Donald McHenry

Donald McHenry is an American diplomat, professor, and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations. He served as the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations from 1979 to 1981 under President Jimmy Carter, following the resignation of Andrew Young. McHenry's tenure was marked by significant international crises, including the Iran hostage crisis and the Soviet–Afghan War, where he advocated for multilateral diplomacy and human rights. His career spans decades of service in the United States Department of State, academia at Georgetown University, and leadership roles in various corporate and non-profit boards.

Early life and education

Donald McHenry was born on October 13, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, where he attended public schools. He pursued higher education at Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. He continued his studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, receiving a Master of Arts in 1959. His academic focus and early interest in international affairs were influenced by the social and political climate of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Career

McHenry began his professional career as a staff member for the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He joined the United States Department of State in 1963, serving in various capacities including on the Policy Planning Staff and as a foreign service officer. He played a key role in African affairs, working on issues related to Southern Africa and the Rhodesian Bush War. In 1971, he left government service to join the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace as a senior fellow. He later returned to the State Department in 1977 under the Carter administration, appointed as Deputy Representative to the United Nations Security Council.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

Appointed by President Jimmy Carter following the resignation of Andrew Young, McHenry was confirmed as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in September 1979. His tenure was immediately challenged by the Iran hostage crisis, where he worked extensively at the United Nations to build diplomatic pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran. He also confronted the Soviet Union over its invasion of Afghanistan, helping to marshal the United Nations General Assembly condemnation. McHenry was a strong advocate for United Nations resolutions against the apartheid regime in South Africa and supported independence for Namibia. His diplomatic approach emphasized quiet negotiation and steadfast support for the United Nations Charter.

Later career and academia

After leaving his post following the election of President Ronald Reagan, McHenry transitioned to academia and the private sector. He joined the faculty of Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service as a distinguished professor of diplomacy. He served on the boards of several major corporations, including The Coca-Cola Company, AT&T, and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). In the non-profit realm, he held leadership positions with the Ford Foundation, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the United Nations Association of the United States of America. He remained an active commentator on international relations, publishing in journals like Foreign Affairs.

Personal life

McHenry married Mary Williamson in 1964; the couple had one son before divorcing in 1976. He has maintained a relatively private personal life, with his public focus remaining on international diplomacy and education. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honorary degrees from institutions such as Howard University and Morehouse College. He is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and the American Philosophical Society.

Category:1936 births Category:Living people Category:American diplomats Category:United States ambassadors to the United Nations Category:Georgetown University faculty Category:People from St. Louis Category:Illinois State University alumni Category:Southern Illinois University alumni