Larry Lee Pressler
Senator Larry Lee Pressler was born March 29, 1942 in Humboldt, South Dakota. He is a U.S. politician that served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1975-1979) for two terms, and then as a U.S. Senator (1979-1997) for three terms. After serving his time as a Senator, Pressler pursued business interests, lectured for universities, and was a lawyer. He is married to Harriet Pressler and has one daughter – Laura.
Education
Senator Pressler attended University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD and received a B.A. in Government, in the year 1964. After graduating from USD, he was chosen as a Rhode’s Scholar in 1964 and went on to study at Oxford University, Oxford, England in Public and Social Administration. In 1966, he attended Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government and received a Masters in Public Administration. In 1971, Pressler attended Harvard Law School and received a Juris Doctor.
Professional Experience
Senator Pressler served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant and served two tours in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. He then served as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer (FSR) from 1971 to 1974. He served as a member of the United States Congress, as both a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1975-1979) and U.S. Senate (1979-1997).
Business Experience
Senator Pressler was the Senior Partner of O’Conner, Hannon Law Firm in Washinton D.C. from 1997 to 2002. He is the founder of the Pressler Group LLC in Washington D.C. and New York in 2002. Since 2006, he has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Blackhorse Enhanced Vietnam Inc. Fund. He is also a board member of the Jericho Project’s Veterans Advisory Council in New York City since 2008. President Barack Obama appointed Senator Pressler for Commissioner of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad on November 10th 2009. He is currently a finalist for the Additional Fulbright Professor Grant in 2014. Senator Pressler is part of the South Dakota Farmer’s Union Foundation Board and is still working at the Pressler Group Law Firm. In December 2013, he declared that he would run as an independent candidate for South Dakota’s open Senate seat.
