John A. (Jack) Svahn
Caucasian male. Born May 13, 1943, in New London, Connecticut. Moved frequently as an adolescent since father was in the U.S. Navy. Attended high school in Honolulu, Hawaii, then college at the University of Washington. Served in the U.S. Air Force, then attended the University of the Pacific McGeorge Law School and Georgetown University School of Law. In 1973, became Director of the California Department of Social Welfare, and subsequently held several positions in the federal government. In 1981, was appointed Commissioner of Social Security, and in 1983 was recruited to be the Assistant to the President for Policy Development under President Ronald Reagan. Was instrumental in helping to influence Reagan to sign the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.
Interviews
1:42:49 — 22 segments.