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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Member, President Long active in San Diego's international civil society community, David previously served 3 years as President of the San Diego World Affairs Council from 2013 to early 2016. He also served 6 years as President of the San Diego International Sister Cities Association, and 7 years as President of the San Diego - Vladivostok (Russia) Sister City Society. In 2005 David guided the establishment of San Diego’s sister city relationship with Jalalabad, Afghanistan. In 2015 he served as Chair of the Steering Committee which led the establishment of San Diego’s 16th sister city relationship (Panama City, Panama). In the 2020 election cycle David was a candidate for US Congress in the 50th District. David is Principal at Core Global Advisory, a consultancy focused on energy, commodities, political risk, supply chains, and market strategy. He has over 30 years' experience in international trade, investment, and nonprofit activities – with a particular focus on Russia. David has worked abroad in Russia in the food trade and investment banking, and in Mexico in the seafood export development business.  Catherine Greenberg
Board Member, Vice President Catherine Greenberg is a creative and experienced nonprofit executive with a demonstrated ability to bring diverse groups of people together to foster and promote cross-cultural collaboration. A graduate, Magna Cum Laude, from Southern Methodist University with a degree in International Studies, Catherine is the idea architect and founder of U.S. based, nonprofit global service learning and citizenship provider Bright Light Volunteers. She is an advocate for global education and believes that only through study, action, and building authentic relationships with our global brothers and sisters can we combat hate and cultivate peace and understanding in our interconnected world. Currently, in addition to her work at BLV and on her second term as VP of SDWAC, Catherine has just started pursuing a MS in Humanitarian Action at the Kroc School of Peace at USD.
Christine M. Sheckler Board Member, Board Memer, Immediate Past President For over 30 years, Ms. Sheckler devoted her life to international development. During her 27 years with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) as a Foreign Service Officer, she worked to increase the standard of living and/or help bring peace, security, and prosperity to people across the globe. Her work focused on democracy, good governance, economic development, counternarcotics, agriculture, health, and gender equity. She specialized in conflict-, fragile-, and transition countries, which included: Pakistan, Caucasus Georgia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Belarus, Iraq, and Sierra Leone. As a Peace Corps Liberia volunteer, she lived in the remote bush for two years without electricity or running water. Her projects included building fishponds and teaching agriculture, general health, and community development. Following her Peace Corps tour, she spent four months crossing the Sahara Desert on her own. Ms. Sheckler was a senior USAID advisor to nine Ambassadors. Additional responsibilities included: Sierra Leone, managing the USG response to the Ebola crisis; AID/Washington Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation Advisor, where she and her military counterpart received an award for their joint rescue effort to relocate the Yazidis from Mt. Sinjar to safety; Director of USAID/Cairo Office of Democracy and Governance during the Arab Spring; Senior Development Advisor to the senior military for two years as a member of the Provincial Reconstruction Team covering North West Baghdad and Abu Ghraib, Iraq, embedded with the US Army in the "red zone." Iraqi insurgents attacked Ms. Sheckler's convoys twice. Ms. Sheckler earned an MBA in International Business from the University of Oregon and a BA in Pre-med/Zoology/Entomology from the University of California, Berkeley. Originally from Mill Valley, California, she worked as a researcher at the California Academy of Sciences. As the daughter of a Department of the Army & WWII Battle of the Bulge veteran and a Vienna-born triplet mother, she and her sister spent much of their life growing up in Europe. Through the San Diego World Affairs Council, Ms. Sheckler's priorities include bringing unique international voices to the San Diego community via their first-hand stories and mentoring international affairs students and young professionals to encourage careers in international affairs. |
Board Member, Secretary Kiran Shelat is the Executive Director for Classics 4 Kids, a position she has held since 2016. Under Ms. Shelta’s leadership, Classics 4 Kids has made tremendous strides through increased grant funding, added staff positions, growth in programs, and increased community outreach and partnerships. Over the past ten years, Kiran has served in numerous leadership roles and brings a deep understanding of nonprofit management and philanthropy through positions at The American Red Cross, Jewish Family Services, Senior Services of Northern Kentucky and World Affairs Council of Greater Cincinnati. Kiran was a finalist for the 2016 Women Who Mean Business Awards and the 2020 Businesswomen of the Year from the San Diego Business Journal and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFPSD). In addition to her Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies from Northern Kentucky University, she has attained certificates in Nonprofit Management, Human Resource Management, and Leadership Development from University of the Pacific. She currently serves as a Board of Director for the San Diego World Affairs Council and their efforts to educate and engage San Diegans on global issues, foreign policy, and international relations. Born in London, England Kiran Shelat moved to Louisville, Kentucky at a young age. She fell in love with non-profit organizations during university at an internship at The World Affairs Council of Greater Cincinnati. She quickly developed a deep passion and started her career in the non-profit sector which catapulted her career. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, experiencing different cultures, being a foodie, and spending time with family.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Finance Committee Chair Manish has extensive experience in management and finance, serving as CEO of Icon Systems for 16 years, until its sale to SAIC in 2008. Icon Systems was a leader in the design, development, and production of state-of-the-art laser based systems and products for military training and testing. Subsequently, Manish was a principal in Knosys Solutions, providing enterprise level media management system for new media platforms and President at La Jolla Country Day School. Manish has a masters degree in Computer Engineering and holds six patents in the field of live training systems. Manish’s non-profit commitments include being a trustee at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and CFO at non-profits San Diego Indian American Society, Friends of Del Mesa and San Diego World Affairs Council. Manish and his wife, Shital, have two children, son Rohil, 27, and daughter Ruhi, 23.
Maria I. Sarchi Board Member Maria I. Sarchi was born and raised in Argentina. In 2002, she moved to Whistler, Canada for a year to immerse herself in a different culture and learn English. The experience was so rewarding that she decided to do it again and chose to move to the United States in 2004. Since then, San Diego, California is home where she built her family and professional career. Maria has been in the Human Resources field for the past decade and her work experience includes private and public organizations such as Marriott International, Heinz Kraft, Hilton Worldwide, Port of San Diego, Illumina, and Tarantino. Maria earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University where she served as the President of the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Student Advisory Board. Through the San Diego World Affairs Council, her focus is raising awareness about international affairs with an emphasis in Latin America. Latin America.
Chayanika Deka Board Member Chayanika Deka is an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of San Diego. She also teaches as a part time lecturer at San Diego State University, and at San Diego Miramar College. Her primary areas of research are global politics, politics of development, international security, socio-economic development, and politics in Africa. However, her experience in cross-disciplinary teaching and research has broadened her expertise across a wide range of issues. Chayanika Deka was born and raised in India before moving to the United States in 2021. She completed her Ph.D. in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and has a Bachelors and Masters in Political Science from University of Delhi, India.
Board Member Dennis-Michael Broussard is an event producer, consultant, entrepreneur, adventurer, and humanitarian. A tireless community servant, Dennis-Michael serves on the USS Midway’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the KPBS Producers Club Committee, the Philippine Honorary Consulate Board of Advisors, as well as on the board of the House of France and the Asian Culture and Media Alliance, among many others. In 2021, he was appointed to the City of San Diego's International Affairs Board. Dennis-Michael is also known for his humanitarian efforts around the globe. In 2014, he founded The Humanitarian Project, an initiative with a mission to “help humanity” by planning and executing humanitarian projects benefiting impoverished and destitute people around the world. His projects have taken him to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Nepal, and the Philippines. An advocate of higher education, he earned his B.S. in Marketing from the University of New Orleans. Dennis-Michael then earned an International Master of Business Administration from the University of San Diego, as well as a Master of International Affairs from the Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego School.
Board Member Knox Bell had a legal career as a business transaction lawyer for 53 years in San Diego, with the law firm of Gray Cary Ames & Frye, later named DLA Piper, from 1968 to 2022. He earned his law degree from UCLA Law School. Knox has traveled in more than 100 different countries, learning about their cultures, histories, and current situations. Knox Bell is also on the Advisory Board for the San Diego Diplomacy Council.
Anchalee Gaffney Board Member Anchalee was born and raised in Thailand. At the age of 15, she moved to Washington, D.C. to live with her foster mother who was Chief of Department, Army Community Service at Walter Reed Army Hospital. After finishing her studies she worked in the restaurant industry as a manager and event planner in Washington, D.C. area, co-owning restaurant Gaffney’s Oyster & Ale House in Arlington VA., and Gaffney’s Restaurant in Bethesda, MD. Since relocating to San Diego, California, Anchalee has served as a Community Sponsorship Manager with the International Rescue Committee, providing the IRC with educational outreach, refugee resettlement support, information and referral program services. In addition, Anchalee has been a volunteer at the Alliance for African Assistance Thrift Store Store, Pug Rescue of San Diego County, and Feeding San Diego. Anchalee speaks both English and Thai. |
Kiran Shelat
Dennis-Michael "DM" Broussard
Knox Bell
Ibrahim Al-Marashi
Board Member
Ibrahim Al-Marashi is Associate Professor of Middle East History at California State University San Marcos, and an advisory board member of the International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR) program at San Diego State University (SDSU), as well as an adjunct lecturer at its School of Public Health. He is the co- author of Iraq’s Armed Forces: An Analytical History (2008), The Modern History of Iraq (2016), and A Concise History of the Middle East (2025). Modern History of Iraq (2016), and A Concise History of the Middle East (2025).
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Kamesh Gupta
Board Member
Kamesh Gupta is a professional engineer who retired from General Motors after 35 years of a career in environmental and energy management across GM’s global operations. since retirement Kamesh has been an active entrepreneur leading several startups in the renewable energy field.
His work has involved a comprehensive study of Climate Change, its drivers, and mitigation strategies.
He is an active member of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSD,San Diego, California . Kamesh has a Master in Engineering and an MBA from the University of Detroit.
Gina Ing
Board Member
Gina Ing was born in Colombia and moved to North America in 1980 to pursue her academic goals and the American dream. She obtained her MBA from Boston University. Gina has worked as consultant writing business plans for companies interested in exploring foreign finding prospects for their products. She lived in Argentina as a Diplomatic wife and has helped organizing important social non profit events around different countries in Latin America. She is the founder of a Spanish Tertulia and other programs and events promoting cultural protocol, multiculturalism, diversity and friendships around the world. She is an active volunteer for charity organizations such Airline Ambassadors, House of Charity, and Literacy programs for children in Bogota. Gina is an avid cook and gardener.
Bettina Hausmann
Board Member
Growing up in East Germany (former GDR), Bettina’s early adulthood was
shaped by Cold War Era politics and living life behind the Iron Curtain. These
personal experiences resulted in her strong sense of community and the
understanding of the importance of collective memory, cultural conflict and
peace. A frequent delegate to United Nations’ high-level plenary meetings and
panels worldwide, Bettina attended the historic U.N. Conference, Rio+20, that
gave birth to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She is a subject matter expert on the SDGs and deeply engaged in localizing the global goals to achieve truly transformative, inclusive, and sustainable development outcomes. Bettina is the President & Chairperson of the UNA-USA San Diego since 2012 and a member of the UNA for over 30 years. Her extensive work experience spans across sectors and industries in Renewable Energy, Bio-Tech, Defense and Space, Government and Management Consulting, and UN Agencies.
She has lived and worked throughout Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Ms. Hausmann earned university degrees in Political Science & International Relations. A polyglot, she lives with her partner in San Diego, California working for an international humanitarian organization. Bettina is actively engaged as a board member of numerous organizations that champion an understanding of global citizenship and social justice.
She is a Representative to the UN Economic & Social Council, Regional Representative with the UNA-USA National Council, Vice Chair of UNA-USA Global Engagement Summit 2021, Executive Committee Member of UNA-USA Southern California Division and Board Member of Pop Culture Hero Coalition.
Paul Marttila
Board Member
Paul has enjoyed a long career in international business and economic development. Currently the president of his own international consulting firm, Business Location Dynamics LLC, Paul has held senior positions in both the public and private sectors.
His public sector roles included serving as Managing Director of European Operations for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and as Senior VP of Business Development for Enterprise Florida, an economic development organization. In these public sector roles, Paul was directly involved with attracting 150 foreign direct investments to the USA and in helping scores of US companies to launch or expand their export efforts. In the private sector, prior to his current position, Paul: was a partner at Andersen LLP (in the US and in Europe) and BDO LLP; served until recently as the VP of Global Business for the San Diego Association of Realtors (where the departments he directed won several national awards); and worked at several European companies.
To date, Paul has worked as an expatriate in three countries over a period of 14 years and conducted business in 45 countries on five continents. He has consulted to many Fortune 500 firms (including Bayer, FedEx, GM, HP, Oracle, and P&G) about global deployment issues as well as to national, regional, and municipal governments in Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Scotland re: how best to attract and retain foreign direct investment.
Paul serves on the City of San Diego's International Affairs Board. He is also a member of The Global Chamber, The Global Leaders, and the International Executives Resources Group. Paul earned his M.A. in International Affairs from the Patterson School of Diplomacy & International Commerce (UK) and his B.A. in economics and government from Franklin & Marshall College.
Gregory A. Daddis
Board Member
Gregory A. Daddis is a professor of history at San Diego State University and holds the USS Midway Chair in Modern US Military History. Daddis joined SDSU after directing the MA Program in War and Society Studies at Chapman University. Prior, he served as the Chief of the American History Division in the Department of History at the United States Military Academy at West Point. A retired US Army colonel, he deployed to both Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Daddis specializes in the history of the Vietnam Wars and the Cold War era and has authored five books, including Pulp Vietnam: War and Gender in Cold War Men's Adventure Magazines (2020) and Withdrawal: Reassessing America’s Final Years in Vietnam (2017). He has also published numerous journal articles and several op-ed pieces commenting on current military affairs, to include writings in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and National Interest magazine. He is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award, Pembroke College, University of Oxford.
Ambassador (ret.) Reno L. Harnish III
Ambassador at Large
Ambassador Harnish founded the Center for Environment and National Security at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Prior to this, he spent 33 years in the Foreign Service, including positions as the U.S. Ambassador in Azerbaijan, the Chief of Mission in Kosovo and the Deputy Chief of Mission in Egypt. He was heavily engaged in conflict resolution, democratization and energy issues.
He received the Presidential Meritorious Service Award twice and the Department of State Distinguished Service Award among other decorations.
Ambassador Harnish took a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University, and a Master of International Service and a Master of Arts in Economics from the American University in Washington D.C. He has published a book and articles on energy and the environment. Reno is a Knight in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He lives with his wife Leslie in San Diego, California. They have two children and three grandchildren.
Mary Agne
Board Member & President of the North County Chapter