World Affairs Council Of Orange County

MANAGEMENT

CEO/Executive Director

Jayne Herring

CEO/Executive Director Experience

Jayne Herring is a nonprofit executive leader known for strengthening mission-driven organizations, building cross-sector partnerships, and designing impactful programs that expand educational access, civic engagement, and community wellbeing. She currently serves as President & CEO of the World Affairs Council of Orange County, where she has led a transformative stabilization of the organization—rebuilding its operational infrastructure, restoring financial sustainability, and expanding its reach through dynamic public programming. Under Jayne’s leadership, WACOC launched dozens of high-impact events and foreign policy programs, revitalized its youth engagement initiatives, and tripled internship participation through a strengthened workforce-development model. She reestablished strategic partnerships with universities, cultural institutions, government agencies, business councils, and philanthropic networks. Jayne also implemented new governance systems, donor stewardship frameworks, and financial forecasting models that strengthened transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Jayne’s career reflects deep experience in philanthropic partnerships, program design, events management, community engagement, and organizational development. Prior to her current role, she produced multimillion-dollar fundraising events for the Pacific Symphony, stewarding donors and sponsors across Orange County’s arts and culture ecosystem. Earlier, she served as Executive Liaison to the Board of Trustees at the International Council of Shopping Centers, managing governance operations and global events across more than a dozen countries. A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a B.A. in Human Rights and International Studies, with studies abroad in the UK and Japan and courses focused on nonprofit leadership and management, Jayne has dedicated her work to advancing education, civic dialogue, and equitable access to resources. She has held leadership and volunteer roles with the United Nations Association – Orange County, Dallas Theater Center, Roosters Foundation, International Rescue Committee, the Crow Museum of Asian Art, and multiple human rights and community-focused organizations. Jayne brings a collaborative, mission-centered approach to all her work—grounded in empathy, strategic thinking, and a commitment to strengthening the communities she serves.

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