Madeleine K. Albright is chair of Albright Stonebridge Group and a professor, author, diplomat, and businesswoman who served as the sixty-fourth secretary of state of the United States. Albright received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Barack Obama on May 29, 2012. 

In 1997, Albright was named the first female secretary of state and became, at that time, the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. As secretary of state, Albright reinforced America’s alliances, advocated for democracy and human rights, and promoted American trade, business, labor, and environmental standards abroad. From 1993 to 1997, Albright served as the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations and was a member of the president’s cabinet. From 1989 to 1992, she served as president of the Center for National Policy. Previously, she was a member of President Jimmy Carter’s National Security Council and White House staff and served as chief legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME). 

Albright is a professor in the practice of diplomacy at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Albright is chair of Albright Capital Management LLC, an investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets. She also chairs the National Democratic Institute, serves as the president of the Truman Scholarship Foundation, and is honorary co-chair of the World Refugee Council.

Albright is a seven-time New York Times best-selling author. Her most recent book, Hell and Other Destinations, was published in April 2020. Her other books include her autobiography Madam Secretary: A Memoir (2003), The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs (2006), Memo to the President: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership (2008), Read My Pins: Stories From a Diplomat’s Jewel Box (2009), Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937–1948 (2012), and Fascism: A Warning (2018).

Albright received a bachelor of arts from Wellesley College and master’s and doctorate degrees from Columbia University’s Department of Public Law and Government, as well as a certificate from its Russian institute.