Doug Wead

Doug Wead (born May 19, 1946) is a presidential historian, philanthropist and public speaker. He is the author of more than thirty books on history, politics, religion, and multi-level marketing, some of which have been New York Times bestsellers. Wead was the 1992 Republican candidate for Arizona's 6th congressional district, but was defeated by Karan English. He was Special Assistant to U.S. President George H. W. Bush, and is credited with coining the phrase "compassionate conservative". Between 1997 and 2000, Wead controversially recorded several hours of phone conversation between himself and George W. Bush without his knowledge.

Professional history

Wead was born in Muncie, Indiana. In 1979, Wead joined entertainer Pat Boone and Dan O'Neill in co-founding Save the Refugees Fund and later became a founding board member of Mercy Corps. In 1991, Wead provided initial funding to help launch a Mercy Corps economic recovery program in the newly formed Republic of Kazakhstan.

In the 1980s, Wead organized the Annual Charity Awards, now under the name International Charity Association. Ten First Ladies and presidents have served as honorary chairpersons of this prestigious event, including Lady Bird Johnson, Gerald Ford, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, George H. W. and Barbara Bush, and George W. and Laura Bush.