About Us
Staff

"You in the world affairs council movement have done much praiseworthy work in building trust and affection among nations."

– Ronald Reagan,
Former United States President

Staff

Patrick Terrien President & CEO (614) 229-4599 Extension: 404 pterrien@columbusworldaffairs.org Mr. Terrien manages all aspects of operations and strategy for the organization including fundraising, community partnerships, staffing, and strategic planning.  He is a member of the Ohio Department of Education’s International Education Advisory Committee as well as the Center for U.S. Global Engagement Advisory Committee.  Mr. Terrien delivers a variety of lectures to national and local organizations on topics ranging from non-profit management to globalization and corporate social responsibility and the influence of globalization. With a degree in International Politics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Mr. Terrien worked in Washington, D.C. for the US Agency for International Development facilitating U.S. environmental exports to Asia. During his three years at USAID, Patrick traveled to Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Prior to becoming President & CEO, Mr. Terrien was the Director for Corporate Relations at COSI Columbus where he directed the science museum’s corporate fundraising program. Mr. Terrien is proficient in conversational Indonesian and French, and has studied Spanish and American Sign Language.

 

Maria Wolever Director of Community Programs (614) 229-4599 Extension: 402 mwolever@columbusworldaffairs.org Ms. Bowman directs all aspects of the Council’s community programs including planning, budgeting, marketing, implementation and assessment. These include the Symposia Series (distinguished lectures for professionals and academics), Great Decisions (monthly senior citizen discussion groups), Young Professionals activities and special events. She works closely with the President & CEO to manage corporate and community relationships, and the annual International Awards Ceremony. Ms. Bowman started her career in advertising and marketing, working with international clients including Detroit Diesel Corporation, The Costa Rica Tourist Board and Volvo Trucks North America. She graduated from The Ohio State University with degrees in political science and international studies, and remains active in the University through volunteer work. She is fully proficient in Spanish and has a strong multicultural background. Ms. Bowman is a 2008-2009 fellow of the Emerging Women Leaders program via the Academy for Leadership and Governance.

 

Stephanie Calondis Geiger Director of Youth Programs & Media Outreach (614) 229-4599 Extension: 403 scalondis@columbusworldaffairs.org Since 2004, Ms. Calondis Geiger has directed all aspects of the Council’s youth education programs including design, implementation, evaluation, and marketing.  These programs address competencies in two primary areas: topic/issue analysis and intercultural relationship development; they operate primarily within a framework of project-based learning.  Prior to joining the staff, she lived with a host family in a rural area of Costa Rica where she taught English and global issues to first through six graders and initiated development projects in her community.  As a result, she is a proficient Spanish speaker.  Ms. Calondis earned a degree in journalism from Ohio Wesleyan University and worked as a newspaper reporter covering education and other community issues.  She also managed a variety of programs for University Settlement, a non-profit community organization in Cleveland. These included afterschool enrichment programs, workforce development, family literacy, Internet courses for senior citizens, and an intervention program for pre-adjudicated youth. She has been instrumental in making the youth programs arm of CCWA an institutional priority. Ms. Calondis co-chairs the Education Advisory Committee, in partnership with OSU’s Office of International Affairs.  She also serves on the Green Committee at Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts.

Rhonda Nicholas Administrative and Membership Coordinator (614) 229-4599 Extension: 401 rnicholas@columbusworldaffairs.org Rhonda Nicholas manages all aspects of the Council’s administrative operations and coordinates membership services. Mrs. Nicholas’ extensive experience in nonprofit administration includes over ten years in membership and events planning.  Additionally, Mrs. Nicholas has over 25 years of corporate and nonprofit marketing and administration.