William J. Burns is president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He served in the United States Foreign Service for thirty-three years, and holds the highest rank in the Foreign Service, career ambassador. He was the deputy secretary of state from 2011 to 2014. From 2008 to 2011, he served as under secretary for political affairs. He was ambassador to Russia from 2005 to 2008, assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs from 2001 to 2005, and ambassador to Jordan from 1998 to 2001.