Dawson Recognized for Service in Reagan Administration

June 21, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC - With the passing of former President Ronald W. Reagan, pundits and scholars renewed discussions about his accomplishments and impact in U.S. politics. One significant aspect of the Reagan legacy is the number of key personnel from his administration that remain involved in the policymaking process.

The Washington Post recently published a list of influential government relations specialist with ties to the Reagan Administration. Robert K. Dawson, who served as the civilian head of the Army Corps of Engineers, was among those recognized. To read the full article, click here. Mr. Dawson is now President of Dawson & Associates, a Washington, DC government relations firm.

Mike Strachn, Senior Vice President at Dawson & Associates, "Bob is extremely proud to have been on President Reagan's team. His tenure provided not only the opportunity to serve the President in key policy-making positions but also first-hand experience in federal programs that are so vital to every American. During the last two years of the Reagan Administration, Bob served right in the White House compound as Associate Director of the Office of Management and Budget. In that role, he attended cabinet meetings and felt firsthand the strength and character of President Reagan's leadership."

Mr. Dawson was appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works in 1981. After confirmation by the U.S. Senate, he was elevated to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works in 1985. Mr. Dawson's combined service in these two positions gives him the longest period of service by any political appointee in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. To view Mr. Dawson's Recommendation Letter from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum & Archives, click here. Mr. Dawson also served as Associate Director of the Office of Management and Budget at the White House. During his service as the civilian head of the Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works program, Mr. Dawson led the successful and historic fight to revitalize the Corps of Engineers' water project program through cost-sharing, user fees, and other innovative project financing methods.