Nomination of Robert A. McConnell To Be an Assistant Attorney General
May 4, 1981
The President today announced his intention to nominate Robert A. McConnell to be an Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice.
Since 1978 Mr. McConnell has been a partner with the firm of Steiger, Helm, Kyle & McConnell of Tempe, Ariz. He also served as special counsel to the attorney general of Arizona in certain specific lawsuits. Since 1976 he has been director and officer with the Program Development Corp., a consulting firm specializing in campaign management, fundraising, and governmental relations. In 1975-78 Mr. McConnell was an attorney in private practice and was with the firm of Sparks, Siler and McConnell in 1973-75 in Scottsdale, Ariz. In 1970-73 he was legislative assistant to Representative John J. Rhodes (R-Ariz.).
Mr. McConnell was graduated from Arizona State University (B.A., 1967; J.D., 1970).
Mr. McConnell is married and resides in Tempe, Ariz. He was born in Long Beach, Calif., on August 29, 1944.
Nomination of Reese H. Taylor, Jr., To Be a Member of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and Designation as Chairman
May 4, 1981
The President today announced his intention to nominate Reese H. Taylor, Jr., to be a member of the Interstate Commerce Commission for a term of 7 years from January 1, 1977, vice Robert J. Corber. Upon confirmation, the President intends to designate Mr. Taylor Chairman.
In 1971 Mr. Taylor became a partner in the law firm of Laxalt, Berry & Allison of Carson City, Nev. In 1978 the firm was reorganized and incorporated as Allison, Brunetti, MacKenzie & Taylor, Ltd. His work with the firm consisted primarily of an administrative law practice, with particular emphasis on regulatory matters pertaining to public utilities and transportation companies.
In 1967-71 he was chairman of the Public Service Commission of Nevada and in 1967-69 was also vice chairman of the Nevada Tax Commission. In 1967-71 he was also a member of the Governor's Cabinet and his Civil Defense Advisory Council. Previously he was associated with law firms in Las Vegas, Nev., and Los Angeles, Calif.
Mr. Taylor was graduated from Stanford University (1949) and Cornell Law School (1952).
Mr. Taylor is married, has three children, and resides in Carson City, Nev. He was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 6, 1928.
Nomination of Carleton S. Coon, Jr., To Be United States Ambassador to Nepal
May 4, 1981
The President today announced his intention to nominate Carleton S. Coon, Jr., of New Hampshire, as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Nepal, vice Phillip R. Trimble, resigned.
Mr. Coon entered the Foreign Service in 1949 and was assigned to Frankfurt am Main. He was consular-economic officer in Damascus in 1952-56 and economic officer in New Delhi in 1956-59. In the Department, he was foreign affairs officer in 1959-61 and officer in charge of Cyprus affairs, then international relations officer in 1961-63. in 1963-65 he was principal officer in Tabriz. He was officer in charge of India, Nepal, Ceylon affairs in the Department, in 1965-68. He attended the National War College in 1968-69. He was Chief of Presidential Appointments staff in the Office of Director General of the Foreign Service in 1969-70. In 1970-73 Mr. Coon was Deputy Chief of Mission in Kathmandu. He was diplomat in residence at Carleton College in 1973-74. He was Deputy Chief of Mission (Minister-Counselor) in Rabat in 1974-76. In 1976-79 he was Deputy Director of the Foreign Service Institute, and since 1979 he has been country director of the Office of North African Affairs in the Bureau of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs.
Mr. Coon was born April 27, 1927, in Paris, France. He graduated from Harvard University (B.A., 1949). He is married, has six children, and resides in Weare, N.H.