James H. Burnley IV facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Burnley
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Burnley as Transportation Secretary
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| 9th United States Secretary of Transportation | |
| In office December 3, 1987 – January 20, 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Elizabeth Dole |
| Succeeded by | Samuel K. Skinner |
| 2nd United States Deputy Secretary of Transportation | |
| In office 1983 – December 3, 1987 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Darrell Trent |
| Succeeded by | Mimi Weyforth Dawson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 30, 1948 High Point, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Virginia Johnson |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Yale University (BA) Harvard University (JD) |
James Horace Burnley IV, born on July 30, 1948, is an American politician and lawyer. He worked as the United States Secretary of Transportation from 1987 to 1989. This was during the time Ronald Reagan was president. Today, he is a partner at a law firm called Venable LLP in Washington, D.C.
Early Life and Education
James H. Burnley IV was born in High Point, North Carolina, on July 30, 1948. His parents were Dorothy Mary (Rockwell) and James H. Burnley III.
He went to High Point Central High School from 1963 to 1966. While there, he was part of the school's debate team. He was very good at debating. He even earned the highest award, called a "double ruby," in the National Forensic League.
After high school, he attended Yale University. He graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned this with magna cum laude, which means "with great honor." Later, he studied law at Harvard University. He received his Juris Doctor degree in 1973.
Working in Government
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan chose Burnley to be the ninth United States Secretary of Transportation. Before this, Burnley had been the Deputy Secretary and the main lawyer for the Department of Transportation. He served as Secretary from 1987 to 1989.
While working as Deputy Secretary, Burnley helped with important projects. He played a key role in selling Conrail, a large railroad company. He also helped transfer the Washington airports to a local authority. He worked to rebuild the air traffic control staff after a strike in 1981.
Burnley also helped create rules for aviation safety and security. He supported ideas to let private companies help with transportation needs. He also backed efforts to improve equipment for the Coast Guard.
In 1988, as Secretary, Burnley ordered a review of Texas Air Corporation. This company owned Continental Airlines and Eastern Airlines. There were worries about their money and safety. Burnley wanted to make sure these airlines were safe and financially stable. The review found they still met the financial rules.
However, the review also found problems at Eastern Airlines. The relationships between the company and its workers' unions were very tense. This tension could affect safety. So, Burnley asked former Secretary of Labor Bill Brock to help improve communication. Burnley also served as the main lawyer for the Department of Transportation in 1983.
Before working at the Department of Transportation, Burnley had other government roles. He was an associate deputy attorney general for the Department of Justice from 1982 to 1983. He also directed the VISTA Program from 1981 to 1982.
Political Involvement
Burnley has been involved in several political campaigns. He was a top advisor on domestic policy for Elizabeth Dole when she ran for president. He also advised Robert J. Dole during his presidential campaign in 1996.
He helped the George W. Bush administration with their transportation plans when they were starting. He also advised John McCain's presidential campaign on transportation issues.
Legal Work and Boards
Burnley is a partner at Venable LLP, a law firm in Washington, D.C. He focuses on government relations and transportation laws. This means he helps clients understand and work with government rules about transportation.
He also serves on several boards related to transportation. He is the board chair of the Eno Center for Transportation. He was also the vice chairman of the board for the Virginia Port Authority for five years. He served on the board of Infrasoft, Inc., a company that made software for engineers. He was also chairman of a panel studying ports for the National Chamber of Commerce Foundation. He is a member of an advisory committee at the Transportation Center at Northwestern University. He also served on the board of MTA Safety Training Systems, a company that trained truck drivers.
He is a trustee and former chairman of the Jamestown Foundation. He also used to be the chairman of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is a member of the Washington Legal Foundation's Legal Policy Advisory Board.
