FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – January 16, 2026) Following a global search and interview process, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Annette Schmitz as the new Director of Global Events.
Schmitz brings a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set that will strengthen BWA’s global events portfolio. Drawing from her upbringing with immediate family from Honduras and Germany, as well as her undergraduate and graduate studies in Germany, she brings a unique global perspective and expertise in four languages – a native English and Spanish speaker with French and German proficiency. Her educational training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies from Fordham University (New York, USA) and a Master of Public Policy from Hertie School of Governance (Berlin, Germany).
She has served as Event Lead in delivering more than 100 large-scale global events for audiences of up to 20,000 – including with the International Monetary Fund and more recently at COP27 and COP28 in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates respectively.
Jenny Stewart, BWA Director of Ministries / COO, said, “We are thrilled to have Annette join the BWA Team to oversee our global events. She brings international and cultural awareness and understanding and has a passion to deliver creative and impactful experiences which we look forward to engaging across our events portfolio in coming years.”
As Director of Global Events, Schmitz will lead the planning and delivery of BWA’s events from conception to completion, including global gatherings such as the BWA Annual Gathering and quinquennial Baptist World Congress. In this role, she will also work to leverage technology to expand event engagement in virtual and hybrid environments, ensuring each event aligns with the overall vision and goals while delivering a meaningful and memorable experience for participants.
Schmitz began her orientation to the new role on January 5, 2026, and will be based at the BWA office in Falls Church, Virginia (USA).
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the global Baptist family as the new Director of Global Events. I look forward to ensuring BWA events deepen our shared witness, foster meaningful relationships across regions and cultures, and help us engage the world together for Christ,” said Schmitz. “My hope is for all our events to be spaces where leaders are refreshed, new leaders are formed, and our family is mobilized to respond creatively and courageously to the world’s needs in the name of Christ. This role is a sacred invitation for me to serve the global Baptist family, to grow in community with sisters and brothers around the world, and to journey into deeper intimacy with God.”
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