Edwin Meese, III, is a member of the Mercatus Center's Board of Directors. He served as the 75th attorney general of the United States, from February 1985 to August 1988. Prior to serving as attorney general, he was counsellor to President Reagan from 1981 to 1985, where he functioned as the president's chief policy advisor. He also served as a member of the president's cabinet and the National Security Council.

During the 1970's, Mr. Meese was director of the Center or Criminal Justice Policy Management and professor of law at the University of San Diego. Previously, he served as chief of staff for then-Governor Reagan and was a local prosecutor in California. 

In addition to his background as a lawyer, educator, and public official, Mr. Meese has been a business executive in the aerospace and transportation industry. From January 1975 to May 1976, he served as vice president for administration of Rohr Industries