Description
Peter Flanigan's responsibilities as Assistant to the President centered primarily on economic, commercial, and financial
areas. He was also named the Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy. Flanigan also was involved
in the selection process of individuals for non- career diplomatic posts. The Special Files include some documentation of
each of Flanigan's responsibilities.
Background
Peter Magnus Flanigan was born in New York City on June 21, 1923. He earned a B.A. degree in Economics summa cum laude from
Princeton University in 1947 after serving as a U.S. Navy carrier pilot during World War II. During the period 1947-49, he
worked as a statistical analyst with the New York investment banking firm of Dillon, Read & Co., Inc. Flanigan later became
a Vice President in 1954 of that firm after working as an assistant program (financial) analyst in 1949-50 at the Economic
Corporation Administration Mission to the United Kingdom in London, England. In November 1954, he married Brigid Snow, daughter
of Carmel Snow, U.S. Editor of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, and lawyer George Palen Snow.
Flanigan’s interest in politics led him to become a member of the Executive Committee of the Ninth Assembly District Club
in New York City from 1955 to 1959. He became Chairman of the New Yorkers for Nixon organization in 1959 and, the following
year, served as National Director of the Volunteers for Nixon-Lodge. He returned as Deputy Campaign Manager of Richard Nixon’s
1968 presidential campaign.
Following Nixon’s election victory, Peter Flanigan became a consultant to the President on administration staff. His consultancy
lasted from January 20 to April 15, 1969. The next day, April 16, he became an Assistant to the President. His responsibilities
as an Assistant related to domestic policy, commerce, and economics issues. He also served as an Assistant to the President
for International Economic Affairs from January 1972 until 1974. In addition, Flanigan held the position of Executive Director
of the Council on International Economic Policy, Executive Office of the President from February 1972 until the end of the
Nixon administration in 1974.
In 1975, Flanigan returned to Dillon, Read as Managing Director and Executive Officer. He left the firm in 1992. During the
period 1978-1998, he was the Managing Director of Anheuser-Busch. Flanigan resumed his public service when he was appointed
by President Ronald Reagan to serve as a Member of the President’s Economic Policy Advisory Board on March 13, 1981. His work
with the Board ended in 1984.
Flanigan’s philanthropic efforts include being a Founding Board Member of the Alliance for School Choice as well as the founder
several education-related organizations, including Student Sponsor Partners, the Center for Education Innovation of the Manhattan
Institute, and the Patrons Program. As of 2012, Peter Flanigan is an advisor at USB Securities LLC and a Trustee of the Manhattan
Institute.
Restrictions
Most government records are in the public domain, however, this series includes commercial materials, such as newspaper clippings,
that may be subject to copyright restrictions. Researchers should contact the copyright holder for information.