Max Lee Friedersdorf (July 7, 1929 – May 31, 2020) was an American federal administrative bureaucrat, reporter, diplomatic ambassador and corporate president serving as deputy assistant, secretary in the Presidential administrations of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.
Max Friedersdorf | |
|---|---|
 3/30/1981 Friedersdorf meets with Caspar Weinberger Don Regan Fred F. Fielding Helene Von Damm Drew Lewis Alexander Haig David Gergen Larry Speakes and Richard Darman in the Situation Room to discuss the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan | |
| White House Director of Legislative Affairs | |
| In office December 31, 1974 – January 20, 1977 | |
| President | Ronald Reagan Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | William Timmons |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Max Lee Friedersdorf July 7, 1929 Grammer, Indiana |
| Died | May 31, 2020 Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Franklin College (BA) American University (MA) |
Early life, education and journalism career edit
Friedersdorf was a graduate of Franklin College with a degree in journalism. He became a city editor at the Franklin Evening Star, and later a reporter for the Louisville Times, the Chicago Daily News and the Indianapolis News, often covering politics.[1]
Political career edit
From 1961 to 1970 Friedersdorf served as administrative assistant and press secretary to Congressman Richard L. Roudebush. In 1970, he was the Office of Economic Opportunity Director of Congressional Relations. From 1971 to 1974, Friedersdorf served as Deputy Assistant for Congressional Affairs in the Nixon administration. After Nixon's resignation, Friedersdorf continued as Deputy Assistant to President Ford until 1975, eventually became the President's Assistant for Legislative Affairs. Friedersdorf served as Staff Director of the Senate Republican Policy Committee from January 1977 until his appointment as Chair of the Federal Election Commission in February 1979. He left the Commission on December 16, 1980, to accept the position of Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs to President-elect Reagan.[2] as well as serving as Ambassador to Switzerland and Bermuda.[3][4]
Reagan assassination attempt edit
Main article: Attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan
On March 30, 1981, President Reagan and others were wounded in an attempted assassination by John Hinkley. Friedersdorf was summoned to the George Washington University Hospital to assist with security at Reagan's room, and to provide support for Nancy Reagan.[5] [6]
Friedersdorf later stated that he expected the Reagan tax package to have the momentum to move forward, without undue influence of sympathy due to the incident. It passed as the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981.[7]
Corporate service edit
In 1983, Friedersdorf became vice president of public affairs at Pepsico Inc.[8]
Personal life and death edit
Friedersdorf married Priscilla Marion Jones and they had two children. Friedersdorf died on May 31, 2020, of respiratory failure.[9]
References edit
- ^ "FCHS Alumni Hall of Fame: Mr. Max Friedersdorf". Franklin Community Schools. 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Max L. Friedersdorf". Federal Election Commission. 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Max Friedersdorf". Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Bell, Jonathan (June 24, 2020). "Max Friedersdorf (1929-2020)". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ "MEMORIES OF THE ATTEMPTED REAGAN ASSASSINATION". University of Virginia Miller Center. 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ Matthews, Chris (September 30, 2013). "When the president and the speaker were a team". NBC News. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ David S. Broder, Helen Dewar, and Lou Cannon (April 1, 1981). "Rise in Reagan's Popularity Seen, With Little Impact on Hill Prospects". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Aide Gets Pepsico Post". The New York Times. September 13, 1983. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ "Max L. Friedersdorf 1929 - 2020". Legacy. June 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
External links edit
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Friedersdorf Oral History at Gerald Ford Presidential Foundation
- Max L. Friedersdorf Papers at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
- Friedersdorf Oral History at the University of Virginia Miller Center of Public Affairs