David R. Macdonald

David Robert Macdonald(November 1, 1930 – November 28, 2008) was an American government official. He served asUnited States Assistant Secretary of the Treasury(Enforcement, Operations, and Tariff Affairs) from 1974 to 1976; asUnder Secretary of the Navyfrom 1976 to 1977; and as DeputyU.S. Trade Representativefrom 1981 to 1983.

Biography

David Robert Macdonald was born inChicago, Illinoison November 1, 1930. He was educated atCornell University,receiving aB.S.in 1952, and at theUniversity of Michigan Law School,receiving aJ.D.in 1955. After serving in theUnited States Armyfrom 1955 to 1957, Macdonald took a job as an attorney with the Chicagolaw firmofKirkland & Ellis.He worked at Kirkland & Ellis until 1962, at which point he joinedBaker & McKenzieas apartner.

Macdonaldpracticed lawat Baker & McKenzie until 1974, when he left the firm upon being appointedAssistant Secretary of the Treasury(Enforcement, Operations, and Tariff Affairs). In 1976,President of the United StatesGerald Fordnominated Macdonald asUnder Secretary of the Navyand Macdonald held this office from September 14, 1976, to February 4, 1977.

Upon leaving public service in 1977, Macdonald returned to Baker & McKenzie. He also became a member of theboard of directorsof theChicago Crime Commissionat this time. In 1980, he was a member of the executive committee of theWorld Trade Conference.

From 1979 to 1981, Macdonald was an active member of theRepublican National Committee,serving on its Policy Board, Economic Affairs Council, and as cochairman of its tax subcommittee. In 1981, PresidentRonald Reagannamed Macdonald as a Deputy U.S. Trade Representative underUnited States Trade RepresentativeBill Brock,and Macdonald served in this capacity until 1983, at which point he again returned to Baker & McKenzie.

Macdonald died at home on November 28, 2008, at the age of 78.

Sources

• David R. Macdonald's papers at the Gerald Ford Presidential LibraryArchived2010-06-10 at theWayback Machine
• Press conference announcing nomination of Macdonald as Deputy United States Trade Representative