In Memoriam: Frank J. Caufield (1939-2019)

The Directors and Staff of The U.S. Russia Foundation mourn the loss of our dear friend and longtime colleague Frank Caufield, who passed away November 26, 2019 at his home in Santa Barbara, California.

Frank was already a legendary venture capitalist and philanthropist when, in 1995, he agreed to join and serve pro bono on the board of the U.S. Russia Investment Fund (TUSRIF), newly established by the U.S. Government to promote investment in Russia’s emergent market economy after the fall of the USSR.   Over the next fifteen years, Frank’s advice and counsel were indispensable as TUSRIF successfully invested over $300 million in almost 50 Russian companies, and helped establish a western-style credit market. In 2008, Frank joined the board of the newly formed U.S. Russia Foundation, where he served, again pro bono, until his death.  His collegial style, probing intellect, and commitment to public service helped to shape the culture of our Foundation.  We will miss Frank’s wry humor, his unsparing honesty, and his incomparably generous spirit.

We extend our deepest condolences to his children, Frank and Kirsten, and to all of those who, like us, knew Frank and loved him.