This collection is available in whole for research use. Some folders may still have withdrawn material due to Freedom of Information Act restrictions. Most frequently withdrawn material is national security classified material, personal privacy, protection of the President, etc.
Scope and Content Note
This collection consists of untranscribed audio recordings of interviews with departing White House staff. We have interviews for 204 White House staff members. Many notable staff members (e.g., James Baker, Michael Deaver, Edwin Meese, Fred Fielding) do not have an interview in this collection. For some people who left the Reagan White House staff and later returned, we have an exit interview from their first period of service only.
The interviews were conducted by the staff of the White House Office of Records Management and National Archives staff detailed to the White House. We do not always have a collection of records for the individuals interviewed.
Reference copies of open interviews are kept in the Research Room. They are contained in archives boxes in alphabetical order by the person interviewed. Please see the attendant for assistance with the listening equipment.
The interviews can be listened to and downloaded via the National Archives Catalog.
Speechwriting Secretary (1982-1983); Staff Assistant - Media Relations (1984-1987); and Press Research Assistant in Office of Public Liaison. Interviewed by Terry Good on 11/24/1987. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 45 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include duties of a Speechwriting Secretary,
such as typing the President's speeches and preparing them for the Teleprompter, background research, and coordinating press calls; daily activities of a Staff Assistant for Media Relations include answering press calls press interviews, briefing the media, and serving as Editor for the White House News Service; duties of a Press and Research Assistant for Public Liaison included answering calls from the White House Press Corps, serving as a liaison with Arab groups, managing the office, and assisting the Director with scheduling briefings and meetings.
Office of Public Liaison: Associate Director, Ethnic Americans (1985-1986). Interviewed by Terry Good on 08/20/1986. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 30 minutes)
Topics covered in this interview include Acle’s work with the constituent groups assigned to him, the structure and staffing of the Office of Public Liaison during his time in that office, his contacts with other Public Liaison staff people, a description of a typical workday, and his coordinating with other Administration staff on issues within their purview.
Assistant to the President (1981-1982) for Policy Development. Interviewed by Marie Allen on 02/26/1982. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca.75 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include 1980 Presidential campaign issues, such as economic policy and welfare reform; the 1980 Reagan-Bush Transition Team; New Federalism; and the organization of the Office of Policy Development (including the Cabinet Council system).
Arcos, Cresencia (Cris) Jr. and Fisk, Daniel
Office of Communications: Public Diplomacy on Central America. Interviewed by Terry Good on 02/04/1988. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 60 minutes)
This is a joint interview of Mr. Arcos and Mr. Fisk, who served together in the same White House unit for the same period of time. Topics include: Arcos’ and Fisk’s work in the State Department prior to joining the White House staff; their respective roles within the Office of Public Diplomacy on Central America; the role of this Office within the Reagan White House, and in relationship to the NSC; the effect on their work of the Congressional Contra aid votes, and the Arias peace plan for Central America; Administration strategy for the presentation of Nicaraguan defector Major Miranda Bengoechea to the press; the February 1988 Congressional vote rejecting the Administration’s request for additional aid to the Contras; typical workday activities for Mr. Arcos and Mr. Fisk; their office’s contribution to Administration efforts regarding Central America; the history of the concept of “public diplomacy”; and their evaluations of the Administration’s efforts to promote its Central America policies
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director (Women) (1985‑1987). Interviewed by Terry Good on 11/02/1987. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 53 minutes)
Key topics in this interview include how Arey came to the White House staff, descriptions of her work, her efforts to communicate with women’s organizations, the structure of the Office of Public Liaison, the standard speech that she had for women’s groups, her contacts with other White House and staff people, her usual work hours, and the effect of the Reagan economic recovery on women. The interview concludes with her view of President Reagan’s effect on the country, and of the rebirth of a patriotic spirit in the United States. Arey’s assistant Carolyn Becker was in the room for the interview, and contributed a few points regarding Arey’s work and files.
Office of Speechwriting: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director (1981-1983). Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President, Arts, Humanities, Education, and International Affairs (1981). 08/09/1983
Key topics include the President’s speechwriting skills; his involvement in the speechwriting process and how a speech is written.
Balcome-Rawding, Russell (Rusty)
Office of Political Affairs (1981); Office of Presidential Advance (1981); Office of Presidential Personnel (1981, 1983-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on 12/18/1985. (Two 60 minute audio tapes, ca. 67 minutes)
Most of Ms. Balcome-Rawding’s time in the Reagan Administration was spent as an assistant to John Herrington. She begins this interview with an overview of the various positions that she and Herrington held in the White House and the Department of the Navy under President Reagan. She then discusses, in general terms, the Presidential Personnel process of vetting candidates for Administration positions. She moves on to the workload of the Presidential Personnel staff, the structure of the Presidential Personnel office, and the coordinating of the Office’s work with the rest of the White House staff. She covers Herrington’s return to the White House staff from the Navy Department in 1983, to investigate and report on White House staff leaks to the press, and his assuming the directorship of Presidential Personnel later that year. She talks about Herrington’s dealing with job candidates, particularly those who did not get a position. She concludes the interview with a discussion of a typical workday for her and Herrington during their 1983-85 tenure in Presidential Personnel, and a pair of stories involving visits made to the Presidential Personnel office by William Casey and President Reagan respectively.
Special Assistant to the President for Policy Development (1982). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 05/06/1982. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 40 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include work performed in the 1980 Reagan-Bush Presidential campaign and transition; involvement in the draft registration issue; role in Cabinet Councils and how they functioned; Law of the Sea conference and treaty; Balanced Budget Amendment; and role within the Office of Policy Development.
Office of Presidential Personnel: Director, Recruiting (1985); Associate Director, Human Resources (1986-1987). Interviewed by Terry Good on 07/31/1987. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 53 minutes)
Key topics in this interview include the process by which Banning joined the Presidential Personnel staff, her roles within the Office of Presidential Personnel, descriptions of her day-to-day work, the process of selecting a candidate to fill an appointed federal position, the structure of the Presidential Personnel office (including the roles of the Associate Directors), the differences between recruiting for Government positions and recruiting for the private sector, the types of documents that she produced, her attitudes toward the press, her views of Personnel Office director Robert Tuttle, her recollections of the day in 1986 that US planes bombed Libya, and her next steps after leaving the Reagan White House.
Office of Policy Development: Deputy Assistant Director for Legal Policy (1982-1983). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 09/01/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 62 minutes)
Barr begins this interview with a description of his career prior to joining the Reagan Administration, including his work in the Office of Legal Policy for the 1980-1981 Reagan-Bush Transition. He then discusses the Cabinet Council on Legal Policy, including the nature of its work, the issues that it dealt with, his responsibilities toward it, and the overall structure of the Cabinet Council system. He describes his relationships with White House and Administration people that he frequently worked with, such as Michael Uhlmann and Steve Galebach of the Office of Policy Development (OPD) staff, OPD head Edwin Harper, Counsellor to the President Edwin Meese, and Barbara Honegger of the Department of Justice. He lists and discusses policy issues with which he was directly involved, primarily women’s rights (including the Legal Equity Project and equal rights legislation), tuition tax credits, the Law of the Sea Treaty, anti-pornography legislation, and Eastern Indian land claims. He also briefly describes his usual work schedule.
Office of Policy Development: Secretary (1981-1983). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 10/11/1983. (One 90 minute audio tape, ca. 34 minutes)
Barrett begins by recounting how she was hired to work at the 1980 Reagan campaign headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. She describes the layout of the section of the building in which she worked, lists highlights from this time period, and briefly describes her tasks. She then quickly covers her time with the 1980-1981 Transition, before moving on to her work in OPD. For the OPD period, she discusses the layout and design of the OEOB offices she worked in, her bosses’ treatment of their files, the word processing equipment that she used, and her pending departure from OPD. After a short pause, the interview concludes with a brief account of Barrett’s appearance before the Congressional committee investigating the Carter campaign briefing book (“Debategate”) issue.
Bauer, Gary L.
Office of Policy Development: Policy Analyst. (1981). 08/19/1982. No tape is available for this interview. There was an equipment malfunction at the White House at the time of the taping.
Office of Political Affairs: Secretary (1981-1982). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 10/31/1982. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 22 minutes)
Ms. Benjamin discusses her work with the Beverly Hills (California) Republican Women’s Federation, the 1976 Reagan Presidential campaign, the Reagan organization Citizens for the Republic, the Mike Curb campaign for Lieutenant Governor of California in 1978, and the 1980 Reagan Presidential campaign. She then covers her career as an assistant to A. Morgan Mason, whom she worked for on the 1981 Inaugural Committee, in the State Department, and in the White House. She briefly discusses the highlights and daily responsibilities of her time in the Reagan White House, and concludes with a brief description of some of the types of files created by the Political Affairs office.
Office of Communications: Special Assistant to the President (1982-1983); Deputy to the Assistant to the President for Communications (1982). Interviewed by Marie Allen 07/15/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 72 minutes)
The interview begins with biographical information on Bistany, her work in the 1980 Reagan presidential campaign, her coming to the Reagan White House staff, and her initial White House assignments. The interview then moves to Bistany’s work in the Communications office, including her office coordinating role, her work with the presidential speechwriters (including accounts of President Reagan’s direct involvement in drafting his speeches), her contribution to the White House Television Office, her dealings with the press, the launching of President Reagan’s regular Saturday radio address, revisions in the format and scheduling of presidential press conferences, and the relationship between the Administration and the White House press corps. The last interview segment focuses on White House relations with women and women’s issues, including the White House Coordinating Council on Women and the “gender gap” concept. Bistany concludes by describing her next steps after leaving the Reagan White House, and evaluating the White House’s communications operation.
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President, Religion (1981-1983). 01/26/1984.
Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Executive Secretary, Domestic Policy Council (1985-1988); Executive Secretary for the Cabinet Council on Management and Administration (1985), and Director of Property Review Board, Office of Policy Development; Associate Director (1983-1984), Office of Planning and Evaluation (1982). Interviewed by Terry Good on 10/19/1988. (2 60-minute tapes, ca. 105 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include 1981-1982 efforts to computerize and streamline the Reagan White House domestic policy process; the role of the White House Office of Planning and Evaluation; the Cabinet Council system of the first Reagan term; the issues addressed by the Cabinet Council on Management and Administration; the changes in White House staff organization which occurred early in the second Reagan term; Ronald Reagan's leadership and decision making styles; general observations on Presidential leadership, and on conflicts within a President's staff; and the organization of the Bledsoe materials retained for inclusion in the Reagan Presidential Library.
Office of Policy Development: Assistant Director for Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (1982-1983); Senior Policy Advisor (1981-1982). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 08/12/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 54 minutes)
Topics include Boggs’ early background, his work with the 1980 Reagan campaign and 1980-1981 transition, his role as Executive Secretary of the Cabinet Council on Natural Resources and Environment, the process by which the Cabinet Councils made policy recommendations to President Reagan (using the example of the Alaska natural gas transportation issue), the reorganization of the Office of Policy Development (OPD) when Edwin Harper replaced Martin Anderson as head of OPD, an overview of Boggs’ typical workday activities, discussion of the people and offices that Boggs worked most closely with, and Boggs’ pending departure from OPD to serve as the Department of Energy’s Deputy Secretary. The interview concludes with Boggs’ views on the proposed dismantling of the Department of Energy, the functioning of the White House staff, and his accomplishments during his time at OPD.
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President (Labor) (1981-1983). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 03/22/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 46 minutes)
Topics include: Bonitati’s background, including his initial experiences with political and labor matters; his usual daily work in the Reagan White House; his relationships with the rest of the Public Liaison office, other White House staff units, the Office of the Vice President, and the Department of Labor; his relationships with organized labor, and with labor constituencies at various levels; differences between the Reagan and Carter Administration’s public liaison outreach to labor; the 1981 air traffic controllers’ strike; issues of particular concern to organized labor, such as the subminimum youth wage, enterprise zones, and black lung disease legislation; and Bonitati’s work as the public liaison person for natural resources issues. The interview concludes with Bonitati’s thoughts on his departure from the Reagan White House, his major accomplishments in the Administration, and what impressed him during his time on the White House staff.
Borcherdt, Wendy Hawley (Mrs. Edward R. Borcherdt)
Office of Presidential Personnel, Office of Public Liaison. Interviewed by Marie Allen on 08/27/1982. (One 90 minute audio tape, ca. 73 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include Borcherdt’s early association with the Reagans in California (1965), her lifelong interest in civic activities, her role as a fundraiser in the 1980 campaign (California Finance Director 08/01/1980), her memories of the 1980 Election Eve, and her work on the 1980 Inaugural and her understanding of voter issues. Within the White House, she was responsible for Ambassadorial appointments and women recruits for the Presidential Personnel Office. She was requested to move to the Office of Public Liaison where she worked with women’s groups, did outreach activities, and formulated strategies for women. Her interview includes her perspective on challenges working in the Office of Public Liaison.
Office of Social Affairs: Social Secretary (1981-1983). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 04/13/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 42 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include duties of the Social Secretary, such as coordination of White House events, preparations for the First State Dinner for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the role of the First Lady in planning such events, the arrangements for entertainment, the Young Artist in Performance at the White House television specials, how Mrs. Brandon came to work at the White House and her decision to leave her position, and her scope of her contacts with Mrs. Reagan and the President.
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President, Youth (1983-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on 06/20/1985. (One 90 minute audio tape, ca. 43 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include Buckalew’s role in the Office of Public Liaison as a Special Assistant to the President. She also discusses her background in the health care field and as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Dan Quayle. She discusses her duties as liaison for health care, seniors and youth. She also tells the story of helping with the acquisition of the Bouvier puppy “Lucky” for the Reagan’s.
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director (1981-1983). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 03/18/1983. (1 90-minute audio tape, ca. 66 minutes)
The first third of this interview covers Burgess’ life prior to joining to Reagan White House staff, including his family and educational background, his initial involvement in political work, and his roles in the Nixon and Ford Administrations. He then moves on to his time in the Reagan White House, addressing his tasks within Public Liaison office, how the office was organized under Elizabeth Dole, and his contact with other White House and Administration staff. He covers his involvement with agricultural groups on various policies, including agricultural price supports, the Soviet grain embargo, and the Administration’s budget and tax plans. He also covers the Public Liaison office’s work with some ethnic groups, particularly Italian-American groups. At the conclusion, Burgess provides his view of President Reagan (including anecdotes about the annual Thanksgiving turkey presentation at the White House), describes his next position in the Reagan Administration, and states how to contact him in the future.
Office of Cabinet Affairs: Staff Assistant (1982-1983). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 06/02/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 76 minutes)
The first part of this interview cover’s Byler’s political involvements during his college years: his role in College Republicans, his work on the 1978 campaign for one of Virginia’s US Senate seats, his job as a legislative aide to Senator Warner (winner of the 1978 Virginia Senate race), his role as alternate delegate at the 1980 Republican convention, and his work as editor of a conservative magazine. The interview then moves on to Byler’s time in the White House. This part of the interview includes: Byler’s role in the Office of Cabinet Affairs; his involvement with the Cabinet Matter issue tracking system; a description of the Cabinet Council process, from the scheduling of a meeting through the drafting of the meeting minutes; the work of the Cabinet Council Executive Secretaries; examples of issues that bypassed the Cabinet Council system (the Intercircuit Tribunal proposal, the 1983 appointing of a new EPA Director); the role of Cabinet Council working groups; the division of responsibilities among the Office of Cabinet Affairs staff; and the establishment of a tracking system for the Grace Commission’s recommendations. The interview concludes with Byler’s thoughts on his accomplishments in the Reagan White House, his plans for future work, his evaluation of the Reagan Administration, and his view on ongoing trends toward decentralization.
Office of the Chief of Staff: Staff Assistant (1981-1985). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 02/06/1985. (One 90 minute audio tape, ca. 41 minutes)
Prominent topics include Camalier’s account of joining the 1980 Campaign as James Baker’s secretary, her subsequent move to the White House, the duties of Camalier and others in the Office of the Chief of Staff, the handling of correspondence addressed to Mr. Baker, the amount of contact that Camalier had with other White House units and Executive Branch agencies, Camalier’s occasional travel with Baker on Presidential trips, and a description of her typical workday. The interview concludes with thoughts on how Camalier could be contacted in the future, how Baker functioned as Chief of Staff, and what materials documenting Baker’s work should be in the future Reagan Presidential Library.
Office of Policy Development: Special Assistant to the President, Health and Human Resources (1981-1984). 03/29/1984
Office of Appointments and Scheduling: Staff Assistant (1981); Office of Private Sector Initiatives: Deputy Director (1981-1984); President’s Advisory Council on Private Sector Initiatives (1985-1986); National Security Council (1986-1987); Consultant for Board of Advisers on Private Sector Initiatives (1987). Interviewed by Terry Good on 06/03/1987. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 57 minutes)
This interview begins with an overview of Castine’s positions in the Reagan Administration, which includes the interview’s only mention of his NSC position. A small portion of the interview then covers Castine’s time in Appointments and Scheduling, including his role in automating the creation of the President’s daily schedule. Most of the interview deals with Castine’s Private Sector Initiatives work, including: how he came to join the Office of Private Sector Initiatives; the initial staffing of the Office; the tasks that came to him in the course promoting private sector initiatives; examples of the work that the Office did with local communities; the impact that private sector initiatives had on the 1983 Williamsburg Economic Summit; and Reagan White House collections that would have information on the private sector initiatives program.
Office of Public Liaison: Deputy Assistant to the President (1981-1983). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 03/01/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 88 minutes)
Cavaney begins this interview by talking about his early life, his role in the Nixon White House, and his work on the Presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford (1976), George H. W. Bush (1980), and Ronald Reagan (1980). He next addresses the organization and role of the Office of Public Liaison during his time there, including his relationship with Office of Public Liaison director Elizabeth Dole, his role as the number two person in the Office, and the issues and areas in which he was more personally involved (e.g., the Reagan economic recovery plan, the AWACS sale to Saudi Arabia, and Reagan Administration relations with the business community). He then discusses the historical background and organization of the U.S. Jewish community, the Administration’s relations with organized labor and women’s groups, the December 1981 meeting between President Reagan and the AFL-CIO leadership, the “gender gap,” and the relationships between Public Liaison and other White House offices. The interview concludes with Cavaney’s views on the overall role of the Public Liaison office, the usefulness of public opinion polls, and the contrasts between Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Reagan.
Research Assistant, Speechwriting (1982-1988). Interviewed by Terry Good on 06/07/1985. (1 60 minute audio tape, 60 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include the duties and responsibilities of a researcher in the speechwriting process; stages of a speech; working relationship with speechwriters and the specialties of some speechwriters.
Deputy Assistant to the President (1985-1986) and Director of the Office of Public Liaison. Interviewed on 01/29/1986 by Terry Good. (1 60 minute tape, ca. 40 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include how she came to work in the White House; her view of the mission of the Office of Public Liaison; the organization of the office; contacts with Congress and members of the White House staff; and her typical day.
White House Operations: Deputy Assistant to the President (1987-1988). Office of the Staff Secretary: Deputy Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary (1985-1987). Interviewed by Terry Good on 03/22/1988. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 15 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include the role and duties of the Staff Secretary; composition of the staff; and role in transition of the Chief of Staff's office from Donald Regan to Howard Baker.
Office of Public Liaison: Secretary (Morton Blackwell) (1981-1982). Interviewed by Terry Good on 04/09/1982 (1 60 minute audio tape, 30:47 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include Christiansen’s specific job and her daily
activities while working for Morton Blackwell and Elizabeth Dole. She discusses her
prior work for the Reagan/Bush campaign in New Jersey.
Cicconi, James W.
Office of the Chief of Staff (1981-1985). Special Assistant to the President and to the Chief of Staff. 03/19/1985. (Tape is blank)
Office of Cabinet Affairs: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director (1985-1987); Associate Director (1983-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on 05/01/1987. (One 60 minute audio tape, 52:26 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include Clarey’s previous positions within the
White House prior to working for Al Kingon in Cabinet Affairs; the Chernobyl Disaster
and the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion; the 1984 re0-election campaign and the
Presidentt’s Whistle Stop tour in the Fall of 1984.
Office of Public Information: Deputy Director (1982-1983). 10/28/1982 (One 60 minute audio tape; 50:12 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include Cobb’s work with the Gold Commission,
including the government’s decision to produce gold coins based on weight and not
dollar value, independent of the Federal Reserve.
Special Assistant to the President for Private Sector Initiatives and Director of the Office of Private Sector Initiatives (1983-1984). Interviewed by Terry Good on 03/21/1985 (One 90 minute audio tape; 1 hour and 17:38 minutes)
Key topics discussed include several successful Private Sector Initiatives such as the
campaign to involve the diary industry in assisting with missing children (first use of
children’s photos on milk cartons was from this campaign); involving pop star Michael
Jackson’s song “Beat It” in an anti-drinking and driving campaign. Coyne met the pop
star on his visit to Washington, DC as a result of this campaign.
Office of the First Lady: Director, Scheduling and Advance (1983-1987). Interviewed by Terry Good on 06/17/1987. (One 60 minute audio tape, c. 14 minutes)
The key interview topics are Coyne’s roles and responsibilities in the First Lady’s Office, which included reviewing, scheduling, and setting up events for the First Lady; preparing briefing papers and speeches about her drug abuse prevention program; and in general coordinating Mrs. Reagan’s participation at events (e.g. Mrs. Reagan’s visit with the pope). The interview also includes a brief description of Coyne’s records.
Office of Deputy Chief of Staff: Staff Assistant (Michael McManus) (1982-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on 07/31/1985 (One 60 minute audio tape; 46:20 minutes)
Key topics discussed include arranging and organizing the Williamsburg Summit (May
1983, the President’s Far East Trips (1983) and the 1984 Olympics.
John F. Kenney Campaign, 1960; White House Counsel, 1979-1981 (President Carter), 2004-2008 (President Clinton), President's Commission on Strategic Forces: Senior Counsel (1981) Interviewed by Terry Good on 03/02/1981 (One 60 minute audio tape; 56:49 minutes)
Key topics include Mr. Cutler’s work and relationships with Presidents Eisenhower,
Kennedy, Johnson and Carter. Also included are discussions of Cutler’s role in
negotiating and working to pass SALT II, the 1980 Olympic boycott, the Iranian hostage
crisis and the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President and Director, Economic and Business Issues (1986-1988). Interviewed by Terry Good on 06/02/1988. (One 60 minute audio tape; 45:52 minute)
Key topics include working for the Public Liaison Office in relation to the business
community; highlighting his main responsibility of communicating the White House
position on business issues to business interest groups; hosting business groups; writing
talking points; and attending business conventions held in the Washington, DC area.
Office of Policy Development: Policy Analyst (1985); Drug Abuse Policy Office: Policy Analyst (1982-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on 06/12/1986. (One 60 minute audio tape, c. 43 minutes)
After a brief discussion of her role in the 1980 transition, the main interview topic is Daoulas’ duties within the Drug Abuse Policy Office. These duties included setting up the office library, “Room 208 Restoration,” OPD budget, office setup for Carlton Turner, policy analyst for private sector liaison, and liaison with other agencies. She discusses several specific projects of which she was a part, including drug abuse prevention videos and comic books, film ratings, drugs in films, and presidential awards to recognize efforts to combat drug abuse. The interview also covers Drug Abuse Policy Office staffing, office management, weekly staff reports, and other administrative matters.
Office of Policy Development: Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Director, Energy and Natural Resources (1984-1985). Office of Legislative Affairs: Special Assistant, House (1983). Interviewed on 04/09/1985. (One 60 minute audio tape; 31:48 minutes)
Key topics discussed include both of Davis’ positions within the White House; meeting
and working with members of the House of Representatives concerning pieces of
legislation the President supported; involvement with environmental working groups and
authoring papers on energy & natural resource issues.
Office of Chief of Staff: Staff Assistant (1985). Interviewed on 05/04/1987. (One 60 minute audio tape; 40:19 minutes)
Key topics include organizing the 1983 Economic Summit in Williamsburg, VA,
specifically scheduling Heads of State delegations.
Office of the Press Secretary: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary, Foreign Affairs (1985) Interviewed on 08/01/1986. (One 60 minute audio tape; 46 minutes)
Key topics include press work done for the Geneva Summit, the President’s visit to
Grenada, preparation of talking points papers, the Challenger explosion and prepping the
President for press conferences.
Please note: The sound on this interview is problematic with parts of it difficult to hear
due to background construction noise, and the distraction of Djerejian’s daughter playing
while the interview is being conducted.
Assistant to the President for Public Liaison (1981-1983). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 04/16/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 60 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include background information on Elizabeth Dole's role as a two way conduit for the President between the private sector and the Executive Office; the function of Office of Public Liaison; and the establishment of the Coordinating Council on Women at the White House.
Office of Public Liaison: Deputy Assistant to the President (1984-1985). Interviewed on 05/10/1985. (1 60 minute audio tape; 41:41 mintues)
Donatelli discusses suggesting activities for Presidential and Vice-Presidential
participation and handling scheduling and invitations for the President and Vice-
President.
Please note: This interview does not cover Donatelli’s work as Director of the Office of
Intergovernmental and Political Affairs from 1985-1988.
Donnelly, Thomas (Tom) R., Jr.
Office of Legislative Affairs: Special Assistant, House (1983-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good, 10/18/1985. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 25 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include the budget process between the White House and the House of Representatives; Omnibus Crime Control Bill; Immigration Bill; Social Security Act Amendment; internal organization of the Office of Legislative Affairs.
Office for Presidential Personnel: Secretary (Pendleton James) (1981). Interviewed on 08/16/1982. (One 60 minute audio tape; 33:51 minute)
Key topics discussed include Dowham’s work with two previous Presidential
administrations (Nixon and Ford), her work in the Reagan transition, scheduling and
interviewing prospective candidates for jobs in the Reagan administration, and working
with the White House Counsel office (Fielding) on legal and security clearances of
candidates.
Office of Legislative Affairs: Special Assistant to the President, House (1981/1982-1983). Interviewed on 08/14/1983. (One 60 minute audio tape; 55:20 mintues)
Key topics discussed include his day-to-day works as a special assistant; legal affairs and
the nuclear freeze movement.
Duberstein, Kenneth
Office Legislative Affairs: Assistant to the President (1982-1983); Deputy Assistant to the President, House (1981); Chief of Staff (1988). Interviewed on 12/15/1983 by Marie Allen. (3 90 minute audio tapes, ca. 200 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include the reasons for President Reagan's success dealing with Congress; key early congressional votes during President Reagan's first year (Gramm-Latta I and the Dairy Bill);the Legislative Strategy Group; the 1982 tax bill; “Gang of 17”; 1982 budget battle; dense pack and the MX missile; the lame duck session; Social Security Reform Act; the Caribbean Basin Initiative; and the invasion of Grenada.
This interview took place when Duberstein left the White House staff in the first administration and contains no material about his time as Chief of Staff in 1988.
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President and Director of the Fifty States Project (1982-1983); Deputy Special Assistant, Blacks and Youth (1981-1982). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 03/26/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 64 minutes; tape was turned over to Side 2 after about 42 minutes of recording)
Duggin begins by describing her work with the Republican Party prior to joining the Reagan White House staff, her responsibilities in the Office of Public Liaison under President Reagan, the structure of the Public Liaison office, her working relationships with others in the Reagan White House, and her relationships with other prominent blacks in the White House and the agencies. She then discusses in turn each of her assigned areas: blacks, youth, volunteers (to a small extent), and the 50 States Project. Prominent topics in this section include affirmative action, the drafting of Executive Order 12320 regarding historically black colleges and universities, the 1983 White House event for Martin Luther King’s birthday, and her relationships to other individuals and groups in the White House regarding the 50 States Project. The interview concludes with discussion of Duggin’s upcoming departure from the White House staff.
Deputy Assistant to the President (1983-1985), and Deputy Director, Office of Presidential Personnel; Special Assistant to the President and Director, Office of Cabinet Affairs (1981-1983); and Deputy Director, Presidential Personnel. Interviewed on 07/16/1985 by Terry Good. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 56 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include a description of her position and duties in the Office of Presidential Personnel; her contacts with Congress and various departments and agencies; the basis for White House clearance and placement; her typical day at Presidential Personnel; her function and duties in Cabinet Affairs; organization of the Office of Cabinet Affairs; her typical day in Cabinet Affairs; the management of Presidential Personnel; involvement in the development of policy; and her new duties and responsibilities.
Office of Communications: Media Coordinator, Office of Media Relations (known as Media Relations and Planning during her time at the White House) (1981-1984). Interviewed on 11/04/1984. (One 60 minute audio tape; 33:16 minutes)
Topics discussed include Duval’s handling of the recorded activities of the President such
as interviews, weekly radio addresses and public service announcements. She discusses at
length media responsibilities during President Reagan’s trip to South Korea which included a visit to the border of North and South Korea, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Office of Public Liaison: Executive Assistant (Linda Chavez)(1986). Associate Director (1986) Interviewed on 04/10/1986. (One 60 minute tape; 63:46 minutes)
Topics discussed focus on Eberly’s duties as Chavez’s executive assistant and management of the Office of Public Liaison. He discusses the major changes instituted by
Chavez in the organization of the Office of Public Liaison. This included changing the
Office from a structure based on constituent organizations to an issues based structure.
Eberly discusses his standing-in for Chavez when needed and personnel issues. He also discusses major issues handled by the Office of Public Liaison in 1986 including tax
reform, trade issues, and Contra aid.
Office of the First Lady: Deputy Director, Projects (1981-1983). Interviewed by Terry Good on 05/10/1984. (One 60 minute audio tape, ca. 20 minutes)
The main interview topic is Eberly’s duties handling Mrs. Reagan’s correspondence. Eberly was responsible for answering and drafting Mrs. Reagan’s correspondence from the general public (more personal items went to Mrs. Reagan’s personal assistant), creating standardized responses (“templates”), coordinating Mrs. Reagan’s scrapbooks, and handling the correspondence paper trail (tracking, coding, and staffing). Eberly also discusses her role in reviewing and planning events for Mrs. Reagan (mostly related to drug abuse projects).
Office of Communications: Staff Assistant (1981)
Director, Speakers Bureau, Media Relations and Planning (1982-1984). Interviewed on 01/11/1984. (Two 90 minute audio tapes; ca. 95 minutes).
Elmets discusses his typical duties while at both roles on the White House staff. He also
Discusses his work with the press and his responsibility as a speech writer for Franklyn
(Lyn) Nofziger and Edward Rollins.
Special Assistant to the President, Personal Photographer to the President. Interviewed by Terry Good on 09/09/1985. (2 60 minute audio tapes, c. 85 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include when Michael Evans photographed Ronald Reagan; background on the set up of the White House Photographic Office; types of photos taken; relationships with White House staff; role of Michael Deaver; role of the Personal Photographer; relations with the media; and the White House Photographic lab.
Office of Cabinet Affairs: Executive Secretary (1982-1988). Interviewed on 08/31/1988.
(Two 60 minute audio tapes; c. 72 minutes)
During this interview Patsy Faoro explains how she came to work at the White House
during the Reagan Administration and describes some of her duties in the Office of
Cabinet Affairs. Faoro worked initially for the George H.W. Bush campaign and later
worked for the Reagan-Bush 1980 campaign. She continued working for the Transition
Team after the election was over. Faoro discusses her typical duties which included
answering phones, assisting Cabinet members, sitting in on all Cabinet meetings and
writing briefing papers for the Cabinet meetings. Faoro was also assisted with pre-
advance duties for various Cabinet members.
Office of Presidential Personnel: Deputy Director, Boards and Commissions (1982). Interviewed on 07/01/1982. (One 60 minute audio tape; 30:38 minutes)
J. Michael Farrell discusses his duties in the White House, but goes into the most detail
about his work with personnel recruitment and placement during the transition period
prior to the Reagan Administration.
Assistant Photo Editor, White House Photographic Office. Interviewed by Terry Good on 08/10/1988. (Two 60 minute audio tapes, c. 96 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include background information regarding the documentation of the photographic history of the President; types of documentation and photographic coverage; Presidential events and the “Turf Builders Club;” trips with the President; and relations with the media.
Office of Policy Development: Senior Staff Member (1983). Interviewed on 04/18/1983.
(One 90 minute audio tape, ca. 56 minutes)
Peter Ferrara discusses his work on the concept of Enterprise Zones and reforming Social
Security.
Office of Public Diplomacy, Central America. Interviewed by Terry Good jointly with Cresencia (Cris) Arcos, Jr. on 02/04/1988. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 60 minutes)/
This is a joint interview of Mr. Arcos and Mr. Fisk, who served together in the same White House unit for the same period of time. Topics include: Arcos’ and Fisk’s work in the State Department prior to joining the White House staff; their respective roles within the Office of Public Diplomacy on Central America; the role of this Office within the Reagan White House, and in relationship to the NSC; the effect on their work of the Congressional Contra aid votes, and the Arias peace plan for Central America; Administration strategy for the presentation of Nicaraguan defector Major Miranda Bengoechea to the press; the February 1988 Congressional vote rejecting the Administration’s request for additional aid to the Contras; typical workday activities for Mr. Arcos and Mr. Fisk; their office’s contribution to Administration efforts regarding Central America; the history of the concept of “public diplomacy”; and their evaluations of the Administration’s efforts to promote its Central America policies
White House Communications Agency: Audio Production (1986). Interviewed on 03/26/1986.
(Two 60 minute audio tapes; ca. 70 minutes)
Mr, Folsom was a member of the United States Air Force detailed to the White House
Communications Agency which is part of the White House Military Office. Folsom
discusses various types of equipment he typically used in the audiovisual section; his
work with the Vice President and First Lady’s recordings and his work directly with the
National Archives.
Associate Director, Office of Public Liaison (1982-1983). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 12/13/1983. (One 90-minute audio tape, c. 42 minutes)
Mr. Gale begins this interview by briefly discussing his prior jobs as Jewish liaison for the 1980 Reagan Presidential campaign and lobbyist for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). He then describes his role in the Reagan White House, including his ongoing dialogues with Jewish American leaders and groups on issues such as the AWACS airplane sale to Saudi Arabia, Administration policy toward Israel, Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, Soviet Jewish emigration, and human rights abroad. Mr. Gale also discusses: the structure and staffing of the Office of Public Liaison; his relationship with the informal, private-sector “Jewish Coalition” that occasionally met with President Reagan; the President’s participation in events commemorating the Holocaust; the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to be built in Washington; and his upcoming departure from the Reagan White House.
Comments and Inquiries Office (Office of Correspondence): Clerk & Volunteer (1981-1983)
Comments and Inquiries Office: Assistant to the Director (Joan deCain) (1983-85). Interviewed on 08/30/1985. (One 60 minute audio tape; 23 minutes)
Mr. Gallagher discusses his supervision of volunteers answering office phones and
responding to routine correspondence requests.Mr. Gallagher started at the White House
as a volunteer.
Garrett, H. Lawrence (Larry), III
Office of Counsel to the President: Associate Council (1985); Assistant Counsel (1981/1983-85). 03/19/1986
Office of Public Affairs: Special Assistant to the President and Director, Public Affairs (1987-88); Deputy Director, Public Affairs (1985-87). Office of Cabinet Affairs; Associate Director (1983-85). Interviewed on 10/22/1987. (Two 60 minute audio tapes; 1 hour, 46 minutes)
Thomas Gibson divides his interview into covering his experiences in two separate
offices in the White House: Cabinet Affairs and Public Affairs. Gibson begins by
describing his duties in the Office of Cabinet Affairs: setting agendas for the Cabinet
Council meetings; writing background papers for the meetings and problem solving.
In 1985 Gibson moved to the Office of Public Affairs to work with Pat Buchanan.
Gibson’s discusses his major responsibilities including drafting briefing materials for the
President; preparing the President for press conferences; writing weekly issues papers for
the President on behalf of Pat Buchanan and compiling daily issue digests.
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Special Assistant to the President (1983-85). 05/08/1985
Office of Public Liaison: Administrative Assistant to the Director of Public Liaison (Faith Whittlesey (1984). Interviewed on 01/30/1984 (One 60 minute audio tape; ca. 16 minutes)
Graf-Strobel discusses her responsibilities as the Executive Assistant to Faith Whittlesey,
which included being in charge of scheduling for Ms. Whittlesey.
Office of Policy Information: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director (1982). Office of Policy Development: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director (1981). 08/01/1982
Interviewed on 08/02/1982. (One 90 minute tape; ca. 61 minutes)
The bulk of this interview Gray discusses his time working in California for then
Governor Reagan. He touches briefly on his time at the White House.
Associate Director, Office of Public Liaison (1985-1988). Interviewed by Terry Good on 06/29/1988. (One 45-minute audio tape, ca. 18 minutes)
Key topics include: Mr. Green’s joining the Reagan White House staff; the role and structure of the Office of Public Liaison, including its relationships with other White House units and Cabinet departments; Green’s work promoting the Administration’s defense and foreign policy positions, and reaching out to the Jewish American community; the types of materials likely to document Green’s work at the future Reagan Presidential Library; and his plans after leaving the Reagan Administration.
Office of Public Affairs: Staff Assistant/Writer (1985). Interviewed on 12/24/1985.
(One 60 minute audio tape; ca; 58 minutes)
Frank Gregorsky discusses his work with Patrick (Pat) Buchanan during his exit
interview. He also discusses his involvement in writing and publishing newsletters.
Office Communications: Assistant to the President, Communications and Planning (1987-1988). Interviewed by Terry Good on 07/15/1988. (One 60 minute audio tape, ca. 55 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include the transition of the position of Chief of Staff from Donald Regan to Howard Baker; responsibilities, role and activities during Administration; and administrative style.
Office of Policy Development: Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Director, Commerce and Trade (1982-1984). Interviewed on 06/14/1984. (One 90 minute audio tape; ca. 1 hour, 13 minutes)
During his exit interview Mr. Gunn discusses his work in the Office of Policy
Development, including his involvement in working groups.
Assistant to the President for Policy Development (1982-1983); Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Interviewed on 07/23/1985 by Rod Ross. (One 90 minute audio tape ca. 70 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include the nature of his contact with Ronald Reagan prior to the 1980 campaign; his involvement in the 1980 campaign and transition; the Inspector General Program; role in the Economic Recovery Program; role in budget and tax bills; his typical day at OMB ; involvement in personnel administration at OMB; David Stockman and the Atlantic Monthly article; his role while at OPD; 1983 State of the Union address; Cabinet Councils; the Reagan style versus the Nixon Style; Legislative Strategy meetings; high technology and the economy; and the Flat Rate Tax.
Office of the Press Secretary: Editorial Assistant, News Summary (1981). 06/16/1983
News Summary Office: Director, News Summary and Audio Service (1981-1985).02/13/1986
Office of Presidential Personnel: Administrative Assistant (1981-1982). 09/01/1982
Office of Counsel to the President: Deputy Counsel to the President (1981-1985). 06/10/1986
Economic Policy Council: Deputy Executive Secretary (1986-1987). 05/01/1987
Office of Drug Abuse Policy: Special Assistant (1982-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on 04/16/1984. (One 90 minute audio tape, ca. 65 minutes)
Key interview topics include a discussion of the purpose of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy, office staffing issues and Healy’s role as an advisor, educator and administration spokesperson on alcoholism and alcohol related issues. There is an extensive discussion of alcoholism in general. Researchers should note that very little of Healy’s work is documented in Reagan Library files. Most of her records reside within the files of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Advance Office: Assistant to the President and Director, Presidential Advance (1987); Deputy Assistant to the President and Director, President Advance (1982-1985). 09/25/1987
Office of Counsel to the President: Assistant Counsel (1985). 01/17/1986
Special Support Services: Assistant to the President and Director (1981-1985). 02/11/1986
Office of Media Relations: Assistant Director, Speakers Bureau (1982). 04/28/1982
Office Intergovernmental Affairs: Deputy Assistant to the President (1981-1982). 06/27/1983
Office of Policy Information: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Office of Policy Information (1982-1984). Interviewed by Terry Good on 03/19/1984. (One 60 minute audio tape, ca 20 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include the OPD Cabinet Council system; differences between the Office of Policy Development and the Office of Policy Information; and functions of the Office of Policy Information.
Office of Appointments and Scheduling: Deputy Director (1984-1986). 10/20/1986
Office Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President and Director, Business Liaison (1983-1985). 12/23/1985
Office of Presidential Personnel: Assistant to the President and Director (1981-1982). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 08/06/1982. (1 60 minute tape, ca. 40 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include plans to staff the Reagan Administration beginning in November 1979 and continuing through the campaign and transition; the five criteria for appointment to the Reagan White House; administrative aspects regarding how individuals were appointed to key positions; appointment of minorities; and recruitment and retention.
Office of Counsel to the President: Assistant Counsel (1986). 07/11/1986
Office of Counsellor to the President: Deputy Counsellor to the President (1981-1983). 05/11/1984
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President, Women (1982-1983). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 09/16/1983. (2 60 minute audio tapes, ca. 62 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include her involvement in husband Roger Jepsen's gubernatorial and senatorial campaigns; the "gender gap"; and the need to communicate the President's agenda with the different women's organizations.
Office of Presidential Personnel: Administrative Assistant (1985-1988). 08/11/1988
Mail Section: Chief. 04/01/1986
Office of the First Lady: Special Projects Officer (1981-1983). Interviewed by Terry Good on September 13, 1984 (1 90 minute audio tape ca. 17 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include duties of a Special Projects Officer, such as conducting advance work for events held in the Washington D.C. area and some foreign travel, maintaining Mrs. Reagan’s private schedules, and selecting guest for White House events. Ms. Karalekas also discusses her background and the type of contact she had with Mrs. Reagan.
Office of Policy Development: Assistant Director, Commerce and Trade (1982); Senior Policy Adviser (1981). (1 audiotape, approximately 20 minute interview)
Key topics included the 1981 transition at Department of Treasury; the cabinet council process; and Kass' responsibilities in the Office of Policy Development and as Executive Secretary for the Cabinet Council for Commerce and Trade.
Office of Public Affairs: Staff; Office of the First Lady: Deputy Press Secretary (1982-1983). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 06/13/1983. (One 90 minute audio tape, ca. 32 minutes)
Key interview topics include Kazanjian’s work for the Office of Public Affairs on the “100 Days” project, briefing papers, communications strategy, background research, and the news coverage of presidential events. Also covered is her move to the First Lady’s office, where she wrote editorials, articles, Questions and Answers; and developed press kits about Mrs. Reagan’s drug abuse programs and foster grandparent program. The interview includes a discussion of the organization of the office, the role of the First Lady, and the White House china controversy in historical perspective.
Office of Private Sector Initiatives: Director, Communications (1984-1986). 08/05/1986
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director (1986-1988). 03/31/1988
Office of the Cabinet Secretary: Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary (1985-1988). (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 40 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include the changes in the Cabinet Council from the first Administration to the second; how the new Cabinet Council system functioned; interaction with departments and agencies; and his typical day at the office.
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President, Defense and Foreign Policy (1983-1988). 04/19/1988
Advance Office: Advance Staff (1981-1983). 04/19/1983
Office of Cabinet Affairs: Associate Director (1987-1988). 11/18/1988
Office of the Counsel to the President: Secretary (1981-1984). 04/13/1984
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs & Political Affairs: Deputy Assistant to the President. 06/16/1986
Office of Political Affairs: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director (1985); Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director (1982-1984). 06/14/1983
Advance Office: Advance Staff. 11/24/1987
Office of Policy Information: Senior Policy Analyst (1982). 01/03/1983
Special Support Services: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director
(1981-1982). 06/18/1982
Office of Presidential Personnel: Associate Director (1985). 03/29/1985
Presidential Advance Office: Staff Assistant (1985-1987). 09/04/1987
Office of Appointments and Scheduling: Deputy Director (1983). 01/03/1984
Office of Political Affairs: Associate Director (1985-1988). 03/23/1988
Office of White House Correspondence. 01/07/1983
Office of Communications: Administrative Assistant (1981). 04/23/1982
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director, Women and Hispanic Affairs (1982-1982). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 02/03/1983. (One 90 minute audio tape, c. 43 minutes; ends mid-discussion because side 2 of the tape is missing)
Key interview topics include Lozano’s role in the 1980 campaign, Hispanic outreach in the 1980 campaign, comparison with the 1972 campaign and general Hispanic concerns. Lozano also discusses possible 1984 campaign strategies toward Hispanic communities and women. Her interview covers her role in the Office of Public Liaison where she handled women’s groups, minorities, aging, disabled, ethnic groups, etc.; outreach for all groups; strategies of communication for women; the “50 States” project; legal and economic equity programs; as well as office staffing and management issues.
Office of White House Correspondence: Deputy Director (1981-1982). 12/17/1984
Deputy Director, Office of Public Affairs (1984-85); Director, Office of Public Affairs (1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on August 22, 1985. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 45 minutes)
After a brief discussion of Mack’s background prior to joining the Reagan White House, key topics include: the role and structure of the Office of Public Affairs as a unit within the Office of Communications; Mack’s daily schedule and tasks as both Director and Deputy Director of Public Affairs; the Public Affairs Office’s role in preparing the President for press conferences and interviews, and for the first Reagan-Mondale Presidential debate; and the types of records created, utilized and retained by the Public Affairs office.
Office of Policy Development: Policy Analyst (1981). 07/26/1982
Maseng, Mari
Office of Public Liaison: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director (1986-1987); Office of Speechwriting: Speechwriter (1981-1983). 08/23/1983, 06/26/1987
Key topics discussed include th 1980 campaign; the speechwriting process including the President’s involvement; Public Liaison Office and the private sector.
Office of Political Affairs: Special Assistant to the President (1981-1982). 10/29/1982
Office of the Press Secretary: Assistant Press Secretary (1986). 03/02/1987
Office of the Press Secretary: Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary (1985-1988). Office of Policy Development: Deputy Assistant Director, Economic Affairs (1983-1985). 03/09/1988
Office of Legislative Affairs: Special Assistant, Senate (1985-1987). Interviewed by Terry Good on 11/17/1986. (1 60 minute tape, ca. 25 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include the functions and make-up of the Office of Legislative Affairs; comparisons of the office with other Administrations; day-to-day activities; dealings with Senate committees; and interaction with other departments and agencies.
Office of the First Lady: Deputy Assistant to the President and Staff Director (1981). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 04/13/1983. (One 90 minute audio tape, ca. 65 minutes)
Key interview topics include McCoy’s early association with the Reagans, particularly helping them move from Sacramento to Pacific Palisades; his 1976 campaign work as the Campaign Housing Chairman for the California delegation, handling V.I.P. support, and coordinating access to the Reagans; his 1980 campaign advance work supporting Mrs. Reagan. Once in the White House, McCoy continued to serve Mrs. Reagan, and the interview covers his responsibilities and projects. Topics of discussion include administrative issues relating to the First Lady’s Office, White House and Residence refurbishment, Mrs. Reagan’s image, State visits, foreign visits, Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding, alternate state dinners (intended for visiting dignitaries not accommodated at official State dinners), public relations issues, and the challenges of coordinating Mrs. Reagan’s schedules.
Advance Office: Advance Staff (1981-1982). 06/10/1982
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Special Assistant to the President (1981-83). 09/06/1983
National Archives and Records Administration: Federal Register Staff (1983-1984). 01/31/1985
Office of Public Liaison: Assistant, Communications (1983-1985). 07/09/1985
Office of the Counselor to the President: Executive Assistant to the Counselor (1981-1985). 09/12/1985
Drug Abuse Policy Office: Senior Policy Analyst (1987-1988). Interviewed by Terry Good on 03/29/1988 (One 60 minute audio tapes, ca. 45 minutes)
The key interview topics include Millstein’s duties in the Drug Abuse Policy Office (liaison to staff, policy implementation, follow-up on action items, draft statement of position), drug abuse issues (prevention, national attitudes), health issues, role of office in implementing the administration policies, the policy board, and office Director Ian McDonald. Millstein indicates that most of his files are at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Office of Policy Development: Assistant Director, Strategy (1982-1983). 07/19/1983
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff: Staff Assistant (1981-1983). 07/14/1983
Office of Planning and Evaluation: Policy Analyst. 04/16/1983
Office of Public Liaison: Assistant. 06/20/1983
Office of Appointments and Scheduling: Staff Assistant (1981-1983). 10/28/1983
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Deputy Assistant to the President (1982-1984). 09/05/1984 [35 minutes)
Key topics discussed include Advisory Committee on Federalism; Task Force on Puerto Rico and Caribbean Basin Initiative; Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Office of Appointment and Scheduling: Special Assistant to the President
(1981-1982). 05/12/1982
Office of Speechwriting: Special Assistant to the President and Speechwriter (1985-1986).
06/18/1986 (75 minutes)
Key topics discussed include organization of Speechwriting office; research for speeches; Pointe du Hoc and Challenger speeches.
Office of Legislative Affairs: Assistant to the President (1983-1986); Deputy Assistant
to the President, House (1982-1983); Special Assistant, Legislative Affairs (1981).
Interviewed on 02/27/1986 by Terry Good. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 20 minutes)
This is a very brief, terse interview. Oglesby discusses the basic structure, functions and responsibilities of the Office of Legislative Affairs. Structure had not changed for the office since he was promoted to Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, replacing Kenneth Duberstein in December 1983 as Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs.
Office of Public Liaison: Secretary. 07/12/1984.
Office of Speechwriting: Speechwriter (1981-1983). 11/23/1983 (60 minutes)
Key topics discussed include speechwriting for President and First Lady; President’s involvement in process.
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Special Assistant (1982). 03/31/1982
Advance Office: Advance Staff. 07/28/1988
Office of the First Lady: Deputy Director, Special Events. Interviewed by Terry Good on 06/19/1987. (One 60 minute audio tapes, ca. 18 minutes)
The main topic discussed is Perreault’s responsibilities of handling Mrs. Reagan’s correspondence (approx. 240 pieces of mail daily) and coordinating her scrapbooks. The interview covers the process of tracking, answering, coordinating, and in some cases following up on the first lady’s mail. During Perreault’s period of employment, September 1985 to June 1987, Mrs. Reagan personally signed most items.
Office of Public Liaison: Associate Director, Youth (1985). 05/31/1985
Office of the Press Secretary: Assistant Press Secretary (1985-1987). 03/06/1987
Office of Presidential Personnel: Associate Director, Energy, Environment, and Transportation (1985-1988). 09/09/1988
Office of Media Relations: Director, Speakers Bureau (1982). 04/25/1983
Office of Legislative Affairs: Director, Congressional Correspondence (1981-1983). 01/11/1984
Office of the Counselor to the President: Staff Assistant to the Counselor (1981-1983). 06/03/1983
White House Television Office (WHTV): Director. 04/10/1985. (50 minutes)
Key topics discussed include organization of White House television office; duties and daily operation of the staff and camera crews; film coverage of the President and First Lady.
Private Sector Initiatives: Assistant to the Director. 08/21/1983; 08/24/1983
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Special Assistant to the President (1981-1982). 01/13/1983
Office of Media Relations: Special Assistant to the President and Director, Media Relations (1985-1987); Associate Director (1984-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on 07/28/1987. (One 60 minute audio tapes, ca. 60 minutes)
Key interview topics include the Media Relations office, changes in staff over time, changes in communications technologies and the White House need to respond to them, her role in handling non-D.C. based media people, production issues (e.g. room setup, room size), increasing demand for space and media coverage of presidential events, her role as a liaison between the media and other agencies, her role as spokesperson on White House communications, and her perspective on the “4th Estate” in general. Most of side 2 of the tape covers Richard’s memories from the White House, including anecdotes about Ronald Reagan and her recollections of the assassination attempt and space shuttle explosion.
Office to the Counsellor to the President: Special Assistant to the Counsellor (1985). 03/26/1985.
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President and Director, Labor and
Veterans (1983-1985). 04/18/1985 (1 60 minute tape, ca. 43 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include functions of Public Liaison office and
his responsibilities as liaison to labor, veterans, and fraternal organizations;
working relationships within the White House and various groups; and a discussion
on his daily activities.
Office of Planning and Evaluation: Associate Director (1985). 04/14/1986
Office of Policy Development: Assistant (1982-1983). 05/03/1983
Office of Administration, Office of the Director: Assistant to the President, Management and Director, Office of Administration (1982-1985). Director (1981). 10/07/1985
Key topics discussed include reorganization of the White House; restoration of the Old Executive Office Building (OEOB); and the Inaugural Committee.
Office of Policy Development: Special Assistant to the President, Health Policy (1984-1985) 06/30/1986
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director, Defense (1983). Interviewed by Rod Ross on 12/01/1983. (1 60 minute tape, ca. 27 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include his early associations with Ronald Reagan; involvement in the 1976 and 1980 Reagan Presidential campaigns; his work in Congress; the "Core Group"; and responsibilities as administration liaison to the business and agriculture interests of the private sector.
Office of Counsel to the President: Associate Counsel (1981-1985). 03/06/1985
Office of Presidential Personnel: Associate Director (1981-1983). 11/30/1983
Office of Appointments and Scheduling: Special Assistant to the President and Director (1982-1983). 03/11/1983
Office of Presidential Advance: Presidential Advanceman (1985-1988). 07/15/1988
Schnepper, Mary (Marty) McGeen
Office of Public Liaison: Associate Director, Health (1985-1988). Interviewed by Terry Good on 05/02/1988. (Two 90 minute audio tapes, ca. 109 minutes)
Key interview topics include the Office of Public Liaison (OPL), Schnepper’s role in coordinating briefings for health special interest groups, and her move to Faith Whittlesey’s OPL department. There she was responsible for paper flow in the office, acted as liaison for children and the disabled, and worked on policy development and changes involving health care matters. The interview includes discussions of health care financing, and administrative and organizational issues within the OPL. Schnepper eventually moved into the business area of OPL, where she worked on business related political liaison, and briefings, policy coordination between the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services. She briefly discusses her personal experience with “gender-based” behavior in the White House.
Schuettinger, Robert L.
Office of Policy Information: Senior Policy Analyst (1982). 04/07/1982, 01/27/1983
Office of Legislative Affairs: Special Assistant to the President, House (1982-1983). Interviewed by Terry Good, 03/13/1984. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 30 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include the budget process between the White House, the Cabinet Departments, and the House of Representatives; MX Missile; Jobs Bill; Revenue Sharing Bill; Organization of the Office of Legislative Affairs.
Office of Policy Development: Senior Policy Analyst (1985-1986). 03/12/1987
Key topics discussed include the 1980 campaign; immigration; day care for Seniors; catastrophic materials on the highway; Sioux self-determination plan.
Property Review Board: Deputy Director (1981-1985). 05/14/1985
Shepherd, Katherine (Charlie)
Office of White House Correspondence. Staff Assistant. 06/02/1988
Office of Counsel to the President: Associate Counsel (1985-1987). 01/08/1987
Office of Media Relation: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director. Media Relations and Planning (1982-1983). Office of the Press Secretary: Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary (1981). 09/15/1986
Office of Policy Development: Deputy Assistant Director, Commerce and Trade (1982); Policy Advisor (1981). 11/19/1982
Office of Counsellor to the President: Special Assistant to the Counsellor (1981-1983). 09/21/1983
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director (1985). 02/10/1986
U.S.I.A.: Country Officer, Central Africa (1985-1986). 09/25/1984
Office of Cabinet Affairs: Associate Director (1985-1988). 12/18/1987
Office of Policy Development: Assistant to the President (1983-1986). Interviewed by Terry Good on 09/30/1986. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 20 minutes)
Key topics discussed in the interview include the administrative duties of the AP for Policy Development; functions of the Office for Policy Development; description of his typical day; and contacts with agencies and departments.
Office of Counsellor to the President: Secretary (1983). 04/27/1984
Office of Legislative Affairs: Deputy Assistant to the President, House (1983-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on 04/30/1985. (1 60 minute audio tape, ca. 25 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include the budget process for the Central American aid package and the MX Missile; budget role of the Cabinet departments and the Office of Legislative Affairs; internal organization of the Office of Legislative Affairs.
Office of Public Liaison: Deputy Special Assistant to the President (1981-1983). 03/31/1983
Office of the Press Secretary: Radio Actualities, News Summary (1981-1983). 06/15/1983
Office of the Press Secretary: Editorial Assistant (1982). 01/14/1983
Office of Presidential Personnel: Associate Director (1982-1985). 09/10/1985
Office of Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President, Budget (1981-1982). 03/23/1983
Office of Public Liaison: White House Fellow, Youth Issues (1982-1983). 08/25/1983
Office Public Liaison: Special Assistant to the President, Hispanic Issues (1983-1985). 08/13/1985
Office Presidential Personnel: Assistant to the President and Director (1982); Deputy Assistant to the President (1982). Office of the President: Special Assistant to the President (1981). Interviewed by Marie Allen on 06/08/1983. (1 90 minute audio tape, ca. 20 minutes) Please note that the tape cuts off after approximately 20 minutes and does not re-start.
Key topics discussed in the interview include how she began working for Ronald Reagan; duties and responsibilities as the President's Personal Secretary (gubernatorial years and early Reagan Administration); and the difficulties in selecting qualified individuals to fill vacancies within the Administration.
Office of Presidential Personnel: Associate Director (1985). 08/19/1985
Office of Counsel to the President: Senior Associate Counsel to the President (1982-1985); Assistant Counsel (1981). 07/09/1985
White House Operations: Financial Officer (1984). 11/10/1987
Office of Public Liaison: Assistant to the President (1983-1985). 26 04/1985.
Advance Office:: Advance Staff (1982). 06/25/1982
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Assistant to the President (1981-1982). 04/06/1983
Office of Counsel to the President: Associate Counsel (1984-1985). 06/07/1985
Office of Administration, Office of the Director: Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director, Office of Administration (1985); General Counsel (1984). Office of Counsel to the President: Assistant Counsel (1981-1983). 09/30/1985
Office of Presidential Personnel: Associate Director (1984-1985); Deputy Director, Administration (1982-1983). 08/05/1985
Office of Legislative Affairs: Special Assistant to the President, House (1981-1983). 06/22/1984
Office of the First Lady: Director, Projects (1981-1985). Interviewed by Terry Good on March 18, 1985 (1 90 minute audio tape ca. 56 minutes)
Key topics discussed in this interview include duties of the Director of Projects for the First Lady, such as the coordination and advance preparations for events associate with the primary areas of interest to Mrs. Reagan, such as the Foster Grand Parents Program, which included the writing of the book and song To Love a Child to raise funds, visits to drug abuse treatment, prevention, and education programs through out the country, the handling of Mrs. Reagan’s correspondence, and contacts with other White House Offices such as the Drug Abuse Policy Office
Office of Public Liaison: Deputy Special Assistant to the President (1982). 03/31/19