In Memory of Tony Smith
June 4, 2020
The French-American Foundation mourns the loss of Anthony A. Smith, retired Brigadier General, Young Leader alumnus, and Board member and former President of the Foundation, who passed away on May 31 at the age of 83. Tony was a cherished and dedicated member of our community. We will miss him dearly.
From an early age, Tony was a firm believer in the French-American relationship, spending periods of his childhood and adult life in France. He led an extensive military career at institutions throughout the world, from the Army Corps of Engineers and West Point in the US to positions at NATO in Europe.
Tony drew from his expertise in policy and the military at the end of his military career in 1985 to join foundations, think tanks, and companies devoted to international relations. Among his positions included Chairman of the Board of the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation and Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS).
He was President of the French-American Foundation from 2001 to 2005 and a member of the first class of the Young Leaders program in 1981. He received the title of Officer of the French National Order of Merit and Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur for his dedication to France.
“The French-American Foundation can play a vital role in illuminating the key issues that face both nations, in trading ideas and best practices as to how to deal with these issues, and in bringing together leaders, both current and potential, in forums that promote mutual understanding between the two countries. The Foundation can dispel the myths that discourage close relations between France and the United States and reinforce the ties that bind our two nations.” – Tony Smith, November 2017
Our deepest thoughts are with his family. Click below to view Tony’s tribute page.
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