Senior Leadership
Your Local Chapter...
WACST offers a wide range of involvement options. Some members attend our guest lecturer luncheons on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Other members also sign-up to host 1-to-1 dinners via WACST's International Visitors Program. Depending on your level of interest, WACST provides further opportunities to take part in small-party dinners with our visiting Expert Lecturers - typically on the evening prior to the monthly luncheons. Some WACST members choose to book their vacation and travel plans through and in conjunction with, World Affairs Council foreign tours and international events. For the most stout of heart and spirit, WACST invites interested members to apply to become WACST Board Members or volunteers. Your level of involvement is completely within your sphere of control.
Seeking insights and knowledge regarding Global Affairs - as it impacts our community.
We strive to promote public understanding of world affairs and United States foreign policy and to enhance the ability of its citizens and future leaders to participate in a global community. We accomplish our mission by presenting lectures, organizing discussion groups, sponsoring educational outreach programs, and hosting deliberative sessions for young professionals.
Our Senior Leaders
Message From Our Chairperson
Sharon Bailey Murphy, CHMM, REM is a twenty-year environmental professional and has been with the City of Corpus Christi for twelve years, managing internal and external Environmental Affairs. She oversees initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability in municipal government, and is the City point of contact for all federal, state and local environmental initiatives. Sharon is a graduate of the Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and will complete her MPA in Organizational Leadership from the University of Arizona in May 2021. She is a 2018 graduate of Water Environment Federation’s Water Leadership Academy, an International water and wastewater leadership training program.
Sharon serves on numerous boards and committees, holding leadership positions as Chairperson of the World Affairs Council, South Texas Chapter, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross - Coast Bend Chapter, President on the Board of Director of the YWCA-Corpus Christi, and Executive Vice President on the Board of Directors of The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation.
Sharon is an integral part of City government, serving on and participating in numerous environmental committees and events as the City representative. She is especially proud of participating in YWomen and Teens where she encourages young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. She is also a Host City representative and program presenter for the US Department of State’s International Visitor’s Program where she has hosted environmental and other professionals from Israel, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia. South Africa, Russia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Africa, Romania, Ukraine and Serbia.
On a personal note, Sharon’s husband Dr. Rich Murphy, a missionary to Mexico and pastor to pastors, is a technical writer and has authored over 200 books. They have four adult children, Jenni, Josh, Stephanie and Rebekah and are the overjoyed Mimi and Pawpaw to two granddaughters Anthem and Gemma. Sharon also serves as a minister and teacher at Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship. Sharon loves her family, her church, her job and Corpus Christi. She inspires people of all ages and backgrounds with her enthusiasm and genuine love for people as a motivational speaker, evangelist and teacher.
Message From Our CEO
Dr. Anantha S. Babbili serves as the elected President and CEO. He is former Chairman of the Board. Corpus Christi resident for nearly a decade, Babbili has served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where he currently holds tenured professorship in global leadership, communication and media studies. Previously, he was professor and director of international communication programs at Texas Christian University; later, served as Dean of the College of Mass Communication at MTSU in Tennessee. He has held visiting professorships in Canada, India and lectures in Slovakia, Mexico, Europe, India, Hong Kong and other countries. He taught at Oxford University and in London, UK, for TCU.
The World Affairs Council of South Texas strives to bring a global vision of human challenges that can be addressed at the grassroots level. Corpus Christi (and south Texas region) is one of the very best showcases of American culture and economy. We address issues ranging from human trafficking to global health, from home hospitality for visitors of the U.S. State Department to the discussion of contemporary foreign policy challenges. Please join us in our activities that flow from our monthly luncheon speakers to our engagement with Ray High School’s International Baccalaureate Program in nurturing international awareness. Onward, WACST!