As the 2024-2025 season begins, I have assumed the role of President for this next year, taking over for Ken Bouldin. As President, Ken did an excellent job and provided a great organization for me to take over. I will try my best to fill the very big shoes that Ken left for me.

Our Board of Directors are excited for the upcoming season. We have a complete list of speakers for our programs as you can see in the Events section of this website. Our Academic World Quest outreach project looks forward to another exciting and engaging year.

As Ken wrote in his message still shown below, we appreciate the support of our Membership and the support of our Sponsors. With this support, we continue to be strong in both our programming and our financial position.

To emphasize what Ken said in his message, we encourage you to become part of the “most interesting audience in the desert.” We begin the year with our returning membership being the largest we have ever had. But memberships are limited so we urge you to sign up at the Diplomat or Ambassador level to receive such perks as priority seating and grateful recognition as a valued supporter of the World Affairs Council of the Desert.

We look forward to an exciting season with great speakers, wonderful and supportive members and sponsors, and the opportunity to all be together. Our first event is coming right up, registration will open soon and I look forward to seeing you there.

---

​Mark B. Barnum, President
​World Affairs Council of the Desert

---

The upcoming 2024-2025 season holds great promise for our organization, as we strive to make it the best one yet. Our Chairman, Jim McFarlin, is confident that our signature outreach project, Academic World Quest, will continue to thrive and achieve success. Additionally, our Programs Committee has curated a robust and diverse schedule of events aimed at enriching the education and entertainment experiences for our valued members and guests.
 
One of the highlights of this season will be our six Headliner Dinner/Speaker Series, exclusively hosted at the prestigious Thunderbird Country Club. We have gathered a lineup of subject-matter experts who will provide unique perspectives on the most significant global topics of our time. Moreover, we are expanding our offerings with special luncheons and hybrid events, combining virtual presentations with live audiences.
 
Thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated members and the consistent backing of our sponsors, the World Affairs Council of the Desert is in a financially secure position with strong reserves.
 
I wholeheartedly encourage each and every one of you to become part of the "most interesting audience in the desert." However, please note that memberships are limited, so I urge you to act promptly in renewing your membership or applying to secure your place in one of the most prestigious organizations in the desert.
 
Together, let us embark on an extraordinary season filled with knowledge, engagement, and memorable experiences.

---

MG (Ret) Kenneth Bouldin, Past President
World Affairs Council of the Desert