James H. Burnley IV

James H. Burnley IV is an American attorney and government official who served as the United States Secretary of Transportation under President Ronald Reagan. He is the fourth person to hold that cabinet position and was a key figure in the Reagan administration's transportation and aviation policies. His tenure oversaw significant developments in airline deregulation and the federal response to major transportation safety issues.

Early life and education

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, he attended Woodberry Forest School in Virginia before pursuing higher education. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University, where he was a member of the Yale Political Union. He subsequently attended Harvard Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor degree and serving as an editor for the Harvard Law Review. His academic background provided a strong foundation for his future career in public service and administrative law.

Legal and early government career

Following law school, he served as a law clerk for Judge David D. Dowd Jr. of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He then entered private practice in Washington, D.C., with the firm Hogan & Hartson. His government career began with his appointment as an Associate Deputy United States Attorney General during the administration of President Gerald Ford. He later served as Director of the VISTA program within the ACTION agency and held a position on the United States Civil Service Commission.

Secretary of Transportation

Appointed as United States Deputy Secretary of Transportation in 1983, he became deeply involved in the department's operations under Secretary Elizabeth Dole. Upon Dole's resignation, President Ronald Reagan nominated him to succeed her, and he was confirmed by the United States Senate. As Secretary, he was a staunch advocate for the continued implementation of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, emphasizing free-market principles. His tenure confronted challenges including the 1988 Delta Air Lines Flight 1141 crash and ongoing debates over air traffic control modernization. He also oversaw the department's role in the final stages of the Interstate Highway System and initiatives within the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Post-government career

After leaving the United States Department of Transportation, he returned to the private sector, rejoining Hogan & Hartson (later Hogan Lovells) as a partner specializing in transportation, regulatory, and corporate law. He has served on numerous corporate boards, including those for US Airways and Allied Defense Group. He remains active in policy circles as a member of organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations and the National Transportation Safety Board's Independent Review Committee. He has also contributed to legal scholarship and commentary on infrastructure and aviation security policy.

Personal life

He is married and has children. He maintains affiliations with several professional and civic institutions, including the American Bar Association and the Metropolitan Club (Washington, D.C.). His interests include history and sailing. He has been recognized for his public service with awards such as the Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Department of Transportation). Category:1948 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of Transportation Category:Reagan administration cabinet members Category:People from Greensboro, North Carolina Category:Harvard Law School alumni Category:Yale University alumni