Presidential Cabinet Secretary. He served as the 2nd Secretary of Energy in the Cabinet of President Jimmy Carter from August 24, 1979 to January 20, 1981. He served two years in the United States Army Air Corps during the Second World War. Later, he graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and attended the University of Texas for work toward a masters degree. After college, he worked as both a rousabout and a chemical engineer at Humble Oil and Refining Corporation. In 1957, he joined his family's coffee business, Duncan Coffee, and a year later, became president of the company. After the company's merger with Coca Cola in 1964, he became a part of Coca Cola's management, and in 1971, took charge as its president. His tenure at Coca Cola would last for the next three years until 1974, when he stepped down to take the top position at both Houston-based Rotan Mosle Financial Corp. and Robertson Distribution Systems. In 1976, he was appointed by newly elected President Jimmy Carter to be Deputy Secretary of Defense. In July of 1979, he was appointed to be Secretary of Energy by President Carter and remained in this position until January of 1981, when Carter left office. After leaving his cabinet post, he went on to serve on the board of directors of various educational institutions and companies. He passed away from complications of a fall.
Presidential Cabinet Secretary. He served as the 2nd Secretary of Energy in the Cabinet of President Jimmy Carter from August 24, 1979 to January 20, 1981. He served two years in the United States Army Air Corps during the Second World War. Later, he graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and attended the University of Texas for work toward a masters degree. After college, he worked as both a rousabout and a chemical engineer at Humble Oil and Refining Corporation. In 1957, he joined his family's coffee business, Duncan Coffee, and a year later, became president of the company. After the company's merger with Coca Cola in 1964, he became a part of Coca Cola's management, and in 1971, took charge as its president. His tenure at Coca Cola would last for the next three years until 1974, when he stepped down to take the top position at both Houston-based Rotan Mosle Financial Corp. and Robertson Distribution Systems. In 1976, he was appointed by newly elected President Jimmy Carter to be Deputy Secretary of Defense. In July of 1979, he was appointed to be Secretary of Energy by President Carter and remained in this position until January of 1981, when Carter left office. After leaving his cabinet post, he went on to serve on the board of directors of various educational institutions and companies. He passed away from complications of a fall.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
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