It is with much sadness that we share that TFAS Trustee Juanita Duggan died suddenly this past weekend at her home in Washington, D.C. Juanita had a relationship with TFAS that went back many years, predating her service on our Board of Trustees, which began in 2005.
Juanita supported TFAS generously over the years, both personally and in her capacity heading up the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), and as CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Juanita served President Ronald Reagan in the White House leading the Domestic Policy Council, and she served President George H.W. Bush as Director of Cabinet Affairs.
Juanita also worked alongside Judy Black, TFAS supporter and wife of TFAS Trustee Charlie Black, at the firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. Juanita and Judy supported TFAS programs and student scholarships through the annual TFAS Scholarship Awards Dinners while there.
Juanita’s connection to TFAS ran deep, as her son James ’06 was a TFAS alumnus. She was someone who no matter how busy she was could be relied upon to help when asked. More than a decade ago Juanita hosted a board dinner at her home in Georgetown. She chaired several TFAS Scholarship Awards Dinners, and she also served on a number of TFAS board committees.
TFAS President Roger Ream remembers Juanita as someone with particular expertise in the area of communications, noting that “Juanita always had good advice to offer regarding how TFAS could spread the message of its work more widely. She also was willing to tap her vast network of friends and colleagues to encourage their participation in advancing the TFAS mission.”
She had an unparalleled presence and influence in Washington, with relationships in all three branches of government, and sweeping command of American and global economic, policy, and political issues confronting American institutions.
She held an unwavering dedication to working hard and advocating for her clients, and that spirit translated through to her dedication and generosity to TFAS students as well. It is because of Juanita’s support that so many courageous, young leaders have successful careers in government relations.
“We were surprised and are saddened by Juanita’s passing. She was an enthusiastic supporter of TFAS, its mission, and high school and college programs and a faithful colleague to all of us,” TFAS Chairman Randal Teague shared. “She will be missed as an active participant in board meetings, as an advisor, and as an intern sponsor. She will also be missed by the professional community where she excelled in gaining support for President Reagan’s and Bush’s agendas and those that followed them.”
Please join TFAS in keeping Juanita’s two sons and extended family in your thoughts and prayers.
