Jake Sullivan, a notable American attorney and politician, was President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor from 2021 until 2025. His national security policy and consulting experience has helped shape U.S. foreign policy in recent years.
Early Life and Education
Sullivan was born in Burlington, Vermont, to Irish parents on November 28, 1976. Growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he had a good intellectual background that prepared him for his job.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 28, 1976 | Born in Burlington, Vermont. |
| 1994 | Graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis. |
| 2000 | Earned a Bachelor’s degree from Yale University. |
| 2003 | Graduated from Yale Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. |
| 2000 | Completed a Master’s degree at Magdalen College, Oxford. |
Career Overview
Jake Sullivan has held senior government positions focused on national security and foreign policy. Starting as a law clerk, he soon rose to key advising roles.
| Year | Position/Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | Law Clerk for Judge Guido Calabresi | U.S. Court of Appeals |
| 2003-2004 | Law Clerk for Justice Stephen Breyer | U.S. Supreme Court |
| 2009-2011 | Deputy National Security Advisor to Vice President Biden | White House |
| 2013-2014 | Director of Policy Planning | U.S. Department of State |
| 2021-2025 | National Security Advisor | The White House |
Personal Life
Jake Sullivan is married to Maggie Goodlander, a successful lawyer and politician who wrote speeches for senators. Their family life is shaped by professional interests and experiences.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Maggie Goodlander |
| Marriage | Married in 2015 |
| Children | The couple has one daughter, sharing their lives as a family. |
Family Background
Sullivan’s family is academic and public-spirited. His father, a journalist and academic, stressed education and civic duty.
| Family Member | Relation | Notable Information |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Sullivan | Father | Worked for the Star Tribune and was a professor. |
| Molly Sullivan | Mother | Engaged in educational work and community service. |
| Tom Sullivan | Brother | Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy at the State Department. |
| Rose Sullivan | Sister | Involved in various forms of public advocacy. |
Professional Milestones
Sullivan has held high-profile posts and participated in international talks. Foreign relations skills has made him a national security expert.
| Year | Milestone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Key negotiator for Iran nuclear deal | Played a significant role in diplomatic talks. |
| 2014 | Advisor during the rise of ISIS | Involved in strategizing U.S. response efforts. |
| 2021 | Appointed as National Security Advisor | Assumed a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. |
Current Engagement
After serving as National Security Advisor, Sullivan will teach at Harvard Kennedy School.
| Year | Position | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Inaugural Kissinger Professor of the Practice of Statecraft | Harvard Kennedy School |
FAQ
For what is Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan famous?
As President Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan shaped U.S. international policy.
Jake Sullivan’s education?
Jake Sullivan has a BA from Yale, a JD from Yale Law School, and an MA from Magdalen College, Oxford.
Who is Jake Sullivan married to?
Maggie Goodlander, a lawyer and public servant, is Jake Sullivan’s wife.
How many kids does Jake Sullivan have?
Jake and Maggie Goodlander have a daughter and actively participate in family life.
What government positions has Jake Sullivan held?
Before becoming National Security Advisor, Sullivan was Deputy National Security Advisor and Director of Policy Planning.
