Photo: Thomas McEnchroe, Radio Prague International
John F. Kotouc is the Co-CEO and Co-Chair of the American National Bank for the midwestern region of the United States. Descended from a family of Czech immigrants to Nebraska, he is also a member of the American Friends of the Czech Republic. He recently visited Radio Prague International’s studios and spoke to us, among other things, about the organisation and its aims.
“It is important for us that Americans have good relations with Czechs and vice-versa, so we try to act as intermediaries if necessary.”
“It is the most substantial Czech identified organisation in the United States. It is important for us that Americans have good relations with Czechs and vice-versa, so we try to act as intermediaries if necessary. It’s not an official government organisation, but rather a purely private charity foundation.”
How many members do you have and are they people with Czech heritage, or can it be anyone?
“Mostly they are people with a connection to the Czech Republic. That said, Norman Eisen [the former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic] for example, is not Czech I think, but he is on the board too.” [Editors note: Norman Eisen’s mother is of Jewish origin from the former Czechoslovakia]
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