Mark Updegrove, a distinguished American author, historian, journalist, and the Presidential Historian for ABC News, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of political and presidential history. Currently serving as the president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation in Austin, Texas, Updegrove has dedicated his career to illuminating the complexities of American leadership.
With an impressive tenure as the director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum spanning eight years, Updegrove solidified his reputation as a foremost authority on President Lyndon B. Johnson. His literary contributions include five books, with “The Last Republicans: Inside the Extraordinary Relationship Between George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush” (2017) and “Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Presidency” (2022) standing out as seminal works in the realm of political biography.
Beyond the written word, Updegrove has ventured into the realm of visual storytelling as the executive producer of the 2022 CNN original series “LBJ: Triumph and Tragedy.” Further showcasing his versatility, he is set to host the upcoming PBS show “Live From the LBJ Library.” In December 2017, he assumed the role of president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation, reinforcing his commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
A respected member of The Council on Foreign Relations and the Philosophical Society of Texas, Mark Updegrove continues to shape the discourse on American history, providing insightful perspectives on the triumphs and tribulations of presidential leadership.