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.

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