Tommy P. Baer

Tommy P. Baer "is chair of the First Freedom Center, a position he has held since 2001. The Center’s mission is to increase understanding and respect for religious freedom through its educational initiatives, building on the legacy that began in Richmond with the adoption of Thomas Jefferson’s Statute for Religious Freedom by the Virginia General Assembly in 1786 and now recognized as an international human right.

"A Virginian for most of his life, Baer earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond in 1960 and a J.D. degree from Georgetown Law Center. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1964 to 1967, is a past president of the Henrico County Bar Association, and is currently a Commissioner in Chancery.

"Baer served as the chair of the State Board of Volunteerism Advisory Committee, a board member of the State Council of Higher Education, and was appointed to the Virginia –Israeli Advisory Board by Governor Tim Kaine. He serves on the boards of the World Affairs Council, Virginia Poverty Law Center, Richmond Historic Riverfront Foundation and others. He is a partner of the Richmond law firm of Canfield, Baer & Heller, LLP.

"As the international president of B'nai B'rith from 1994-1998 Baer met with the leaders of 35 countries on the issues of Middle East peace, anti-semitism, terrorism, and other subjects.

"Baer has received extensive recognition for his civic service, including awards from the Virginia State Bar, Richmond Bar Association, Richmond Jewish Community Federation, the Virginia General Assembly and the University of Richmond.

"Baer and his wife Betty live in Richmond."

• Chair, Council for America's First Freedom