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2026/2027 Distinguished Speaker Series

The Distinguished Speaker Series, our principal program, usually takes place on the first and third Fridays of each month at the First Presbyterian Church – October through May.  Speakers come from around the globe who are known for their international experience in government, business, military affairs and academia. International speakers are supported by our Global Speakers Program

Meetings are hosted at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head. Programs start at 10:00 AM with the featured speaker addressing the audience for approximately 50 minutes, followed by a Q & A session. Programs end at 11:30 AM. The Council is a 501 (c) 3, nonpartisan educational organization that takes no political position on the topics presented.

LIVE STREAMS and VIDEO ARCHIVES
Members can access Live Streams and Video Archives by logging in to the Members-Only Section of the website with their email and password. 

Download the 2026/2027 Speakers Program Calendar

 (PDF) 

2026/2027 Distinguished Speaker Series

Date

Presenter Topic

10/2/2026

Linda Thomas-Greenfield

Lessons in International Leadership: A Conversation with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
10/16/2026 Michael Ratney A New Saudi Arabia in a Volatile Region
10/30/2026 Kurt Volker Russia's War on Ukraine:  How Will It End?
11/13/2026 Joby Warrick Twilight of the Jackal: The World's First Super-Terrorist to Syria 2026
12/4/2026 John McKay** The Future of U.S. -Canada Relations
1/8/2027 Lobsang Sangay Tibet: A Failure of China's World Order
1/22/2027 Mihaela Papa BRICS -- Its Evolution, Impact on Global Finance, and Relationship with the U.S.
2/5/2027 TBD TBD
2/19/2027 Dr. Manuel Orozco Remittances and their Implications for Immigration and Displacement Worldwide
3/5/2027 Ann Butler Wife, Mother, Spy
3/19/2027 Dr. Anna Wieslander** Russian Intimidation Actions Affecting the Baltic Region
4/2/2027 Sherri Goodman Environmental Change & Its Impact on Global Security
4/23/2027 Chidi Blyden How Africa's Growth & Geopolitics are Reshaping Global Power -- Is the U.S. Paying Attention?
5/7/2027 Heidi Urben Crisis in Civil Military Relations

**Made possible by the Global Speakers Program
See who came last season in 2025-2026: 2025-2026 Speakers Program Calendar

Video Archives

Video Archives for past Speaker Meetings are available through the Members Only page. You must be logged into your account as a member of World Affairs Council to access this page. 

Sponsors

Ambassador Level 2025-2026

  • Bob & Lynn Burt (2)
  • Jan Cooper & Ray Marcinowski
  • Peter & Pam Cooper
  • Joan Deery
  • Arno & Liz Dimmling
  • Carol & Ed Enciso
  • Cynthia Evans
  • John & Lesley Gilbert
  • Linda Rutherford Grindle & Mike Williamson
  • Max and Deb Hutton (2)
  • Jim Irwin & Margaret McManus (2)
  • Les & Michele Janka 
  • Toney & Ginger Matthews
  • Bruce Maguire
  • Anne & Bill Millhaem
  • Cindy Petitt
  • Elaine & Jim Tholen
  • Lori & David Wellinghoff
  • Lee & Ruth Wilwerding

Diplomat Level 2025-2026

  • Elizabeth & Tom Belenchia
  • Steven Doehrman &  in Memory of Barbara Walters Doehrman (3)
  • John & Lesley Gilbert (2)
  • Carol Gyllenhoff
  • Gabriele Hoffman
  •  Suzanne Joyce & in Memory of Tom Tomfohrde (2)
  • Ron and Cindy Latin (2)
Attache Level 2025-2026
  • David Brooks 
  • Janet Davis Brooks (3)


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World Affairs Council of Hilton Head

Office:19 Bow Circle Suite A1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Mail: PO Box 22523, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843-384-6758  |  execdirector@wachh.org

Member, World Affairs Council of America


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