Marlin Fitzwater, born in 1942 in Salina, Kansas, grew up on a farm in Dickinson County. Educated in Kansas, he graduated from Kansas State University in 1965, starting his writing career in college for multiple newspapers and eventually relocating to Washington, DC after graduating.
During his time in Washington, Fitzwater worked in Public Affairs at different federal agencies, including the Appalachian Regional Commission (1965–1967), the U.S. Department of Transportation (1970–1972), and the Environmental Protection Agency (1972–1981). Additionally, he held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of the Treasury from 1981 to 1983.
Rise to Prominence as Press Secretary
Following the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan, James Brady retained the title of White House Press Secretary as an honorary position for the entire Reagan Administration. In March 1987, Fitzwater assumed the role of Acting White House Press Secretary after Larry Speakes’s departure. He continued in this capacity until the end of the Reagan Administration and then served as Press Secretary for President George H.W. Bush throughout his presidency. He is the only man to have ever been appointed as White House Press Secretary by two U.S. Presidents.
Fitzwater’s ascent to the position of White House press secretary marked a turning point in his career. With his unparalleled communication skills and a deep understanding of political nuances, he seamlessly navigated the intricacies of the White House media landscape during the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.
After the White House
Post-White House, Martin Fitzwater became a consultant and lecturer on media relations, notably advising the TV show, The West Wing. He authored two books: Call the Briefing and Esther’s Pillow.
Fitzwater was also awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian award, in 1992.
Martin Fitzwater engaged with the press and promoted open dialogue, emphasizing transparent communication’s vital role in democracy. Even after his press secretary tenure, his influence guides future political communicators, highlighting integrity’s importance in governance.
