Former Reagan Administration official Alan L. Keyes was born in New York City on August 7, 1950, the son of a U.S. Army sergeant. He is recognized as a leader in the Conservative movement and one of today's most in-demand orators.

An active political figure, Mr. Keyes began his career as a U.S. State Department Foreign Service officer in 1978. Continuing his career in the State Department, he served as the Consular Officer for Bombay, India, (1979-1980), and Desk Officer for Zimbabwe and Desk Officer for Zimbabwe (1980-1981), as well as a member of the State Department Policy Planning Staff (1981-1983). In 1983, Mr. Keyes became the Ambassador to United Nations Economic and Social Council, a post he filled for two years. In 1985, he was appointed assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs. He was a Republican candidate for U.S. President in 1996 and 2000, and a two-time Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate for the state of Maryland.

Mr. Keyes is active in many organizations, including the Citizens Against Government Waste, which he served as president from 1989 to 1992. He served as the vice president of the Ronald Reagan Alumni Association, where he was elected president in 1998. In addition, he is the founder of National Taxpayer Action Day, and founder and chairman of the Declaration Foundation.

From 1994 to 1999, Mr. Keyes could be heard on the radio as the host of the syndicated talk show "The Alan Keyes Show: America's Wake Up Call." In addition, he has published two books, Our Character, Our Future: Reclaiming America's Moral Destiny (1996); and Masters of the Dream: The Strength and Betrayal of Black America (1995).