Kenneth M. Duberstein, LL.D. '65

Alumni Citation Award Recipient - 2009

Kenneth M. Duberstein is Chairman and C.E.O. of the Duberstein Group, Inc., an independent planning and consulting company based in Washington, D.C. For more than three decades Ken has been a presence in Washington, where he is described as "Counselor to the Presidents" - a designation recognizing his ability to influence national and world politics.

After graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in 1965, Ken served as a research assistant for Senator Jacob K. Javits of New York. In 1967, he earned his M.A. from American University and returned to Franklin & Marshall to work as the administrative assistant to President Spalding. In 1970 he accepted a position with General Services Administration, ultimately becoming its Director of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, and he became the Deputy Undersecretary of Labor for Legislative and Intergovernmental Activities for the Ford administration in 1976. During the Carter administration, Ken moved to the private sector where he served as the Vice President and Director of Business - Government Relations for the Committee for Economic Development.

Ken joined the Reagan administration in 1981, serving as both Assistant and Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. He left the post in 1983 to join the Washington consulting firm of Timmons and Co. as their Vice President. He rejoined the Reagan administration in 1987 as Deputy Chief of Staff and was appointed White House Chief of Staff the following year.

Ken headed the administration's transition to the Presidency of George H. W. Bush and in 1989 he created the Duberstein Group. Over the years he has continued to serve the White House as the person responsible for shepherding Administration nominees, such as Clarence Thomas, David Souter, George Schultz and Robert Gates, through Congressional hearings.

Ken is a familiar face on television, where he regularly appears as a commentator on network and cable news programs including Meet the Press, Nightline, This Week, The News Hour and Nightly News. He also was a consultant for storyline and accuracy for the Emmy-award winning TV series, West Wing.

Ken shares his expertise as a member of the Board of Directors of several organizations including The Boeing Company, Conoco Phillips, Inc., the Council on Foreign Relations and The Travelers Company. In addition, he serves on a wide range of commissions, task forces, and cultural, educational and volunteer boards and is an Honorary Trustee of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

In 1989, Ken was presented an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Franklin & Marshall College. He has served the College as a member of the Board of Trustees since 1985, contributing his time and talents on numerous committees. He chairs the campaign for Business, Government and Public Policy and was among an elite group of alumni, with careers in government, that were expert panelists for the Forum on Presidential Politics - events that energized the campaign resulting in the Patricia E. Harris Center for Business, Government and Public Policy.

The Franklin and Marshall Alumni Citation is presented annually to an alumna or alumnus who is distinguished in a particular profession, has provided dedicated leadership and service to the community, and has established an exemplary record of accomplishment in a specific field of endeavor. Kenneth M. Duberstein, in recognition of your remarkable achievements in government and dedication as an alumnus, we are proud to bestow upon you the 2009 Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Citation.