Tai Ford

Senior Program Associate @ Meridian

Tai joined Meridian in September 2012 and currently provides administrative support to the division’s upcoming and on-going International Public Management and Media programs. He has supported the logistics, travel arrangements, planning and budget management of numerous programs for the U.S. Office of Broadcast Services and the Foreign Press Center, as well as for visitors coming to the U.S. on projects funded by the U.S. Embassies in India, Chile, Mexico, and the EU to mention just a few. Tai has also provided programmatic support for larger Department of State initiatives. Most recently, Tai assisted with the implementation of the 2013 Study of U.S. Institutes (SUSI) in partnership with George Mason University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, University of Massachusetts and Virginia Commonwealth University, which brought students to the U.S. from 14 countries, for academic institutes in public policy and job shadowing experiences on Capitol Hill. Prior to his work at Meridian, Tai interned with the Global Campaign Education in Johannesburg, South Africa. He has also conducted academic research on the connection between the FIFA World Cup and its impact on economic, and community development in South Africa. Tai graduated from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville with a B.A in Global Development Studies, and African-American and African Studies. Tai speaks French, and beginner SiSwati and Zulu. He has lived and travelled extensively throughout Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Central America.