Richard S. Williamson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Williamson
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| Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs | |
| In office February 18, 1988 – March 19, 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Alan Keyes |
| Succeeded by | John Bolton |
| 1st United States Ambassador to the United Nations International Organizations in Vienna | |
| In office May 17, 1983 – January 15, 1985 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Chapman |
| Chair of the Illinois Republican Party | |
| In office 1999–2001 |
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| Preceded by | Harold Byron Smith |
| Succeeded by | Lee A. Daniels |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Salisbury Williamson
May 9, 1949 Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | December 8, 2013 (aged 64) Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jane Williamson |
| Education | Princeton University (BA) University of Virginia (JD) |
Richard Salisbury Williamson (born May 9, 1949 – died December 8, 2013) was an American lawyer, a diplomat, and a political advisor. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in talks with other nations. A political advisor helps leaders make important decisions. He worked for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush. Williamson was also a partner at a law firm called Winston & Strawn. He taught about diplomacy at Seton Hall University.
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Early Life and Education
Richard Williamson was born in Evanston, Illinois. He was a very good student. In 1971, he earned a bachelor's degree from Princeton University. He then went on to study law. In 1974, he received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. While there, he helped edit a journal about international law.
A Career in Public Service
Richard Williamson had a long career helping the United States in many ways. He worked as a lawyer and held important jobs in the government.
Working for Presidents
Williamson served in high-level foreign policy jobs for several presidents.
- Under President George W. Bush: He was an Ambassador to the United Nations. This means he represented the U.S. in important discussions with other countries. He also worked on human rights issues at the United Nations. He played a part in trying to solve the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan. This was a very difficult situation, and he worked to find a peaceful solution.
- Under Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush: He was an Assistant Secretary of State. This role involves helping the Secretary of State manage the country's relationships with other nations. He also worked in the White House as an Assistant to the President.
Running for Office
In 1992, Richard Williamson ran for a seat in the United States Senate for Illinois. He was nominated by the Republican Party. However, he did not win the election. The winner was Carol Moseley Braun, who became the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
Leading the Republican Party
Later, in 1999, he was chosen to be the Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. This meant he was a leader for the Republican Party in his home state.
Other Important Work
Williamson was involved in many groups that worked on international issues. He was part of organizations that supported democracy and human rights around the world. He also taught at Northwestern University, sharing his knowledge with students. He wrote seven books and over 175 articles about his work and ideas.
Later Years and Death
Richard Williamson passed away in 2013 at the age of 64. He died in a Chicago hospital.
