Caspar W. Weinberger

ME755-6, Caspar Weinberger, Secretary of Defense, 1981-87. Michael Evans Portrait Project Photograph Collection; Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Caspar W. WeinbergerUnited States Secretary of Defense (1981-1987); United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (1973-1975)

Caspar Willard Weinberger (b. August 18, 1917, San Francisco, California-d. March 28, 2006, Bangor, Maine) was a government official who served in various public office positions within the California state and federal government. Prior to his role in the federal government, Weinberger practiced law in California. From 1960-1968, he was involved in California state politics and served several leadership roles in the Republican Central Committee of California. He was also appointed by President Ronald W. Reagan as California’s state director of finance, which he served from 1968-1969. In 1970, President Richard M. Nixon named Weinberger chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. From 1970-1973, he served as deputy director and director of the newly established Office of Management and Budget. He went on to serve as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from 1973-1975. From 1981-1987, he served as Secretary of Defense under President Reagan. After his resignation, he went on to serve as chairman and publisher of Forbes magazine.