Andrew Card

Andrew Card served as the White House Chief of Staff under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2006, a tenure that encompassed the pivotal events of the September 11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror. His lengthy career in public service included roles as United States Secretary of Transportation and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for President George H. W. Bush, as well as significant positions within the Massachusetts political arena. Known for his calm demeanor and managerial efficiency, he became an iconic figure for his whispered notification of the 9/11 attacks to the president during a Florida elementary school visit.

Early life and education

Andrew Hill Card Jr. was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, and grew up in the nearby town of Holbrook. His father, Andrew H. Card Sr., operated a dairy farm and was a prominent figure in local politics, serving as a Massachusetts District Court judge. Card earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1970 and later received a second bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of South Carolina. He served briefly in the United States Navy before his political career began in earnest.

Political career

Card's political career started in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he served from 1975 to 1983. He first gained national experience as a special assistant to President Ronald Reagan and later managed the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans. Under President George H. W. Bush, he served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff and was appointed as the United States Secretary of Transportation in 1992, overseeing the department during the final year of the Bush administration. In this role, he worked on initiatives like the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act.

White House Chief of Staff

Appointed by President George W. Bush, his tenure as White House Chief of Staff was defined by the administration's response to the September 11 attacks. He is historically remembered for approaching the president during a reading event at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida, to whisper, "A second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack." He played a central coordinating role in the immediate aftermath and throughout the launch of the War on Terror, including the invasion of Afghanistan and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He resigned in April 2006 and was succeeded by Joshua Bolten.

Post-government career

Following his government service, Card assumed roles in academia and corporate boards. He served as the interim dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and later joined Franklin University as a senior counselor. He has served on the boards of several major corporations, including Union Pacific Railroad, The Boeing Company, and Tyco International. He remains a frequent commentator on CNN and Fox News regarding presidential and political affairs.

Personal life

Card was first married to Kathleen Turner from 1968 until their divorce in 2000; the couple had three children. In 2003, he married Kathleen Laytham. A lifelong Methodist, he has been active in church activities and various charitable organizations. He splits his time between Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Category:1947 births Category:Living people Category:White House Chiefs of Staff Category:United States Secretaries of Transportation