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Gary Lee Sisco | |
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29th Secretary of the United States Senate | |
In office October 1, 1996 –July 11, 2001 | |
Preceded by | Kelly D. Johnston |
Succeeded by | Jeri Thomson |
Personal details | |
Born | Bolivar,Tennessee,U.S. |
Spouse | Mary Sue Sisco |
Education | University of Mississippi George Washington University |
Gary Lee Sisco (born in Bolivar,Tennessee) is an American government administrator who served as the 29th Secretary of the United States Senate from 1996 to 2001. Appointed by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott,Sisco oversaw critical technological and administrative reforms during his tenure,including managing the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. [1]
Sisco was born into a blue-collar family in Bolivar,Tennessee,where his father served as a county sheriff. [2] He attended the University of Mississippi,where he befriended future Senator Trent Lott,and later earned a degree from George Washington University. [1] Sisco began his political career working for Senator Howard Baker in both Memphis and Washington,D.C. He managed Lamar Alexander's successful 1974 gubernatorial campaign in Tennessee and later served as administrative assistant to Representative Robin Beard. [1]
Sisco was elected Secretary of the Senate on October 1,1996,following a resolution formally notifying the President and the House of Representatives of his appointment. [3] [4] Key achievements during his term included:
Sisco resigned in July 2001 after the Senate majority shifted to Democrats,opting to allow the new leadership to appoint their own secretary. [2] His resignation was marked by a Senate resolution commending his service,sponsored by Lott and endorsed by Democratic Leader Tom Daschle. [2]
After leaving the Senate,Sisco returned to private business in Tennessee. Colleagues praised his integrity and ability to modernize Senate operations while maintaining institutional traditions. His tenure is noted for balancing technological advancements with the Senate's historical continuity.
Sisco married Mary Sue Sisco,a Mississippi native,whom he met through Trent Lott's wife. They have children and maintain ties to Tennessee.