John H. Sununu
John Sununu is co-host of Crossfire, CNN's popular
political debate program, which is now celebrating its 15th
year on the air. Government officials, political
candidates, scholars and social activists have appeared on
the program to take part in a dialogue that focuses on the
day's top news story. Sununu fills the chair on the right,
alternating with Pat Buchanan. And from the left, Geraldine
Ferraro and Bill Press alternate co-hosting duties.
Crossfire airs live from Washington weeknights at 7:30-8:00
p.m. (ET). Sununu joined Crossfire in 1992.
Sununu is also president of JHS Associates, Ltd. and a
partner in Trinity International Partners, a private
financial firm.
Sununu was commissioned Chief of Staff on January 21,
1989, and served in the Bush White House until March 1,
1992. As Chief of Staff, Sununu oversaw the daily
operations of the White House and its staff. He also served
as counselor to the President of the United States.
After playing an influential role in President Bush's
New Hampshire primary victory, Sununu served as national
co-chairman of the Bush/Quayle campaign in 1992. During the
general election, he became one of the most active surrogate
speakers on the campaign trail and traveled extensively
across the country. He is a member of the Board of Trustees
for the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation.
Sununu became New Hampshire's 75th Chief Executive on
January 6, 1983, and served three consecutive terms prior to
joining the White House staff. He assumed office with a
background of nearly 20 years experience as an educator,
engineer, small businessman and community leader. As
Governor he gained both regional and national recognition
through his chairmanship of the Coalition of Northeastern
Governors, the chairmanship of the Republican Governors
Association and his election in 1987 to the chairmanship of
the National Governors Association.
From 1963 until his election as Governor, he served as
president of JHS Engineering Company and Thermal Research
Inc. In addition, Sununu helped establish and served as
chief engineer for Astro Dynamics, Inc. from 1960 to 1965.
Sununu attended the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology at both the graduate and undergraduate levels,
and earned his Ph.D. from the University in 1966 in
Mechanical Engineering. From 1968 - 1973, Sununu was
associate dean of the College of Engineering at the Tufts
University where he also served as an associate professor of
mechanical engineering. Sununu served on the Advisory Board
of the Technology and Policy Program at MIT from 1984 -
1989. He is a member of the National Academy of
Engineering.
He is married to the former Nancy Hayes. They have
eight children.