October 19, 2026
Ben Franklin Fellow Ambassador Tatiana Gfoeller visited the University of Georgia on October 19, representing The Ben Franklin Fellowship's Recruitment Working Group and sharing her remarkable diplomatic career and experiences with more than 200 students. A distinguished 33-year veteran of the U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense, Ambassador Gfoeller offered students a firsthand perspective on American diplomacy, national security, and the opportunities and responsibilities of a career in public service.
Ambassador Gfoeller served as U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic (2008–2011), where she played a critical role in maintaining a vital transit corridor supporting American military operations in Afghanistan, despite significant Russian pressure. She subsequently served as Foreign Policy Advisor to the U.S. Army Chief of Staff (2011–2015) and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (2015–2017), strengthening coordination between the State Department and the Pentagon. Her distinguished diplomatic career also included senior assignments as Consul General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and St. Petersburg, Russia; Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires in Turkmenistan; and advisor to NATO's Secretary General on the former Soviet Union.
The Ben Franklin Fellowship extends its sincere appreciation to Ambassador Gfoeller for generously sharing her time, expertise, and extraordinary experiences with these students and for representing our Fellowship so admirably. Her visit exemplifies BFF's ongoing commitment to connecting experienced American diplomats with the next generation of foreign affairs and national security professionals, encouraging talented young Americans to consider careers in service to our country. Thank you, Ambassador Gfoeller, for helping inspire America's future diplomatic leaders!
See Photos here.
