Robert A. Fischer
Special to Scanews
The executive committee of the World Affairs Council of St. Louis
announced its appointment of Robert A. Fischer as executive director. Fischer assumed his post January 2, 2002, administering day-to-day operations of the Council, overseeing finances, membership, programming and fundraising.
Fischer come to the Council from a distinguished career leading the domestic and international business divisions of mid-sized and Fortune 100 companies. After graduating from Washington University in 1959 and serving two years in the U.S. Army, Fischer began his career with an 18-year stint with International Business Machines (IBM), where he led the insurance industry division. He followed this experience with leadership posts with Dun % Bradstreet Computing Services (Wilton, CT); McDonnell Douglas Corporation (St. Louis); Prime Computer (Natick, MA); Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (Milford, OH); and Commuter Science Corporation (Columbia, SC). Over the course of his career, Fischer directed business operations in Canada, throughout Europe, and in Asia, including Japan, China, India, Korea, and Australia/New Zealand. 
Robert A. Fischer, executive director and
Barbara Morley, director, International Visitor
Program, World Affairs Council of St. Louis
"I'm delighted to assume the executive director position of the World Affairs Council of St. Louis. This post will allow me to apply my business experience to a cause close to my heart: cross-cultural understanding. I'm excited about helping to bring the world to St. Louis," Fischer said.
Fischer joins the Council's team when St. Louisans are eager to learn more about the world and the United States role in post-September 11 events.
"Now, more than ever, the World Affairs Council has a responsibility to respond to the growing interest in world events," said Dr. David C. Thomas, president of the World Affairs Council board. "The executive committee is confident Bob Fischer is the person to lead the response."
The World Affairs Council of St. Louis is an apolitical, non-profit organization dedicated to international awareness, understanding and education in both public and private sectors of the community.
Founded in 1948, the World Affairs Council of St. Louis serves 300 individual members, as well as more than 50 businesses and school districts. The Council administers the following programs:
International Visitors Program, which promotes St. Louis viability as a trade partner by bringing more than 200 professionals from more than 80 countries each year;
Community Connections Program, which connects local companies to Russian business contacts, allowing the companies to host a contact for several weeks;
International Forum, which provides social and educational events for young professionals with international interests;
Distinguished Speakers Program, which features diplomats, journalists and world leaders;
Outreach to Schools, which brings international speakers to St. Louis schools and encourages young people to study languages and international affairs.
For more information about the World Affairs Council of St.
Louis, please contact Dr. David C. Thomas at (314) 997-7002. |
