Dan Glickman

Dan Glickman is an American attorney, politician, and lobbyist who served as the United States Secretary of Agriculture under President Bill Clinton. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously represented Kansas's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for 18 years. Following his government service, he led the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and has held significant roles in various non-profit and policy organizations, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Aspen Institute.

Early life and education

Dan Glickman was born in Wichita, Kansas, to a family with deep roots in the local community. He attended public schools in Wichita before pursuing higher education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He then moved to Washington, D.C., to attend the George Washington University Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor degree. His early career included practicing law in Wichita and serving as a trial attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1976, Glickman represented the largely agricultural 4th district for nine terms. He served on several influential committees, including the House Agriculture Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. A moderate New Democrat, he was known for his work on farm policy, aviation issues, and national security. He played a key role in legislation such as the Farm Credit Act amendments and was a strong advocate for the Department of Agriculture and military installations in his district, including McConnell Air Force Base.

Secretary of Agriculture

In 1995, President Bill Clinton appointed Glickman as the United States Secretary of Agriculture, succeeding Mike Espy. He led the USDA during a period of significant legislative change, including the passage of the 1996 Farm Bill, which moved agricultural policy toward greater market orientation. His tenure focused on expanding international trade for American farm products, promoting conservation programs, and implementing major reforms to the federal food stamp program. He also oversaw the department's response to several challenges, including outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in other countries and concerns over bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Motion Picture Association

After leaving the Clinton administration, Glickman embarked on a notable career in the private sector. In 2004, he was chosen to succeed Jack Valenti as the Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). In this role, he advocated for the American film industry on issues such as intellectual property protection, combating film piracy, and promoting open markets in international trade. He worked closely with major Hollywood studios and navigated the industry's transition into the digital age, testifying frequently before the Congress and engaging with foreign governments on behalf of the association.

Later career and other roles

Following his departure from the MPAA in 2010, Glickman remained active in public policy and non-profit leadership. He served as the Executive Director of the Congressional Initiative at the Aspen Institute, focusing on bipartisan political dialogue. He was also a Senior Fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C.. From 2013 to 2018, he chaired the International Broadcasting Bureau and served on the board of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. He has been a board member for several corporations and organizations, including the Friends of the World Food Program, and continues to speak on issues related to agriculture, trade, and political civility.

Category:1944 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of Agriculture Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Kansas Category:American film industry executives Category:University of Michigan alumni Category:George Washington University alumni Category:People from Wichita, Kansas Category:20th-century American politicians Category:21st-century American politicians