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.
Koloini has been at Lockheed more than nine years with extensive international leadership experience, most recently serving as director of business development for Lockheed’s Integrated Fighter Group.
The move is something of a homecoming for Koloini.
“Jess brings a rare combination of institutional knowledge, global experience, and proven leadership that positions our Council for continued growth and impact,” Board Chairman Larry B. Pascal said in a statement. “Many 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.”
The World Affairs Council of DFW said that Koloini’s work at Lockheed “has taken her around the globe, building lasting partnerships with governments, diplomats, and industries worldwide.”
The council said that Koloini’s extensive international experience at Lockheed will make her a strong leader, adding that Koloini “sees 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.”
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.
“Throughout her professional journey, Jess has remained grounded in the skills and values that define our council: diplomacy, education, collaboration, and mission-driven leadership,” Pascal said. “I’m confident that under her leadership, we’ll continue to connect North Texas with the world—and do so with even greater impact.”
Jim Falk will remain with the council through the transition. The council thanked him for his “valuable service” during the past year.
Don’t miss what’s next. Subscribe to Dallas Innovates.
Track Dallas-Fort Worth’s business and innovation landscape with our curated news in your inbox Tuesday-Thursday.
R E A D N E X T
-
UT Dallas researcher Dr. Walter Voit transformed Minecraft’s 170-million-player universe into an advanced virtual training ground—for students and for AI agents tested by DARPA. His team’s Polycraft World uses gameplay to turn classroom theory into real-world expertise, covering topics from synthetic organic chemistry to nuclear plants to semiconductor facilities. Their new startup company, Pedegree Studios, has licensed the core technologies from the university to create a scalable digital pipeline for education and workforce development.
-
North Texas Innovation Is Boundary‑Breaking. Nominations for the Awards That Prove It Close Sept. 12D CEO and Dallas Innovates have expanded The Innovation Awards 2026 with more individual and company categories this year. Now is your chance to be part of the region’s defining recognition for innovators.
-
DRC President and CEO Dale Petroskey will step down at year’s end after nearly 12 years of service. During his tenure, he's led the DRC to National Chamber of the Year honors as North Texas' nationwide business clout skyrocketed. “Whoever succeeds me will be stepping into one of the most interesting and rewarding jobs in America,” Petroskey said.
-
![Erica Kosemund, Chief Brand Officer, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Gillian Breidenbach, Chief Partnership Officer, North Texas FWC Organizing Committee; Chief Gary Batton, Chief of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Monica Paul, Executive Director of Dallas Sports Commission and President of North Texas FWC Organizing Committee; John Hobbs, Senior Executive Officer of Communications, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; and Heidi Grant, Senior Executive Officer of Commerce Administration, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, celebrate Choctaw Casinos & Resorts becoming an Official Dallas World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter. [Photo: North Texas FWC Organizing Committee/Choctaw Casinos & Resorts]](https://s24806.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FIFA-Choctaw-dec-2025.jpg)
Monica Paul, president of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, describes what's ahead after Friday's 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in the Dallas Morning News—after announcing a new host city supporter this week.
-
David French’s appointment follows the resignation of Jeff Schnitzer, the company’s previous president and CEO, in August.
