ABOUT US
COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
Richard A. Jacobson, Chairman
Email: ri**************@**pc.com
Office Phone: (813) 222-1159
Mobile: (813) 300-1582
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
John C. Bierley Legacy Award
In 2026, following a period of thoughtful transition in leadership, the Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations (TBACFR) established the John C. Bierley Legacy Award to honor the legacy and enduring contributions of one of its most distinguished members.
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.