Tina Waddington

Tina Waddington was appointed as a member of the Arizona District Export Council (DEC) in 2024 and currently serves as Chair of the Development Committee. She is the Chief Relations Officer at For Safety, Inc., a company dedicated to pioneering groundbreaking innovations in technology safety and defense. In her role, Tina collaborates with the executive team to build the world’s largest safety-focused entity, encompassing software, hardware, and comprehensive solutions for both consumer and defense markets.

Previously, Tina served as the Executive Director of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations for four years, during which she successfully transformed the organization into Arizona’s premier foreign policy institution. She began her career as a political intern at the U.S. Embassy in Rome before transitioning to the private sector, where she helped Arizona companies expand their reach across the nation and around the globe.

Tina’s community engagement is centered on enhancing Arizona’s global prominence through international trade and diplomacy. In 2022, she was honored with the Phoenix Sister Cities Global Citizen Award by Mayor Kate Gallego. In 2023, Tina’s advocacy inspired the Arizona Department of Education to establish the Arizona Economic Education Commission, modeled after Switzerland’s dual education system. She also serves as Chair of the Development Committee at the DEC, advises the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona, and participates in multiple internationally focused organizations. Most recently, she was inducted as an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base.

Born in Kosovo, Tina immigrated to the United States with her family following the Kosovo War and has since made Arizona her home. She earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Arizona and an MA in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University.