John S. Herrington

John S. Herrington is a former United States Secretary of Energy, serving under President Ronald Reagan from 1985 to 1989. During his tenure, he worked closely with Department of Defense officials, including Caspar Weinberger, to develop energy policies that supported the nation's Strategic Defense Initiative. Herrington's experience in the energy sector was influenced by his interactions with industry leaders, such as ExxonMobil and Chevron Corporation. His appointment was also supported by Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources members, including Senator Pete Domenici and Senator Bennett Johnston.

● Early Life and Education

John S. Herrington was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a family that valued Stanford University-style education. He attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in Economics and was influenced by the teachings of John Kenneth Galbraith and Joseph Schumpeter. Herrington's interest in energy policy was sparked by his involvement with the Harvard Business School and its Baker Library. He also developed relationships with Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers, including Daniel Patrick Moynihan and George P. Shultz, who would later become a United States Secretary of State.

● Career

Before entering government service, Herrington worked in the private sector, holding positions at Bechtel Group and Southern California Edison. He was also involved with the California Chamber of Commerce and the National Petroleum Council, where he interacted with industry leaders, such as Armand Hammer and Lee Raymond. Herrington's experience in the energy sector was further enhanced by his participation in International Energy Agency meetings and his collaboration with Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries representatives, including Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani.

● Secretary of Energy

As United States Secretary of Energy, Herrington played a key role in shaping the nation's energy policy, working closely with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission members, including Chairman Philip N. Brooks and Commissioner Charles G. Stalon. He also collaborated with Congressional committees, such as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to develop legislation, including the Energy Policy Act of 1985 and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. Herrington's tenure was marked by significant events, including the Chernobyl disaster and the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which led to increased cooperation with international organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Environment Programme.

● Post-Government Career

After leaving government service, Herrington returned to the private sector, serving on the boards of companies, including PG&E Corporation and Valero Energy. He also remained involved in energy policy discussions, participating in Council on Foreign Relations meetings and collaborating with Brookings Institution scholars, including Henry Kissinger and Robert Zoellick. Herrington's expertise was sought by Congressional committees, such as the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, on issues related to energy security and climate change.

● Personal Life

Herrington is a member of the Bohemian Club and has been involved with various charitable organizations, including the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the energy sector, receiving awards from organizations, such as the American Petroleum Institute and the National Mining Association. Herrington's legacy continues to be felt in the energy policy community, with his work influencing the decisions of United States Secretary of Energy successors, including Steven Chu and Ernest Moniz.