Ljubomir (L.J.) Stambuk
President & CEO
(704) 687-7760
lstambuk@worldaffairscharlotte.org
Ljubomir (L.J.) Stambuk joined the World Affairs Council of Charlotte as Executive Director in December 2006.
Through his dynamic leadership and strategic approach to growth, L.J. strengthened the Council’s brand and visibility in the community by building strong partnerships, enhancing programming, and advancing fundraising initiatives.
He is also credited with exemplary financial stewardship of the Council by leading the organization from the brink of financial collapse to its strongest financial performance in the last 19 years and ensuring its long-term sustainability for decades to come.
L.J. Stambuk was promoted to President in 2009 and to CEO in 2011.
As part of his long-term vision for innovative global-issue programming in the Charlotte region, he leads the WACC in hosting impactful events with distinguished speakers, fostering meaningful dialogue on foreign policy, international business, national security, technology, and geopolitics, while highlighting Charlotte’s growing role in a complex and interconnected world. READ MORE
Charlotte Klopp
Vice President, Programs and Education
(704) 687-7759
cklopp@worldaffairscharlotte.org
Charlotte Klopp is a dedicated advocate for global education, international affairs, and nonprofit leadership. With a diverse background in public relations, marketing, media relations, business development, and higher education administration, she has spent her career fostering cross-cultural understanding and connecting communities with global perspectives.
She holds a B.A. in Communication with a minor in English from Old Dominion University (ODU) and later earned her M.A. in International Studies at ODU, specializing in American foreign policy. Recognizing the importance of strategic nonprofit leadership, she furthered her expertise by completing Duke University’s Nonprofit Certificate Program in 2011, with a focus on nonprofit communication and management.
In April 2008, Charlotte joined the World Affairs Council of Charlotte (WACC) as Director of Programs and Development, bringing her diverse expertise to the organization. Her leadership in program development and strategic planning helped expand WACC’s reach, fostering meaningful discussions on international relations and global issues.
Her passion and commitment led to a promotion in September 2011, when she became Vice President of Programs and Education. In this role, she oversees long-term communication and program management strategies, shaping the Council’s global issue programming, international education initiatives, and community outreach projects. Her work continues to elevate global awareness and engagement across the Charlotte community, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard and valued.
Beyond her professional achievements, Charlotte’s greatest joy comes from her three children, Sam, Isaac, and Hannah, who remind her daily of the importance of curiosity, lifelong learning, and the next generation’s role in shaping the world.
Madison NeeSmith
Director of Programs & Development
(704) 687-7758
mneesmith@worldaffairscharlotte.org
Madison NeeSmith is a passionate advocate for global citizenry, international education, and community outreach and engagement related to global affairs. Raised in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, she has cultivated a diverse academic and professional background focused on international relations, conflict resolution, and community development.
She holds a B.A. in Politics and International Affairs from Furman University, followed by a M.S. in Global Studies and International Relations, with a concentration on conflict resolution and the Middle East from Northeastern University. Her academic journey was complemented by her hands-on experience as a Communications VISTA with the non-profit STEM West, part of the AmeriCorps VISTA Program. This role deepened her belief in the power of community-driven change and reinforced her commitment to systemic transformation through education.
In September 2021, Madison joined the World Affairs Council of Charlotte (WACC) as the Program and Membership Manager, later becoming the Assistant Director of Programs and Development in September 2022. By September 2024, she was promoted to Associate Director of Programs and Development, where she works on strategic planning for the Council, including overseeing global issue programming, leading the Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, and assisting the President & CEO on Council travel trip coordination. Madison utilizes her passion, commitment, and leadership to help further the Council’s mission to promote international understanding and cross-cultural dialogue.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Madison enjoys hiking with her dog, Bowie, and has a passion for powerlifting, holding two state records for the sport in South Carolina. Her diverse interests reflect her belief in the importance of balance, strength, and lifelong learning in both her personal and professional life. Through her work at WACC, Madison continues to foster global perspectives, community engagement, and educational growth, always guided by her deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world.
Shannon Bradley
Membership and Administrative Coordinator
(704) 687-7757
sbradley@worldaffairscharlotte.org
Shannon Bradley was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. Her mother is an Australian immigrant and Shannon is a dual citizen of Australia and the United States. She graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also has minors in Women and Gender Studies and Family Sciences and Human Development. During her undergraduate programming, she focused on the community impacts of nonprofit organizations and the needs of underserved populations.
Shannon also grew up in the theatre. She began studying Shakespeare in elementary school and performed in numerous shows throughout her childhood. In 2017, she was a cast member in the Commonwealth Theatre Center (CTC)’s Henry VIII, the show that made CTC the first youth conservatory in the world to fully produce the entirety of Shakespeare’s canon. Shannon continues to read plays and attend performances regularly.
Since relocating to Charlotte, Shannon has been exploring all that the Queen City has to offer and learning more about the local nonprofit sector. Her international background and collegiate studies fuel her passion for the work being done at the WACC.