AFSA Committees

In This Section

AFSA relies on a number of active duty and retired members to participate in the work of the various committees that allow some of the organization's inner workings to proceed in a smooth and orderly fashion. We are grateful to these individuals for their willingness to donate their time and expertise.

Awards and Plaques Committee

Oversees the AFSA memorial plaques and recommends names to be added to them. In cooperation with the AFSA governing board, members also recommend the winners of AFSA's awards for constructive dissent, exemplary performance, Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy, and the Sinclaire Language Awards.

Members:

  • Vacant
  • John Dinkelman (ex officio)

Executive Committee

Works with the AFSA governing board to oversee the organization's budget process and the annual audit and prepare discussion and decision items for a vote.

Members:

  • John Dinkelman, Sue Saarnio, John K. Naland, Rohit Nepal, Randy Chester, Jay Carreiro, Hon. John O'Keefe.

Scholarship Committee

Oversees the selection and awarding of AFSA's financial aid and merits scholarships; also has stewardship over the AFSA Scholarship Fund.

Members:

  • Vacant
  • John Dinkelman (ex officio)

The Foreign Service Journal Editorial Board

Works with the Journal staff and AFSA governing board to draw up the Journal's editorial calendar and selects works for publication from among those submitted for each issue.

Members:

  • Vivian Walker (chair)
  • Other members: Suzanne August, David Bargueño, Hon. Robert M. Beecroft, Lynette Behnke, Hon. Jennifer Z. Galt, Mathew Hagengruber, Steven Hendrix, Paul Oliva, Dan Spokojny, John Dinkelman (ex officio)

Membership Committee

Ensures that associate membership applications are processed according to bylaws and internal procedures.

Members:

  • John Dinkelman (ex officio)

Committee on Elections

Oversees the biannual AFSA election process and works with AFSA staff to ensure the integrity of the election and its results.

Members:

  • Paul Oliva (FCS, chair)
  • Other members: Dustin Bradshaw (State), Morton Dworken (retiree), Steve Herman (USAGM), Christine Mumma (FAS/State), Raeka Safai (AFSA staff), Asgeir Sigfusson (AFSA staff)

Legal Defense Fund Committee

Reviews requests for LDF funds and makes recommendations to the Governing Board; sets LDF policies and monitors the LDF endowment.

Members:

  • Jay Carreiro (chair)
  • Joshua Burke, hannah draper, Austan Mogharabi, Rohit Nepal, John Dinkelman (ex officio)

Ad Hoc Committee on Development

Organizes strategic efforts related to fundraising for AFSA and its related entities, excluding the PAC.

Members:

  • Sue Saarnio (chair)
  • Donald Emerick, Hon. Michael Kirby, Austan Mogharabi, John Naland, Rohit Nepal, Stephanie Straface, John Dinkelman (ex officio)

Ad Hoc Committee on Volunteers

Organizes volunteer efforts among AFSA members on behalf of the association 

Members:

  • Julie Nutter (chair)
  • Hon. Michael Kirby, Hon. John O'Keefe, John Dinkelman (ex officio)

AFSA-PAC Advisory Committee