Rodney E. Slater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodney Slater
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| 13th United States Secretary of Transportation | |
| In office February 14, 1997 – January 20, 2001 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Federico Peña |
| Succeeded by | Norman Mineta |
| Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration | |
| In office June 3, 1993 – February 14, 1997 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Thomas D. Larson |
| Succeeded by | Kenneth R. Wykle |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Rodney Earl Slater
February 23, 1955 Marianna, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Eastern Michigan University (BA) University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (JD) |
Rodney Earl Slater, born on February 23, 1955, is an American politician. He was a very important person in the United States government. From 1997 to 2001, he worked for President Bill Clinton as the United States Secretary of Transportation. Before that, from 1993 to 1997, he led the Federal Highway Administration.
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Education and Early Career
Rodney Slater went to Eastern Michigan University and graduated in 1977. He then studied law at the University of Arkansas School of Law, finishing in 1980.
After law school, Slater worked for the state of Arkansas. He was an assistant attorney general in 1980. He also held several jobs in the Arkansas government. These jobs were given to him by Bill Clinton, who was the governor at the time. Slater was an assistant to the governor from 1983 to 1987. He also served on the Arkansas State Highway Commission from 1987 to 1993. During this time, he also worked for Arkansas State University.
Working for the U.S. Government
When Bill Clinton became President, Rodney Slater moved to Washington, D.C. In 1993, he became the first African-American to lead the Federal Highway Administration. This group helps manage highways across the country.
In 1997, President Clinton chose Slater to be the United States Secretary of Transportation. This was a very big job! He was the second African American to hold this important position. As Secretary, he was in charge of all kinds of transportation, like roads, trains, planes, and ships.
Big Projects and Achievements
Rodney Slater worked hard to get support from both political parties for his projects. Here are some of his major achievements:
- He helped create the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). This law invested a huge amount of money, $200 billion, into improving roads and other transportation.
- He also helped pass the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21). This law provided $46 billion to make air travel safer and more secure.
- Slater also worked with other countries to create 40 "Open skies agreements." These agreements made it easier for airlines to fly between the United States and other nations.
Life After Government Service
After leaving his government role, Rodney Slater continued to be very active.
He joined a group of investors who bought the Major League Baseball team, the Washington Nationals.
Slater is now a partner at a big law firm called Squire Patton Boggs in Washington, D.C.. He focuses on transportation projects there. He also works with James Lee Witt Associates, a company that helps manage risks.
He is on the board of directors for several important groups. These include Africare, which helps people in Africa, and The Dance Theater of Harlem. He also leads the Board of Trustees for United Way. Slater is also on the corporate board of Verizon. He used to be on the board of Northwest Airlines and then Delta Air Lines after they merged.
In 2014, Slater was asked to help Takata Corporation with issues about their airbag recalls. He also advised Toyota on safety and worked with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Personal Life
Rodney Slater is married to Cassandra Wilkins. Her parents, Henry Wilkins III and Josetta Wilkins, were also important figures in Arkansas politics.
See also
