Robert A. Mandell

Robert A. "Bobby" Mandell (born 1947) is an American attorney and businessman who also served as the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg from 2011 to 2015.

Mandell practiced law before moving into family business in real estate development. In addition, he has been active in multiple state and national government bodies, including the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission, the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and the President's Export Council.

Mandell was a major donor to the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and supported the Hillary Clinton campaign in 2016. In 2019, President Donald Trump appointed Mandell, a Democrat, to the Board of Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a rare instance of Trump appointing a non-Republican to a governmental agency.

Early life Mandell was born in Miami, Florida in 1947, the son of Lester N. Mandell and Sonia (Margolis) Mandell. He received a bachelor's degree in advertising from the University of Florida in 1969. In 1972, Mandell received his Juris Doctor degree from University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law. He graduated from Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management Executive Program in 2000. He was partner in the firm Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Mandell, Batsel, Wilkins and Frohlich and left active practice in 1983. He is peer-evaluated as "AV" (preeminent) in Martindale-Hubbell's legal listing.

Mandell began work at his father's Central Florida real estate development business, Greater Construction Corporation, in 1984. Greater Construction named Mandell president of the company in 1989 after his father became chairman. Additionally, Mandell was chairman and CEO of Greater Properties Inc., a commercial real estate development firm. Martinez then appointed Mandell to the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority, where he served from 1990 to 1995, held the chairman and vice chairman posts, He has served on the boards of Florida Hospital in Orlando, and Vermont Studio Center,

Ambassadorship President Barack Obama nominated Mandell as the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg in June 2011. As with other political appointees who have not previously served in such posts, several media outlets noted that Mandell had no diplomatic experience and had been a prominent fundraiser for Obama; Mandell donated $30,000 to Obama's campaign and $50,000 to his inauguration committee in 2008. Mandell raised more than $200,000 for the 2008 Obama campaign and was one of two dozen bundlers that were nominated for ambassador positions. Mandell's confirmation hearing took place in September, and the U.S. Senate approved his nomination by voice vote on October 18, 2011. He presented his credentials on November 16, 2011.

Mandell's tenure was notable for the founding of the Luxembourg Forum, meetings between United States Supreme Court justices and judges of the European Court of Justice, with the goal of identifying and working on legal issues where cooperation can provide a mutual benefit. In addition, during Mandell's ambassadorship the embassy worked with the government of Luxembourg to create a quarterly forum of U.S. business leaders, business leaders in Luxembourg, and officials of Luxembourg's government, with the intent of exploring opportunities for U.S. companies to expand in Luxembourg.

Mandell resigned his ambassadorship in February 2015, saying it was time for him and his wife to return to private life in the U.S. On February 12, Luxembourg Grand Duke Henri honored Mandell by naming him a Commander of the Order of the Oak Crown an award that recognizes individuals for exceptional civil and military services. In March 2019, Mandell was appointed to the board of directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate. His term expired in 2022.

Personal life Mandell is married to Julie Walker Mandell and has four children, including two stepchildren. He lives in Winter Park, Florida.