William J. Perry

William J. Perry was the U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton from 1994 to 1996. He was Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1993 to 1994.

After receiving a doctorate in mathematics from Pennsylvania State University, Perry headed Electronic Defense Laboratories from 1954 to 1964 and ESL Inc. from 1964 to 1977. During the Jimmy Carter administration, he served as undersecretary of defense for research and engineering.

Following his service at The Pentagon, Perry worked as executive vice president of Hambrecht & Quist and chairman of Technology Strategies and Alliances. He also taught at Stanford University from 1988 until his appointment to the Department of Defense by President Clinton.

Perry was sworn in as the 19th Secretary of Defense of United States on February 3, 1994.