Alton G. Keel Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alton G. Keel Jr.
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| Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition) | |
| In office July 30, 1981 – 1982 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Robert J. Hermann |
| Succeeded by | Thomas E. Cooper |
| 14th United States Permanent Representative to NATO | |
| In office March 13, 1987 – June 17, 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | David Manker Abshire |
| Succeeded by | William Howard Taft IV |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alton Gold Keel Jr.
September 15, 1943 Hampton, Virginia, U.S. |
| Education | University of Virginia (B.S., PhD) |
Alton Gold Keel Jr., born on September 15, 1943, is an American expert in engineering, government, and business. He has held many important jobs throughout his career. These roles include working for the government, serving as a diplomat, and being a leader in the business world.
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Alton Keel's Early Life and Education
Alton Keel grew up in Hampton, Virginia. He was interested in how things fly and work. This led him to study at the University of Virginia.
What He Studied
At the University of Virginia, Alton Keel earned two important degrees. In 1966, he received a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. This field is all about designing and building aircraft and spacecraft. He then continued his studies and earned a Ph.D. in 1970. A Ph.D. is the highest degree you can get in a specific subject.
His First Jobs
After finishing his education, Keel started working on weapons research. He did this at the Naval Surface Weapons Center. This center helps develop new technologies for the Navy. Later, he joined the staff of the United States Senate. The Senate is part of the U.S. government that makes laws.
Working for the Senate
From 1976 to 1978, he was a Congressional science fellow. This means he used his science knowledge to help lawmakers. Then, from 1978 to 1981, he worked for the Senate Armed Services Committee. This committee helps decide how the country's military should be run.
Important Government Roles
Alton Keel held several high-level positions in the U.S. government. These jobs involved managing important projects and advising leaders.
Air Force and Budget
From 1981 to 1982, Keel was the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition). In this role, he helped decide what new equipment and technology the Air Force would buy. After that, from 1982 to 1986, he worked at the Office of Management and Budget. This office helps the President manage the government's money.
Investigating the Challenger Disaster
In 1986, a very sad event happened: the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster. The Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart shortly after launch. Alton Keel was chosen to be the Executive Director of the Rogers Commission. This special group investigated why the disaster happened. Their work helped make space travel safer in the future.
Working with Presidents
In July 1986, President Ronald Reagan asked Keel to be a top advisor. He became the acting principal deputy to the National Security Advisor. This role involves giving advice on important national security issues.
Representing the U.S. at NATO
From 1987 to 1989, Alton Keel served as the United States Permanent Representative to NATO. NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is a group of countries that work together for defense and security. In this role, Keel represented the United States in important meetings with other countries. He worked with both President Ronald Reagan and President George H. W. Bush during this time.
Later Career in Business
After his time in government, Alton Keel moved into the business world. He took on various leadership roles in companies.
Investment Banking
As of 2007, he was the president and managing director of Atlantic Partners LLC. This company is a private investment-banking group. Investment banking helps businesses raise money and grow.
