Speakers: Diverse, timely, expert perspectives

We participate in the ACFR National Speakers Program which provides prominent speakers at the ready edge of responsibility and expertise regarding timely foreign policy issues & events. We have hosted sitting Ambassadors, former Ambassadors, State Department officials, Officers of the military, policy experts & more from foreign relations organizations and consultancies in the nation.

We also feature Iowa based speakers with special expertise and experiences in foreign relations from our congressional representatives, universities, and major news outlets.

At the Committee on Foreign Relations, our monthly meetings are dedicated to advancing discourse of relevant U.S. foreign relations issues and events while supporting our non-partisan, non-profit position.  We provide a high quality personal experience with a unique intimate forum for dialogue and discussion. We support diverse, timely, well-informed perspectives that contribute to understanding concerning foreign relations.

Upcoming Speaker:  September 2, 5:30 at Glen Oaks Country Club – Governor Tom Vilsack

Thomas J. Vilsack, former United States Secretary of Agriculture and Governor of Iowa, is the first Chief Executive Officer for the World Food Prize Foundation. In this role, Governor Vilsack works to expand the Foundation’s global network, and will further position the Foundation as a leader in addressing global food and nutrition insecurity, continuing his lifetime of public service. 

About Governor Vilsack

In 1972, he received a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. In 1975, he earned a law degree from Albany Law School.  Elected to the Iowa Senate in 1992, in 1998, Governor Vilsack became the first Democrat to be elected as the Governor of Iowa in more than 30 years and served until 2007.  In 2008, he became the 30th United States Secretary of Agriculture, serving until 2017 and in 2021, he was appointed as the 32nd Secretary of Agriculture, serving until 2025.

Governor Vilsack has long been connected to the World Food Prize Foundation, having served on both the Council of Advisors and the Board of Directors. His insights and acumen were vital in shaping our mission and initiatives. His leadership and experience will be instrumental in expanding the Foundation’s international reach and continuing the mission of elevating innovations and inspiring action to sustainably increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all.

If you wish to RSVP for this event and are a current member please email us at events@gdmcfr.org

If you would like to become a member please visit our Membership and Sponsorship page for more information

Past Speakers: