The Taft Family & Portraits of American Diplomacy: Civic Leadership & Foreign Service

Join Governor Bob Taft for a powerful celebration of American diplomacy. Together, we'll explore how one of Ohio’s most influential political families and diplomats from the Greater Cincinnati region have assisted American citizens in distress, opened markets for products from our farms and factories, and built America's national security throughout America's 250-year history. Come learn how the work of diplomats benefits Americans and our communities.

This program is accompanied by an exhibit, created by the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, captures key moments when diplomats made the difference in America's fate, from protecting the young republic in its most vulnerable moments to helping our nation expand across the continent. It also explores how diplomats navigated two world wars and then built an international system that enabled the United States to win the Cold War and grow into the largest economy in the world.

About Governor Bob Taft: Governor Bob Taft began his career in public service as a Peace Corps Volunteer, working as a schoolteacher in Tanzania, East Africa right after graduating from college. He went on to get a masters degree in government from Princeton and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati. His first job in government was with the Bureau of the Budget in the State of Illinois. He has served as an elected official in Ohio for 30 years, as a member of the state legislature, a county commissioner, Ohio Secretary of State and, most recently, as Governor of Ohio (1999-2007).

In his role as Governor, he focused on improving schools, reforming Ohio’s tax system, attracting advanced, high paying jobs and helping communities clean up polluted sites and provide better recreational opportunities for their citizens. Former Governor Taft is currently a Distinguished Research Associate with the University of Dayton, teaching political science courses and working with state and federal internship programs.

About Tom Selinger: Tom Selinger served 27 years in the Foreign Service, most recently as executive director of Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. His overseas tours included Kyrgyzstan, Denmark, Croatia, Albania, and Trinidad and Tobago. His portfolios cover issues ranging from security cooperation to American citizen services. In Washington he worked in the Bureaus of European and Eurasian Affairs and Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and at the Center for the Study of the Conduct of Diplomacy as well as Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. Prior to the Foreign Service, Tom was an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army and worked as a locally employed political specialist at the Canadian Consulate General in Minnesota.

Explore Membership Levels

World Leaders – $350

• Admission to Distinguished Speaker Series
• Weekly email newsletter
• Members-first opportunities to host leaders from around the world
• Free or discounted admission to public events with world affairs experts
• Discounts on subscriptions to World Politics Review, Foreign Affairs, and Project Syndicate
• Discount to Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Zoo
• Access to Travel the World lifelong learning tours
• Invitation to Global Ties U.S. National Conference and World Affairs Council of America National Conference
• Recognition in the Annual Report
• One special invitation

Ambassadors – $500

• All benefits of World Leaders membership PLUS
• Recognition in the Annual Report
• Invitation to Special Events
• Private receptions with foreign dignitaries
• All events included for the year