Meet Our Staff

Jayne Herring
President & CEO
jayne@worldaffairscouncil.org

Jayne Herring completed her degree in International Studies (Asia focus) and Human Rights (Public Policy Focus) at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, in addition to pursuing condensed coursework in London and in Nishinomiya, Japan, at Kwansei Gakuin University. Her experiences in politics, community engagement and donor stewardship have equipped her with a diverse skill set crucial for leading the World Affairs Council of Orange County into its next phase of growth and impact.

Herring has served in various leadership positions, including supporting the international board of trustees at the ICSC headquarters in New York and internationally. She has also served as the organizing director for a state-level political campaign, and most recently as Director of special events at Pacific Symphony. Her commitment to humanitarian causes led her to serve as a volunteer assisting resettlement caseworkers at the International Rescue Committee in Dallas. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated leadership and advocacy, serving in roles such as trustee of the Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center, and as board secretary and human rights ambassador for the United Nations Association of Orange County. As director of special events at the Pacific Symphony, she cultivated an extensive expertise in fundraising event management, having successfully orchestrated annual events that generated more than $2.8 million in net revenue over the span of one year, surpassing all goals. 

 

Kyle Stafford
Programs Manager
kyle@worldaffairscouncil.org

Kyle Stafford completed his degree in Political Science/International Relations and History (United States Focus Focus) at the University of California, Riverside. During this time, he became heavily involved in student government and his campus’ Model United Nations program, the latter winning multiple national and international awards. Mr. Stafford has a strong background in accounting from his work experience. Even after graduating, he continues to volunteer with his alma mater’s Model UN program.

 

 

 

 

 

Helene R. Veracruz
Administration & Operations Manager
helene@worldaffairscouncil.org

 

Thank You to Our Summer 2024 Interns & Fellow!

Fundraising Fellow:

Patrick Villaseñor
International Relations
University of Exeter 2022

Interns:

Eli Sepulveda
International Development Studies
University of California, Los Angeles 2026

Tammy Nguyen
International Relations
Irvine Valley College 2025

Amanda Nguyen
Political Science
University of California, Los Angeles 2026