Philip H. Alston

Philip Henry Alston Jr. (April 19, 1911 – March 2, 1988) was an American lawyer and diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Nauru.^[1]

Alston was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 19, 1911 to attorney Philip H. Alston Sr. (1880–1962) and May Lewis Alston (1890–1962). He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia in 1932, and earned a Juris Doctor degree from Emory University in 1934. Upon completion of law school, Alston began practicing at the law firm that would become Alston, Miller and Gaines, where he became a partner in 1942.^[2]

From 1942–1945, Alston served in the United States Navy, and returned to his legal practice following the end of World War II.^[2]

Alston was a confidant of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and began supporting Carter politically in 1966.^[3] In 1976, Alston was chairman of Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign committee.^[4] Carter appointed him ambassador to Australia and Nauru in 1977 and 1979, respectively. He served in those roles until 1981.^[1]

Following his diplomatic appointments, Alston was a co-founder of the Georgia Foundation, raising millions of dollars for the University of Georgia.^[3]