IRVINE- The WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF ORANGE COUNTY (WACOC), a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, announced the appointment of Jayne Herring as their new President & CEO, effective Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Ms. Herring succeeds Dr. Richard Downie, who previously held this position from 2022-2024.
Ms. Herring, a resident of Laguna Beach, brings a wealth of nonprofit and international experience to her new role. At the age of 16 she was awarded a full scholarship to participate in a summer abroad program through Youth for Understanding USA. When employed by ICSC in New York, she planned and managed conferences and events for the association’s international Board of Trustees, in locations including Cape Town, Dubai, Merida, Paris, Berlin, Vancouver, Beijing, and Shanghai, in addition to many cities around the United States. After time focused on family and volunteer work, she returned to school to complete a degree in International Studies (Asia focus) and Human Rights (Public Policy Focus) from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. While at SMU, she took condensed coursework in London and in Nishinomiya, Japan, at Kwansei Gakuin University. She became an active member of the World Affairs Council in Dallas/Fort Worth, and later served as an “elder intern” for a semester, supporting the education, protocol, membership, programs, and development departments.
With her previous experience as Director of Special Events at the Pacific Symphony, Ms. Herring has extensive expertise in fundraising event management, having successfully orchestrated annual events that generated over $2.8M in net revenue over the span of one year, surpassing all goals. Her strong abilities in securing sponsorships, cultivating donor relationships, and managing large teams has not only sharpened her fundraising acumen, but has also instilled in her a profound appreciation for the arts and their impact on communities. Ms. Herring’s skills are essential for driving fundraising success and fostering meaningful community connections within our non-profit organization.
Ms. Herring has also served in various leadership positions, including Organizing Director for a state-level political campaign and Development Director at Laguna Radio, Inc. Her commitment to humanitarian causes led her to serve as a volunteer assisting resettlement caseworkers at the International Rescue Committee in Dallas. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated leadership and advocacy, serving in roles such as Trustee of the Tony Award -winning Dallas Theater Center, and as Board Secretary and Human Rights Ambassador for the United Nations Association of Orange County, This trajectory showcases Ms. Herring’s evolution into a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and a profound dedication to driving positive change. Her experiences in politics, community engagement, and donor stewardship have equipped her with a diverse skill set crucial for leading the World Affairs Council of Orange County into its next phase of growth and impact.
About The World Affairs Council of Orange County：
World Affairs Council of Orange County is part of the World Affairs Councils of America, a nonprofit and nonpartisan national organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission, which remains its primary goal, is to educate and inform its members and community citizens on important and critical issues concerning world affairs. We on the council approach these multifaceted issues by presenting excellent and renowned speakers, including experienced diplomats and ambassadors, former heads of state, foreign ministers, high-level government officials, prominent journalists and writers, and top military and intelligence officials. A careful review of speakers who have addressed the council reveals the high caliber of interesting and relevant programs members and guests enjoy. We also strive to make council dinners and events enjoyable opportunities to meet and socialize with others who see the impact foreign affairs have had not only nationally, but also in Orange County. Many members have either worked or served abroad, study international affairs, conduct international business, or simply appreciate the importance of understanding world affairs. The council has widespread support throughout the local community, including among corporate, public, and academic sectors. The council also sponsors students through its scholarship outreach program. This allows high school and university students—our future leaders—to attend events and become engaged by learning more about critical international issues and it gives them the opportunity to meet and speak with guest speakers.
