The Bob Graham Center for Public Service provides a wide variety of programs for students and the larger public on topics related to public service, public leadership and civic engagement.
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Dennis Hays: Careers in Foreign Service
October 19, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Are you interested in a career in foreign service? Want professional development tips for your future beyond UF?
Join the Bob Graham Center for a lunchtime conversation on Thursday, Oct. 19 at noon with Ambassador Dennis K. Hays, former Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname.
You will have the chance to speak directly with Ambassador Hays about the foreign service and learn about internships, job opportunities, and graduate programs in the field of public service.
This event is intended for UF students. Although reservations for the provided meal are closed, additional seating is available and students are welcome to bring their lunch and join the talk.
About Ambassador Hays
Dennis K. Hays is a retired career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service. Ambassador Hays joined the Service in 1976 and served overseas in the Caribbean, Africa, and South America. He also worked as an advance man for Presidential and Vice-Presidential visits overseas and was twice elected President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the union and professional voice of the Foreign Service worldwide. He served as Director of the Office for Mexican Affairs before being confirmed as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname.
After leaving the Foreign Service, Ambassador Hays has served in senior executive positions with a foreign policy organization, a lobbying firm, a nuclear technology startup and a firm promoting the rule of law and police reform internationally.
Ambassador Hays has been awarded the State Department’s Superior Honor Award four times (1981, 1987, 1991 and 1995).