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. 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 Bowman Director of Community Programs (614) 229-4599 Extension: 402 mbowman@columbusworldaffairs.org Ms. Bowman manages the Council’s community programs, including its Distinguished Lecture Series, Great Decisions, Young Professionals and Intern/Volunteer coordination. She has degrees in political science and international studies from The Ohio State University. Ms. Bowman started her career in advertising and marketing, last working for Signature Worldwide – a business and training solutions firm – prior to joining the Council. There she was responsible for handling international clients including Detroit Diesel Corporation, The Costa Rica Tourist Board and Volvo Trucks North America. Ms. Bowman was born in Colombia and, having lived in various Latin American countries for 18 years, is fully proficient in Spanish.

 

Stephanie Calondis Geiger Director of Youth Programs & Media Outreach (614) 229-4599 Extension: 403 scalondis@columbusworldaffairs.org Ms. Calondis directs all aspects of the Council’s youth education programs including design, implementation, evaluation, and marketing.  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 has 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. Ms. Calondis also directs the organization's media outreach.

 

Clare Kirlin Executive Assistant to the President & CEO (614) 229-4599 Extension: 401 ckirlin@columbusworldaffairs.org Clare Kirlin assists Mr. Terrien in all aspects of Council operations and membership relations. She comes to the Council with an academic background in languages and literatures, with extensive international travel experience. While obtaining her degree in English Literature, Clare spent time volunteering with recently resettled refugees in Arizona and supporting various human rights initiatives. Her professional history includes operational management, marketing, educational administration, and language instruction. Clare has recently worked both as a Spanish teacher in the United States and an English language and customs educator for international enterprises in Mexico City.