Background
Richardson, John was born on February 4, 1921 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of John and Hope (Hemenway) Richardson.
International relations executive
Richardson, John was born on February 4, 1921 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of John and Hope (Hemenway) Richardson.
Bachelor of Arts, Harvard University, 1943; Juris Doctor, Harvard University, 1949.
During World World War II, he served in the United States Army as a paratrooper. After the war, Richardson became a lawyer at the Wall Street law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell. In 1955, he became an investment banker at Paine Webber.
He joined the International Rescue Committee later in 1955, staying there until 1961.
From 1961 to 1968, he was president of the National Committee for a Free Europe. In 1969, President of the United States Richard Nixon nominated Richardson to be Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs and, after Senate confirmation, Richardson held that office from July 15, 1969 until March 7, 1977.
Upon leaving the United States Department of State in 1977, Richardon initially took a position with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, then served as president of Youth Foreign Understanding from 1977 to 1986. In 1986, he became president of the United States Institute of Peace, holding that position until his retirement in 1989.
He died in Bethesda, Maryland at the age of 93.
Founder Polish Medical Aid Project, 1957—1961. Co-founder, chairman board American Committee to Aid Poland, 1989—1995. President International Rescue Committee, 1960—1961, board directors, 1958—1961, 1978—2004, board overseers, since 2004.
Chairman American Council for United Nations University, 1977—1987, Consortium for International Citizens Exchange, 1980—1984, Delphi International, 1995—1999, board directors, 1999—2001. Chairman, board directors National Endowment for Democracy, 1984—1988, 1991—1992, chairman emeritus, since 1992. Board directors Freedom House, 1963—1969, president, 1977—1984.
Member Council Foreign Relations, since 1957. Citizens Commission on Southeast Asian Refugees, 1978—1985. Board directors Foreign Policy Association, 1958—1968, 1977—1986, Japan-United States Friendship Commission, 1976—1977.
Chairman New York City Metropolitan Mission United Church of Christ, 1966—1969. Board directors Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 1970—1977, Inter-American Foundation, 1970—1977, East-West Center, 1975—1977, American Forum for Global Education, since 1977, Social Science Foundation, University Denver, 1992—2004, World Learning, 2001—2005, Meridian House International, 1978—1983, Atlantic Council United States, 1982—1984, Foreign Student Service Council, 1978—1982, Council for Advancement of Citizenship, 1991—1996, Council Community of Democracies, since 1996, chairman, 1999—2001, chairman emeritus, since 2001.
Married Thelma Ingram, January 19, 1945. Children: Eva Teleki, Teren de Cossy, Hope Gravelly, Catherine Munch, Hetty L.