Council of American Ambassadors Honors Ambassadors Sue M. Cobb & Charles E. Cobb, Jr.

PALM BEACH, Fla. —The Council of American Ambassadors (CAA) hosted its inaugural Palm Beach Weekend on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, convening non-career, retired U.S. Ambassadors from across Florida and the nation to celebrate the distinguished service of Ambassador Sue M. Cobb (Jamaica, 2001–2005) and Ambassador Charles E. Cobb, Jr. (Iceland, 1989–1992).

Ambassador Sue M. Cobb received the Benjamin Franklin Award for Outstanding Diplomatic Service, named for America’s first citizen ambassador. The award recognizes private citizens who answer the President’s call to serve the United States and who embody the ideals of foresight, perseverance, and excellence essential to the successful conduct of public affairs.

In addition to her CAA Board service since 2010, Ambassador Cobb has made a transformational contribution to American diplomacy by endowing the Sue M. Cobb Award, a U.S. Department of State Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service and the only award exclusively directed for non-career Ambassadorial service. The honor recognizes the most outstanding non-career United States Ambassador selected from worldwide nominations. Through this endowment, Ambassador Cobb has ensured lasting recognition of the vital role non-career ambassadors play in advancing U.S. foreign policy.

CAA President and Ambassador (ret.) G. Philp Hughes remarked, "Ambassador Cobb’s record of service, generosity, and enduring impact on American diplomacy make her a most deserving recipient of this rare and prestigious honor."

Ambassador Sue Cobb has also served as Secretary of State of Florida, CEO of the Florida Lottery, and multi-year member and three times chair of the Miami Federal Reserve.

Ambassador Charles E. Cobb, Jr. received the Henry L. Kimelman–Milton A. Wolf Award, which honors CAA members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made extraordinary contributions to the Council. Ambassador Cobb’s service on the CAA Board since 1992 has been a cornerstone of the organization’s leadership for more than three decades. Cobb also currently serves on the Council’s Investment Committee, contributing financial expertise developed over a distinguished career that includes Board service with Arvida, Penn Central, Disney, Pan Am, and numerous private companies, as well as his 
success as a business leader.

President Hughes stated, "Ambassador Cobb’s generous commitment of time, expertise, and thoughtful  leadership over 34 years and counting, combined with his disciplined, long-term investment philosophy, have positioned the Council for long-term stability and success."

Ambassador Cobb served as first, Assistant Secretary, and then Under Secretary for Travel & Tourism of the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Reagan. Governor Jeb Bush appointed Ambassador Cobb to be the chairman of Gateway Florida and Florida FTAA, the organizations that were leading Florida’s efforts in Western Hemisphere trade and commerce, and he’s a past chairman of the board of trustees of the University of Miami.

Both ambassadors were recognized Saturday evening at The Beach Club in Palm Beach during a cocktail reception and awards dinner. 

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About the Council of American Ambassadors
The Council of American Ambassadors is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization composed of former non-career U.S. Ambassadors. The Council’s mission is to strengthen America’s conduct of diplomacy and foster a collegial, supportive relationship with the U.S. Department of State.

Contact:
Hannah Followill
Communications and Program Manager
hfollowill@americanambassadors.org