Samuel Bodman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Bodman
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| 11th United States Secretary of Energy | |
| In office January 31, 2005 – January 20, 2009 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Spencer Abraham |
| Succeeded by | Steven Chu |
| United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury | |
| In office August 2004 – January 31, 2005 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Kenneth W. Dam |
| Succeeded by | Robert Kimmitt |
| United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce | |
| In office January 22, 2001 – July 16, 2004 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Robert Mallett |
| Succeeded by | Theodore Kassinger |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Samuel Wright Bodman III
November 26, 1938 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | September 7, 2018 (aged 79) El Paso, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Diane Petrella Barber |
| Education | Cornell University (BSc) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MSc, DSc) |
Samuel Wright Bodman III (born November 26, 1938 – died September 7, 2018) was an important American leader. He was a businessman, an engineer, and a politician. He served as the 11th United States Secretary of Energy under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2009. Before that, he also held important roles as the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury and the Deputy Secretary of Commerce.
In December 2004, President Bush chose Bodman to become the Energy Secretary. The United States Senate agreed with this choice on January 31, 2005. During his time as Energy Secretary, he managed a large budget of over $23 billion. He also oversaw more than 100,000 employees. He worked to solve security issues at places like Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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Early Life and Education
Samuel Bodman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 26, 1938. His parents were Lina and Samuel Wright Bodman. He grew up in the suburbs around Chicago.
He went to Cornell University and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1961. He was part of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and the Sphinx Head Society. Later, in 1965, he earned his advanced degree, a Doctor of Science, in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Samuel Bodman's Career Journey
After finishing his studies, Bodman worked as a professor at MIT. He taught Chemical Engineering. He then moved into the world of finance. He became the Technical Director at American Research and Development Corporation. This company helped new businesses get started.
He then joined Fidelity Investments, a large financial company. By 1983, he was named the President and Chief Operating Officer of Fidelity Investments. He also became a director for their mutual funds. In 1987, he moved to Cabot Corporation. This company works with special chemicals and materials around the world. At Cabot, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Bodman also helped guide several important organizations. He was a director for MIT's School of Engineering Practice. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He served as a trustee for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the New England Aquarium. He was also a past director for DuPont, another major company.
Working for the Bush Administration
Samuel Bodman joined President George W. Bush's team in 2001. He first served as the United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce. In 2004, he became the United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.
On December 10, 2004, President Bush nominated him for a new role. He was chosen to be the next United States Secretary of Energy. The United States Senate confirmed his appointment on January 31, 2005. He officially started the next day. As Energy Secretary, he led the United States Department of Energy. This department manages important energy projects and research. It had a budget of over $23 billion and more than 100,000 employees.
In 2007, Bodman spoke to a committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. He talked about security issues at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He explained that the main problem was a "cultural issue" among some workers. He said that some scientists thought they were "above it all" when it came to security rules.
Family and Later Life
Samuel Bodman married M. Diane (Petrella) Barber in 1997. He had three children and two stepchildren. He was also a grandfather to eight grandchildren.
Samuel Bodman passed away in El Paso, Texas, on September 7, 2018. He was 79 years old. His death was caused by complications from a condition called primary progressive aphasia. Former President George W. Bush announced his passing on the same day.
