Matthew Hughes is the President & CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA), the nation’s largest nonpartisan network dedicated to fostering global understanding. A seasoned traveler and advocate for global education, Matthew has lived in South America and along the U.S.-Mexico border, is fluent in Spanish, and has explored all 50 U.S. states and six continents. He has previously served as tour host for two World Affairs Council of Philadelphia travel programs to Europe, including journeys through the Iberian Peninsula and Atlantic Europe. Before taking the helm at WACA, he led the International Relations Council, WACA’s affiliate in Kansas City, and worked in global programs at People to People International. A former educator with a deep commitment to civic learning and international engagement, Matthew is excited to accompany travelers on the 2027 Costa Rica & Panama Canal journey and share in meaningful conversations and discoveries along the way.