Max Friedersdorf

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.

Early life, education and journalism career
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.

Political career
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. as well as serving as Ambassador to Switzerland and Bermuda.

Reagan assassination attempt
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.

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.

Corporate service
In 1983, Friedersdorf became vice president of public affairs at Pepsico Inc.

Personal life and death
Friedersdorf married Priscilla Marion Jones and they had two children. Friedersdorf died on May 31, 2020, of respiratory failure.