The Los Angeles World Affairs Council, Los Angeles’ preeminent forum for global affairs, has appointed Kevin Cottrell Executive Director of the nonprofit organization and elected Nick Russell to its Board of Directors, adding two accomplished leaders whose backgrounds in international affairs, public policy and nonprofit leadership will help guide the organization forward.

“Since 1956, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council has been center stage as the city’s preeminent forum for global affairs, convening leading voices, building diplomatic relationships and promoting innovative solutions to challenges facing the world,” said The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet, Chairwoman of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. “The Council has a rich legacy of thought leadership, developing broad educational programs, promoting global perspectives through civil discourse and lifting up exemplary Angelenos. An informed citizenry helps deepen our democracy. The Board joins me in welcoming Nick and Kevin’s experience and the contributions they bring in advancing our mission.”

Cottrell has more than two decades of experience in nonprofit management, philanthropy and international affairs. Throughout his career, he has built strategic partnerships, advanced transformational fundraising initiatives and led efforts that bring together leaders across the nonprofit, business, government and philanthropic sectors. Most recently, Kevin served in a leadership role at Cedars-Sinai, where he helped with the institution’s successful $1 billion fundraising campaign. Prior, he held leadership roles with The German Marshall Fund of the United States where he promoted international leadership initiatives across the nation and 38 European countries.

“The challenges and opportunities facing our world demand informed conversations, diverse perspectives and meaningful civic engagement,” said Cottrell. “I am looking forward to building on the Council’s remarkable legacy and supporting the Board’s vision of connecting people, ideas and communities in ways that strengthen Los Angeles and deepen understanding of the world around us.”

During his time with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Cottrell helped establish a civic leadership initiative that connected business, government and nonprofit leaders.

“Kevin’s background in organizational growth, stakeholder engagement, fundraising and international affairs aligns closely with the mission of the organization and the opportunities ahead,” added Contreras-Sweet.

Russell is an international trade attorney at Akin, a global law firm. He regularly advises companies, governments and nonprofit organizations in navigating a wide range of legal, legislative and regulatory matters in the United States and abroad. His practice focuses on working with emerging technologies to overcome novel policy and deployment challenges, in addition to a pro bono practice centered on international communities and issues.

“LA’s strength comes from its diversity across many dimensions. By harnessing the power of ideas from every corner of our region, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council fosters a brighter future for everyone,” said Russell. “In promoting civil discourse and mutual understanding, it demonstrates how an informed and engaged citizenry can unlock new worlds, and I am honored to support this important mission.”

Russell has also served as a senior advisor to U.S. Senators Gary Peters of Michigan and Bill Nelson of Florida, among other elected officials across the country. He received a J.D. from UCLA, where he was a UCLA Law Distinguished Scholar, and a B.S. in economics and a B.A. in international affairs from Florida State University.

About the Los Angeles World Affairs Council: The merger between Town Hall of Los Angeles and The Los Angeles World Affairs Council makes it the most venerable nonpartisan, nonprofit organization in the region dedicated to advancing civic engagement and discourse, promoting an informed citizenry and developing future leaders. For more than 70 years, the Council has stood center stage as Los Angeles’ preeminent forum for global affairs, convening leading voices to confront the world’s most pressing challenges. The Council has hosted some of the most prominent and influential figures in modern history, including Martin Luther King Jr., Golda Meir, the Dalai Lama, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, King Charles III, Elon Musk and Bill Gates. The Council’s signature events include The World Prize Gala and The Consular Corps Convening. More information is available at lawac.org.

About the Chairwoman: Secretary (Dr.) Contreras-Sweet is a former member of the Obama cabinet as the 24th Administrator of the US Small Business Administration and as former cabinet secretary of California’s Business, Transportation & Housing Agency, including 14 of California’s critical departments including the California Department of Transportation, the Highway Patrol, DMV and led in the creation of the state’s Department of Managed Healthcare. She is a founding board member of the California Endowment and Founding President of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). She has been bestowed with five honorary doctorates and the Inaugural Contreras-Sweet Global Public Policy Impact Award was named in her honor at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress.

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