Savannah Council on World Affairs Announces New Leadership and Board Members
(Savannah, GA) The Savannah Council on World Affairs (SCWA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Holt Dwyer as the new President of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Dwyer holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in International Relations from the same institution. She earned a B.A. in International Studies from the University of the Pacific. Dr. Dwyer’s academic journey includes post-doctoral work at Harvard University’s Academy for International and Area Studies and advanced language training in Japanese at the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language in Tokyo. Dr. Dwyer has held academic positions at Columbia University and Hunter College, CUNY, and held research positions at prestigious institutions including the Bank of Japan and the Japan Development Bank. She has been an active volunteer in the Skidaway Island community, serving as a first responder and supporting local initiatives such as the Landlovers Scholarship Committee and Second Harvest.
The Savannah Council on World Affairs (SCWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to broadening community interest in, and promoting the study of international issues. Through their monthly speaker series, educational programs, special events, and partnerships, SCWA provides opportunities for Savannah residents to engage with experts in world affairs drawn from academia, the private sector, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Founded in 1984, The Savannah Council on World Affairs is one of 90 US councils with approximately 80,000 members that constitute the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA), established in 1918. The World Affairs Councils of America are considered the premier organization providing information to the citizens of our country on international affairs. Membership in the Savannah Council on World Affairs is open to everyone interested in the Savannah Council’s mission and programs.
New Board Members are:
Becky Cheatham:
Becky Cheatham brings a background in development, having served as Director of the St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundation and Director of Development at Savannah Country Day School. She is also a former member of the vestry at Christ Church Episcopal and has been involved in numerous civic organizations.
William Todd Gerken:
Todd Gerken recently retired after serving as Director of U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service programs in Southern Georgia, and has a background in international marketing and trade development.
A. Cory Highland:
Cory Highland spent 24 years at Toyota North America, leading research, planning, and communications efforts. Previously, he worked at the OECD in Paris, taught international economics, and advised on global labor and investment rules. Cory holds a degree from Temple University and a master’s from Columbia University.
Gordon Matthews:
Gordon Matthews has extensive experience in business, management consulting, and leadership development. He has served as CEO of the Savannah Bee Co. and has been active in various civic organizations, including Rotary International.
Joyce Wallace:
Joyce Wallace served over 30 years in the CIA as an Operations Officer, with assignments in Africa and the Middle East, and led worldwide counterterrorism efforts after 9/11. She volunteered for two Pentagon assignments supporting Afghanistan/Pakistan Operations and serving as CIA’s senior representative to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Joyce holds a BA in French from George Mason University and an MS in National Security Strategy from the National War College.
Marjorie Young:
Marjorie Young is the Founder and CEO of Carriage Trade Public Relations and has 30 years of experience in public relations, crisis communications, and leadership. She is the past president of the Rotary Club of Savannah. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Journalism.
The SCWA board; Justin Godchaux – Vice President; Barbara Stockwell – Acting Corresponding Secretary; Chair, Membership; Jacek Lubecki, Ph.D. – Recording Secretary; Chair, Scholarships; Robert Rogers – Treasurer; Lawrence Silverman (Ambassador ret.) – Chair, Programs; Gerald (Jerry) Thomas – Chair, Sponsorships; Susan Catron; Robert Chandis; Matthew Flynn, Ph.D.; Kevin Goldberg Ph.D.; Peter Hoffman US Army (ret); Antwone Mohammed; Carolyn Steigmeier Ph.D. and Frank Ziemkiewic will continue to lead the organization in its mission to promote a greater understanding of world affairs through its speaker programs, educational discussion groups, special events and partnerships with other related organizations.
About the Savannah Council on World Affairs
The Savannah Council on World Affairs (SCWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community knowledge and understanding of world affairs. It has approximately 300 members and offers its speaker programs at The Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street. Through its speaker programs, discussion groups, and support for related educational experiences, SCWA provides opportunities for Savannah residents to engage with experts on global issues and participate in informed discussion with others in the community.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Becky Cheatham
Savannah Council on World Affairs
Email: Savannahcwa@gmail.com
https://savannahcwa.org