Lawrence Francis O'Brien

O'Brien, Lawrence Francis (1917–90), U.S. postmaster general from 1965–68 and special assistant in charge of congressional relations to presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He helped direct Kennedy's senatorial and presidential campaigns, as well as Johnson's presidential campaign. O'Brien also served as chair of George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign. He was chairperson of the Democratic National Committee during 1968–72. He was also commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1975–84.