices in the US and Canada. He focuses on specialty insurance and
Hilary Dussing
Director
Hilary Dussing spent over 33 years in the petroleum energy business and held numerous senior and executive level positions with several publicly traded oil and
Aaron Esparson
Director
Aaron is an avid advocate for civic engagement, promoting democratic participation and community involvement through public programming, local partnerships, and educational initiatives. He currently serves
Alphy Johnson
Director
Alphonse (Alphy) L. Johnson, has served on the Board since 2023 and served as Secretary and Executive Committee Member for two years. During his career
Kristine Neumeister
Director
Kristine Neumeister serves on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council and is passionate about fostering global awareness, civic engagement, and
Steve Recca
Director
Steve Recca is Executive Director of the Center for Human Security in the University of Colorado Colorado Springs College of Public Service. He concurrently serves
Joy Schulz
Director
Joy Schulz is a Teaching Professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Joy holds a Ph.D. in the History
Karl Schneider
Emeritus Director
Karl Schneider has 22 years of experience in the United States Army as a Special Forces Officer (Green Beret), and Foreign Area Officer. Karl has
