Notable Secretaries of State
Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts was nominated to be secretary of state by President Obama and was overwhelmingly confirmed as the 68th secretary of state by his colleagues in the U.S. Senate. Take a look at notable secretaries of state.
George C. Marshall served from 1947-1949. He served as both secretary of state and secretary of defense under President Harry S. Truman.
George C. Marshall served from 1947-1949. He served as both secretary of state and secretary of defense under President Harry S. Truman.
Henry Kissinger served from 1973-1977. With his appointment, he became the first person ever to serve as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, a position he had held since President Nixon was sworn into office on January 20, 1969.
George Schultz (pictured here with President Obama) served from 1982-1989. He was nominated by former President Ronald Reagan.
James Baker (pictured here with former President Jimmy Carter) served from 1989-1992. He Baker brought almost two decades of experience in politics, both behind the scenes and in key administration positions with him to the State Department.
Warren Christopher served from 1993-1997. He was nominated by President Bill Clinton.
Madeleine Albright served from 1997-2001. She was the first woman to serve as secretary of state.
Colin Powell served from 2001-2005. He was the first African-American to serve as secretary of state.
Condoleezza Rice served from 2005-2009. She was the first African-American woman to serve as secretary of state.
Hillary Clinton served from 2009-2013. Secretary Clinton joined the State Department after nearly four decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, and Senator.
John Kerry. The U.S. Senate voted on January 29, 2013 to approve the five-term senator from Massachusetts for the position of U.S. secretary of state in President Barack Obama's cabinet.
