{"id":427742,"date":"2025-12-06T01:50:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T01:50:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/427742\/"},"modified":"2025-12-06T01:50:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T01:50:23","slug":"from-intern-to-president-ceo-world-affairs-council-of-dfw-brings-back-one-of-its-own-to-lead-dallas-innovates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/427742\/","title":{"rendered":"From Intern to President & CEO, World Affairs Council of DFW Brings Back One of Its Own to Lead \u00bb Dallas Innovates"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Jess Koloini has been named president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of DFW effective Jan 5 2026. [Composite image; source: LinkedIn\/DI Studio]<\/p>\n

The World Affairs Council of Dallas\/Fort Worth announced that Lockheed Martin exec Jess Koloini will take on the role of its president and chief executive officer on January 5, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Koloini has been at Lockheed more than nine years with extensive international leadership experience, most recently serving as director of business development for Lockheed\u2019s Integrated Fighter Group.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The move is something of a homecoming for Koloini.<\/p>\n

\u201cJess brings a rare combination of institutional knowledge, global experience, and proven leadership that positions our Council for continued growth and impact,\u201d Board Chairman Larry B. Pascal said in a statement. \u201cMany will remember her from her six years at the council (2005-2011), where she rose from intern to vice president of programs. During that time, she was instrumental in facilitating the Fort Worth merger, growing our membership, managing special events, and expanding our annual programming to 100 events.\u201d<\/p>\n

The World Affairs Council of DFW said that Koloini\u2019s work at Lockheed \u201chas taken her around the globe, building lasting partnerships with governments, diplomats, and industries worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n

The council said that Koloini\u2019s extensive international experience at Lockheed will make her a strong leader, adding that Koloini \u201csees the council not just as a convener of conversation but as a driver of action and connection. Her vision, combined with her deep understanding of our mission and her extensive global network, makes her uniquely qualified to lead us into our next chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n

She has maintained her connection to the World Affairs Council as a member since 2005, and served on the WorldDenver board of directors when she lived in Colorado.<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout her professional journey, Jess has remained grounded in the skills and values that define our council: diplomacy, education, collaboration, and mission-driven leadership,\u201d Pascal said. \u201cI\u2019m confident that under her leadership, we\u2019ll continue to connect North Texas with the world\u2014and do so with even greater impact.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim Falk will remain with the council through the transition. The council thanked him for his \u201cvaluable service\u201d during the past year.<\/p>\n

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\tR E A D\u00a0\u00a0 N E X T\t<\/p>\n