The Birmingham Committee on Foreign Relations was founded in
1943 by Charles Zukoski, Jr., an attorney, political leader and businessman.
Mr. Zukoski, who for most of his career was affiliated with the Trust Department
of what is now AmSouth Bank, was active in a number of civic and leadership
organizations. For a time, he was Mayor of the City of Mountain Brook. Our Committee
was formed in 1943 when the importance of world affairs was at its height during
World War II. Charles Zukoski led the group for 20 years. We owe much of our
current success to his excellent leadership and vision.
Mr. Zukoski was followed as chairman by Alex Lacey, an attorney and executive
with Alabama Gas Corporation. Alex helped build the program from 1963 to 1985
when he was succeeded by Henry R. Vermilye, an Executive Vice-President at SouthTrust
Bank. "Terry," as he is called, led the group from 1985 to 1996. In
1996 David L. Carder, an executive with Vulcan Materials, took over and led
the group through the year 2001. Under Dave’s outstanding leadership the
committee was revitalized. Ties were strengthened with the American Committees
on Foreign Relations, new members joined and the leadership was strengthened.
Most importantly, the quality and depth of the speaker programs improved dramatically.
Frank M. Young, III succeeded Dave Carder as Chairman in 2001. Frank, an attorney
in Birmingham with Haskell Slaughter Young & Rediker, devotes a portion
of his practice to international law. The Committee has continued to grow and
prosper under his leadership.
When the Birmingham Committee was initially founded in 1943, it was affiliated
with the Council of Foreign Relations, an organization headquartered in New
York, New York. This relationship continued until the early 90's when it was
terminated by mutual agreement. Thereafter, the association with the American
Committees in Washington, D.C., was established. Because the American Committees
is headquartered in Washington, rather than in New York, which is a hub for
foreign affairs the quality of our speakers has vastly improved.
We are proud of our affiliation with the American Committees on Foreign Relations.
Our Committee has taken a positive leadership role in the organization. David
L. Carder, a former Chairman, has been a member of the Executive Committee of
the American Committees for a number of years. Herb Sklenar was named a Distinguished
Advisor at the Annual Meeting in May of 2003. Since 2001, Frank Young, the current
Chairman of the Birmingham Committee, has been a member of the Board. Our Committee's
three active members involved with the leadership of the American Committees
ensures close and meaningful ties with that organization for the future.
- Frank M. Young, III, Past Chairman
