Tom Yazdgerdi

Tom Yazdgerdi has a diverse and extensive work experience. Tom currently serves as the President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) since 2023. Prior to this role, they held various positions at the U.S. Department of State, including Foreign Service Officer, Vice President for the State Department of AFSA, Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, Director of the Office of South Central Europe, Political Counselor, Consul General, Deputy Political Counselor for Iran Affairs, Farsi language student, Deputy Chief of Mission, Political-Economic Section Head, Deputy Political Counselor, Greek language training, Czech Desk Officer, Staff Assistant in the Political Military Bureau, Political Officer, and Consular/Political Officer. Additionally, they worked as a Senior Balkans Program Officer at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and as a Legislative Assistant for Foreign Affairs/Defense at the Office of Congressman William O. Lipinski (D-IL).

Tom Yazdgerdi earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History from Cornell University, where they studied from 1981 to 1985. Tom further pursued their education at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, where they obtained a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from 1988 to 1990. During their time at The Fletcher School, Tom's academic focus included American Diplomatic History, East European History, and Security Studies.