Clifton R. Wharton, Sr. – American Diplomats Series

Description

Clifton R. Wharton, Sr. (1918–2010) was an American businessman and diplomat. He was the first African American to become a chief executive officer (CEO) of a Fortune 500 company, TIAA-CREF, and the first African American to serve as United States Ambassador to Romania.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Wharton attended Harvard University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1940. After graduation, he served in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he earned a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard in 1947.

Wharton began his business career in 1949 when he joined the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA). He rose through the ranks and in 1972, he became the first African American to become CEO of a Fortune 500 company when he was appointed president and CEO of TIAA.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter appointed Wharton U.S. Ambassador to Romania, making him the first African American to serve in that role.

Wharton also served on the board of directors of several corporations, including Xerox, Union Carbide, and the New York Stock Exchange.

In 1993, Wharton was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Throughout his career, Wharton championed educational opportunities for minority students. He established the Clifton R. Wharton Endowment for Minority Student Education at Harvard and served as a trustee of his alma mater. He also served on the board of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, New York University and Williams College.

Wharton was an influential and inspirational figure both in the business world and in the African American community. He was a role model for aspiring business leaders and a mentor to many, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell.