Bob Strauss

Robert Schwarz Strauss (born in Lockhart, Texas, October 19, 1918) is a highly influential figure in American politics and diplomacy. A high-powered Texas political figure, Strauss’s extensive political service dates back to future president Lyndon Johnson’s first congressional campaign in 1937. By the 1950s, he was closely associated in Texas politics with the conservative faction of the Democratic Party led by Johnson and John Connally. He served as the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee between 1972 and 1977 and served under President Jimmy Carter as the U.S. Trade Representative and special envoy to the Middle East. Strauss was selected by President George H.W. Bush to be the U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union in 1991 and after the USSR's collapse, he served as the U.S. ambassador to Russia from 1991 until 1993. Strauss has closely advised and represented U.S. presidents over three administrations and for both major U.S. political parties.

An accomplished lawyer, Strauss founded the law firm now known as Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in 1945, which has grown to be one of the largest in the world with offices in 15 cities and employing over 900 lawyers and professionals worldwide. [1] His extensive business activities have included serving on the Texas Banking Commission and as Chairman of the U.S.-Russia Business Council. Among many awards and accolades, Strauss was inducted into the Academy of Achievement in 2003 and was recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian award, on January 16, 1981. He is also a trustee of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and The Forum for International Policy, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission.