John Bryson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Bryson
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Official portrait, 2011
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| 37th United States Secretary of Commerce | |
| In office October 21, 2011 – June 21, 2012 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Deputy | Rebecca Blank |
| Preceded by | Gary Locke |
| Succeeded by | Penny Pritzker |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Edgar Bryson
July 24, 1943 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 13, 2025 (aged 81) San Marino, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Stanford University (BA) Yale University (JD) |
John Edgar Bryson (born July 24, 1943 – died May 13, 2025) was an important American businessman, lawyer, and politician. He is best known for serving as the United States Secretary of Commerce from 2011 to 2012. He was the 37th person to hold this important job.
Before becoming Secretary of Commerce, Bryson was the chairman and CEO of Edison International. This company is the parent of Southern California Edison, a large electric utility. He also helped start the Natural Resources Defense Council in 1970. This group works to protect the environment. Bryson was confirmed as Secretary of Commerce by a vote of 74 to 26 in the Senate. He took office on October 21, 2011. He resigned in June 2012 due to health reasons.
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Early Life and Education
John Bryson was born in New York City on July 24, 1943. His father worked at a sawmill. Bryson went to Cleveland High School in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from high school in 1961.
He continued his education at Stanford University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1965. Later, he studied law at Yale University. He received his law degree (called a Juris Doctor) in 1969.
His Career Journey
In 1970, after finishing law school, Bryson helped create the Natural Resources Defense Council. He also worked as a legal advisor for this environmental group. From 1976 to 1979, Bryson was the chairman of the California State Water Resources Control Board. This board manages water resources in California.
Then, from 1979 to 1982, he was the president of the California Public Utilities Commission. This group regulates public services like electricity and gas. In 1983, Bryson worked for a law firm called Morrison & Foerster.
Bryson joined Edison International in 1984. He became a director of the company in 1990 and stayed in that role until he retired in 2008. He also served on the boards of other major companies. These included The Boeing Company, W. M. Keck Foundation, and The Walt Disney Company. He also helped lead many educational and environmental groups. For example, he was a trustee at Stanford University and the California Institute of Technology.
Serving as Commerce Secretary
On May 31, 2011, President Barack Obama chose John Bryson to be the next United States Secretary of Commerce. He was nominated to take over from Gary Locke. Some senators had questions about Bryson's past environmental views. However, the United States Senate eventually agreed to vote on his nomination.
The Senate confirmed Bryson by a vote of 74 to 26 on October 20, 2011. He officially started his job on October 21, 2011. As Secretary of Commerce, Bryson worked to help American businesses grow and create jobs. He also co-chaired the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy.
On June 21, 2012, Bryson announced that he would be stepping down from his role. He resigned due to health reasons.
Later Life and Family
After leaving his government role, Bryson joined the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. This organization studies public policy. He became a Distinguished Senior Public Policy Scholar there in October 2012.
John Bryson was married to Louise. They had four daughters. All their daughters attended the Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California. Both Bryson and his wife served on the school's Board of Trustees. The Brysons lived in San Marino, California. John Bryson passed away at his home in San Marino on May 13, 2025, at the age of 81.
