ABOUT US

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Robin Todd, Assistant Administrative Coordinator

Email: ro**********@***il.com

Office Phone: (813) 221-7260

Our New Leadership in 2026

Charles Klug, Commitee Director — Jack Bierley, Chairman Emeritus — Richard Jacobson, Chairman

May 6, 2026
Richard Jacobson received an award for his 35 years of leadership as TBA CFR Committee Director

“In grateful appreciation of  Richard A. Jacobson
for his distinguished leadership  and devoted service
as director of the
Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations
1991 to 2025.”

Proclamation

In Recognition of John C. Bierley’s Elevation to Chairman Emeritus of the Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations

The John C. Bierley Legacy Award

The John C. Bierley Legacy Award  honors the legacy and enduring contributions of one of its most distinguished members.
This annual award recognizes an outstanding member of the Committee who exemplifies the spirit of service, dedication, and vision that John C. Bierley embodied throughout his tenure. The award seeks to celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions in several areas…READ MORE

List of Speakers

View the list of speakers who have previously spoken at the Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations.

ACFR – National Organization

The American Committees on Foreign Relations (ACFR) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C. since 1938 that connects government agencies, officials, distinguished foreign service members, leading think tanks, consultancies, businesses, and associations with our unique network of Member Committees across the country.

ACFR Annual Conference

The American Committees on Foreign Relations conducts an annual conference in Washington, DC. The annual conference draws eminent policymakers and other experts for a day and a half of presentations and substantive discussions with committee members and their guests. The conference also includes an exclusive embassy reception on the first night.

Committee History

The Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations was founded in 1973 by Mark T. Orr, Ph. D., Director of International Studies and Programs at the University of South Florida.

Mark Orr Fellows

Students from local colleges and universities are selected for membership by the institutions themselves. This program, including the Terrell Sessums Young Leaders Initiative in Washington, DC, is funded my member donations.

Host Committee

The Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations established the Host Committee in 2007 in an effort to further engage a younger community of members and to ensure the smooth integration of new members into the membership at large.