Dr. Douglas Southgate is a dream come true for the Columbus Council on World Affairs team. A knowledgeable academic with strong content knowledge in many areas, he supports the work of CCWA by speaking at symposia, and giving three to four lectures each year as part of the Great Decisions Series. He contributes financial support to our mission. He provides that most effective form of marketing: word-of-mouth endorsement. And, he is known by staff as a “go to” resource for ideas and contacts. Our organization would not exist without passionate leaders like Doug Southgate, yet his demeanor is decidedly humble and matter-of-fact. Rather than expecting (deserved) accolades for his work, Dr. Southgate instead chooses to focus on how the Columbus Council on World Affairs has contributed to his life as a citizen in Columbus, OH.

“I have always enjoyed the presentations I make as part of the Great Decisions series, especially at Dublin Friendship Village and First Community Village,” says Southgate. “I think the sort of local conversation that the CCWA fosters is essential, given this country’s leading role in the world.”

Dr. Douglas Southgate is a natural resource economist and a professor of agriculture, environmental, and development economics at the Ohio State University. He has studied environmental problems facing developing countries, with primary focus on Latin America. His international work has predominantly been in the country of Ecuador (1990-1993), where he worked with the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) as an advisor on development and economic issues.

Some of the topics that he would like to encourage discussion about in the future include Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, food issues, and energy issues. He is a regular contributor to the Columbus Dispatch. You can read one of his recent opinion pieces by clicking here.

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