Who We Are

Staff

Patrick Terrien

President & CEO

Patrick Terrien

President & CEO

614-229-4599

    Patrick Terrien

    President & CEO

    614-229-4599

    Mr. Terrien leads all aspects of programming and strategy for the Columbus Council on World Affairs including revenue generation, community partnerships, staffing, and strategic planning. To widespread acclaim and under Terrien’s leadership, the Council pioneered the nation’s first Global Report, a research publication cataloguing the Central Ohio region’s global assets; the Global Scholars Diploma, a high school credential for global competence; and the Global Fluency Institute, a social enterprise that trains professionals in cross cultural communication. He is responsible for securing high profile national advisors and funders such as Harvard, Asia Society, ASCD, Procter and Gamble, Gallup, Cardinal Health and Honda. Mr. Terrien often speaks for organizations such as Harvard University’s “Think Tank on Global Education” and Ohio State University Fisher College of Business on topics ranging from social enterprise to globalization to educational access and equity.

    With a degree in International Politics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Mr. Terrien worked in Washington D.C. for the U.S. 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 we directed the science museum’s corporate fundraising program. Terrien also led from start-up to execution a global sustainability initiative for Right Management, an international company with 300 locations worldwide.

    Mr. Terrien recently served on the Ohio Department of Education’s International Education Advisory Committee and as guest advisor to EF Education First’s Global Student Leader Summits in Costa Rica and Davos, Switzerland. He currently serves on the national board of the World Affairs Councils of America, chair for its Global Education Task Force, and was recently selected for a leadership delegation to China. Though rusty, Mr. Terrien is conversational in Bahasa Indonesian and French, and has studied Spanish and American Sign Language. He is a 2013 recipient of Columbus Business First’s Forty Under 40 Award.

    Emily Mowery

    Business & Finance Manager

    Emily Mowery

    Business & Finance Manager

    614-229-4599

      Emily Mowery

      Business & Finance Manager

      614-229-4599

      Emily (she/her) is the Business & Finance Manager for CCWA, with a background in nonprofit and educational environments since earning her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College in NY. She worked as an OT in Columbus Public Schools for five years before finding a niche in administrative tasks through service to her local school district. She is a former PTA President and Theatre Booster Treasurer in Westerville City Schools. She loves to engage community support for programs that enrich the educational experience for kids in all kinds of schools.

      Emily has volunteered with our region’s refugee communities, assisting with classes on English and citizenship. She is also invested in the work of CCWA as the parent of a Global Scholars Diploma alumni from Westerville Schools.

      Darian Raissi

      Program Manager

      Darian Raissi

      Program Manager

      614-229-4599

        Darian Raissi

        Program Manager

        614-229-4599

        Darian Raissi is the Program Manager for the Columbus Council on World Affairs. In this position he assists the programs department in planning and running events for year 1 and 2 students in the Global Scholars Diploma Program. He is additionally responsible for coordinating speakers for Global Scholars Diploma events.

        Originally from San Francisco, Darian graduated from the George Washington University in 2024 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. During this time his studies largely focused on developing public policy solutions to wildfires in the United States as well as addressing other environmental issues of political science. In addition to being passionate about international affairs and political philosophy, in his free time Darian enjoys reading, writing music, and playing Magic the Gathering.

        Hannah Meyer

        Chief Operating Officer

        Hannah Meyer

        Chief Operating Officer

        (614) 229-4599

          Hannah Meyer

          Chief Operating Officer

          (614) 229-4599

          As Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Meyer leads the day-to-day operations of the Council and all strategic planning initiatives. She defines and manages CCWA’s organizational budgets, financial operations, and strategies. Meyer directs CCWA’s leadership team and ensures that all departments are aligned and working harmoniously to achieve mission goals. She creates policies that optimize daily operations and ensures accountability both internally and to the public. Ms. Meyer is passionate about advocating for non-profit professionals and has led numerous policy changes to ensure that the Council offers its employees competitive benefits, as well as an equitable and supportive work environment. In collaboration with the President & CEO, Meyer supports the Development team and Board of Directors to grow CCWA’s programs and community engagement.

          Ms. Meyer earned her B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Middle Eastern cultures and the Arabic language from Denison University. She spent a semester studying Arabic and modernization and social change in Amman, Jordan through the School for International Training. After her time studying in Jordan, Meyer discovered her passion for international education and the global community. She spent several months as an educator in Izmir, Turkey teaching Middle School students from around the region.  In 2023,  Meyer received her M.A. in Public Administration from the Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

          Meyer is an avid traveler with her personal trips taking her to South America, Europe, and Africa.  When she is closer to home, she enjoys gardening, reading epic fantasy novels, walking her dog Freya, and playing tabletop games with her partner and friends.

          Kendra Polito

          Year 3 Global Scholars Advisor

          Kendra Polito

          Year 3 Global Scholars Advisor

          614-229-4599

            Kendra Polito

            Year 3 Global Scholars Advisor

            614-229-4599

            Kendra is the Advisor for Year 3 Global Scholars Students where she oversees student action plans.

            She earned her B.S. in Communications in Education from Bowling Green State University. She then earned her M.A. in Education from The Ohio State University.

            Prior to working for CCWA, she taught for 32 years in Westerville City Schools, where she developed and implemented a Multicultural Literature course for the district. She also was one of the teachers involved with Global Scholars prior to retiring and then joining the CCWA Team.

            Her continued passion and interest in Global Education are a driving force to work with students and make a positive and meaningful impact in the community.

            Jessica Flowers

            Director of Education

            Jessica Flowers

            Director of Education

            614-229-4599

              Jessica Flowers

              Director of Education

              614-229-4599

              Mrs. Flowers is the Director of Education for the Columbus Council on World Affairs. She manages and delivers the curriculum for Years 1 and 2 of the program.  Mrs. Flowers earned her M.A.T. In Global Field Studies and Inquiry Learning from Miami University in 2015.

              She has taught for over 10 years in Columbus, South Korea and Germany. Her international teaching experience included creating and directing new programs engaging students in experiential learning outside of the classroom. She has taken students on trips to The Bahamas, Croatia and Nepal, developing her passion for experiential learning and holistic education.

              Mrs. Flowers is personally interested in conservation and diversity issues. She is also a musician, performer, and artist. She enjoys using her hobbies to engage with communities and bring awareness to global issues. She also has a love for travel, scuba and camping.

              Laura Stone

              Experiential Learning Coordinator

              Laura Stone

              Experiential Learning Coordinator

              614-229-4599

                Laura Stone

                Experiential Learning Coordinator

                614-229-4599

                Laura is the Experiential Learning Coordinator where she oversees Year 3 Global Scholars Students’ action plans.
                 
                She earned her BA in English Literature and Writing with a minor in Studio Art from Denison University, a Master of Education from The Ohio State University, and an Early Childhood Credential from American Montessori Society.
                 
                Prior to working for CCWA, she taught high school Language Arts for 8 years and Montessori preschool for 4 years.
                 
                She loves working with young people and supporting them in their efforts to make the world a better place. 

                Jeffrey Jackson

                Director of Marketing & Communications

                Jeffrey Jackson

                Director of Marketing & Communications

                614-229-4599

                  Jeffrey Jackson

                  Director of Marketing & Communications

                  614-229-4599

                  Mr. Jackson is serving as the Director of Marketing & Communication for the Columbus Council on World Affairs. He works closely with the Development and Programs Departments to implement clear and inspiring messaging to promote the work of the Council and its various programs, and manages the Council’s portfolio of grant applications and proposals.  

                  Mr. Jackson earned his B.S. in Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University in 2012, and his M.P.S. in Community & Economic Development from Pennsylvania State University in 2017, with a focus on International Development & Planning. He brings to the Council a multi-disciplinary approach with a demonstrated history of coordinating the communications, programming, and development efforts of nongovernmental organizations. Mr. Jackson has extensive experience in print and digital design as well as strategic communications, analytics, and impact communications. As a self-described global citizen, he is mindful of the need to deliver concise and informed communications regarding global issues and is deeply rooted in evidence-based perspectives to reporting. Mr. Jackson has travelled to Europe, West Africa, East Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, and has internalized those experiences to inform his approach to communicating sensitive issues in ways that promote dignity and understanding.  

                  Amanda Comstock

                  Year 3 Global Scholars Advisor

                  Amanda Comstock

                  Year 3 Global Scholars Advisor

                  614-229-4599

                    Amanda Comstock

                    Year 3 Global Scholars Advisor

                    614-229-4599

                    Amanda is a Year 3 Global Scholars Diploma advisor, coaching students through the Take Action Projects. She brings 20 years of experience as an Experiential Educator, having  developed and facilitated programs in traditional and non-traditional educational spaces, including Nature’s Classroom, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Columbus International High School. She co-founded the nonprofit Art Pals International, an international kids art exchange, with collaborators in Senegal and Japan.

                    Amanda has a B.A. in English (Cultural Studies) and Religious Studies (Eastern Religions) from McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec, and a Master’s of Science in Positive Organizational Development and Change (MPOD) from Case Western Reserve University. Amanda is also a Somatic Movement Educator (rSME), and has taught in Nagoya, Japan, as well as locally at OhioDance Festival and Denison University Department of Dance.

                    Amanda developed her passion for global education when living abroad as a Rotary Exchange Student in Chambery, France. She has traveled to Guatemala, Senegal, Slovakia, UK, and France to teach, study or collaborate.

                    Amanda is a multi-modal artist, loves travel, and has been writing poetry and non-fiction since she was 11 years old. 

                    Board

                    Sebastian Ibel

                    Chair

                    President

                    Ibel Agency

                    Alyson Helwagen

                    Vice-Chair

                    Associate Vice President

                    Fahlgren Mortine

                    Guadalupe Velasquez

                    Secretary

                    Managing Director

                    Welcoming City

                    Jay Patel

                    Treasurer

                    Honda of America, Mfg. Inc. (Retired)

                    Vinita Bahri-Mehra

                    Director, Global Business & Education

                    Kegler, Brown, Hill + Ritter

                    Pat Cornelius

                    Partner

                    Barnes & Thornburg LLP

                    Doug Matthews

                    Partner

                    Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease

                    Paresh Patel

                    Director, Business Technology

                    Abbott Nutrition

                    Bala Sathyanarayanan

                    Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

                    Greif

                    Deb Scherer

                    Managing Director, Global Trade and Investment

                    One Columbus

                    Luis Stauffer

                    President

                    Crimson Design Group

                    John L. Comerford, Ph.D.

                    President

                    Otterbein University

                    Angela An

                    Morning News Anchor

                    10TV WBNS

                    Kristina Arcara

                    Chief Audit Executive

                    Battelle Memorial Institute

                    Scott Reeves

                    Assistant Superintendent

                    Westerville City Schools

                    Karan Froom

                    Principal

                    KFROOMCO, Ltd.

                    Megan Hill

                    Director of US Communications

                    The Wendy's Company

                    Doug Hodge

                    Managing Director, Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

                    JPMorgan Chase

                    Natasha Pongonis

                    CEO & Co-founder

                    Envisify Global Intelligence

                    Tariq Tarey

                    Director of Refugee Social Services

                    Jewish Family Services

                    Helly Ding

                    Vice President of Global Travel Retail

                    Victoria's Secret & Co.