Remembering The Honorable Frank Baxter

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of The Honorable Frank Baxter, a beloved former Pacific Council member, longtime Board Director for 10 years, Christopher Society member, and participant in numerous Pacific Council international delegations. His wisdom, generosity of spirit, and steadfast commitment to public service left a lasting impact on our community.

"Ambassador Frank Baxter was a devoted, engaged, and impactful member of the Pacific Council both as a member and a longtime director. His intellectual curiosity and engaging personality endeared him to all lucky enough to meet him and we always thought of him as embodying the Council at its very best,” said Dr. Jerrold D. Green, Interim President & CEO, Pacific Council on International Policy.

Ambassador Baxter served as the U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay from 2006 to 2009 under President George W. Bush, and was Chairman Emeritus of Jefferies & Company, Inc., a global investment bank. He brought a distinguished blend of diplomatic, financial, and civic leadership to every endeavor.

A tireless advocate for education, the arts, and equity, Ambassador Baxter served as Chairman of the Board for Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools and Fremont College, and held board positions with the UC Berkeley Foundation, EDVOICE, Los Angeles Opera, LACMA, Music Center Foundation, and St. John’s Health Center Foundation. He was a Trustee of the I Have A Dream Foundation (Los Angeles Chapter) and former chairman of After-School All-Stars.

His leadership extended to the financial sector as a former director of the NASD and the Securities Industry Association. He chaired the committee that led to the spin-off of NASDAQ and later served on its Board’s Executive Committee. Among many honors, he received the Bet Tzedek House of Justice Award, the City of Angels Award, and LA Chamber’s Civic Medal of Honor.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Baxter’s family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, generosity, and dedication will continue to guide and inspire us.