Stephen B. King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve King
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| United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic | |
| In office December 6, 2017 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Andrew H. Schapiro |
| Succeeded by | Jennifer Bachus (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 4, 1941 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Western Illinois University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Stephen B. King (born July 4, 1941) is an American businessman and political leader. He served as the United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2017 to 2021. As a member of the Republican Party, he founded King Capital LLC. This company focuses on investments and real estate. Before this, he worked as an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He also ran for the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin in 1988 but did not win.
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Early Life and Education
Stephen King was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He earned a bachelor's degree in social science in 1963. Later, he received a master's degree in political science in 1966. Both degrees were from Western Illinois University.
From 1963 to 1966, he taught social science in Rushville, Illinois. After that, he became Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools. He held this position until 1967.
Career Highlights
Starting with the FBI
In 1967, Stephen King joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He investigated cases involving civil rights in Jackson, Mississippi. He also worked on crimes related to race, murder, arson, bombings, and bank robberies. He received special awards three times for his excellent work.
Working in Government
King left the FBI in 1970. He became a helper for Republican Senator Edward Gurney of Florida. He worked with a special committee in the U.S. Senate. This committee looked into government operations. In 1972, King became a Special Assistant to Earl Butz. Butz was the US Secretary of Agriculture at the time.
Becoming an Ambassador
In July 2017, President Donald Trump chose Stephen King to be the next United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic. The U.S. Senate approved this choice on October 5, 2017. He served in this role until January 20, 2021.
Business and Political Leadership
In 1976, King became a director at Western Illinois University. A year later, he started his business career. He moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, to manage a woodworking company. In 1979, he became a part-owner of Tomah Products. This company makes chemicals. By 1994, King led a deal to buy out Tomah Products. He then became its president and CEO.
From 1978, King was a delegate for the Republican Party in Wisconsin. In 1985, he was chosen to lead the Republican Party of Wisconsin. He stepped down in 1988 to run for the U.S. Senate. He did not win the Republican nomination.
From 1990 to 2006, King was president of the Milton Industrial and Economic Corporation. In 2006, he started King Capital LLC. This company invests in businesses and real estate. In 2007, King was elected to represent Wisconsin on the Republican National Committee. He served there until 2017.
King was also the main organizer for the 2024 Republican National Convention. This big event was held in Milwaukee.
Personal Life
Stephen King and his wife, Karen, have three children.
