About
William J. Burns, born in 1956, is an American diplomat who most recently served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Prior to this role, he was the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and served as acting Secretary of State for a day in 2009. Burns retired from the U.S. Foreign Service after a distinguished 32-year career. He also served as president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Career Timeline
Ambassador to Jordan
Appointed U.S. Ambassador to Jordan.
Ambassador to Russia
Appointed U.S. Ambassador to Russia.
Under Secretary of State
Appointed Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
Retires from Foreign Service
Retires from the U.S. Foreign Service.
President of Carnegie Endowment
Becomes president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Director of CIA
Appointed Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Continues Leading the CIA
Serves as the Director of the CIA.
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Last updated: February 24, 2026