about Colorado Springs World Affairs Council

Who we are

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

We are a nonpartisan forum for education and engagement on world affairs, fostering informed dialogue across our community.

Our Vision

Understanding the world happens here — in Colorado Springs, through meaningful conversations that bridge perspectives and cultures.

Our Purpose

To prepare generations to be informed citizens and effective participants in a global marketplace. An informed and engaged citizenry is the foundation for shaping policy in a free society — especially in foreign policy, where global issues are increasingly complex and international relationships increasingly interdependent.

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

Carol Zanmiller

Director

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

Steve Recca

Vice Chair

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

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

Kristine Bell

Director

Kristine Bell is a highly skilled and seasoned researcher with over seven years of experience specializing in topics central to homeland security, to include historical

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

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

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

Chip Frazer

Director

Chip Frazer is a 27-year US Army Veteran, having spent time on five continents and in some amazingly interesting countries. He served as an Intelligence

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

Alphy Johnson

Director

During his career as an international hotelier, Alphy has enjoyed the opportunity to work in the Europe, Asia, Middle East and the Americas, at both

Brian Mendiola

Director

Coming Soon…

Jim Rix

Director

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.

Karl Schneider

Immediate Past Chair

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