President's Day: Executives in the White House
Of the 43 U.S. presidents, 38 had executive experience prior to ascending to our nation's highest office (according to wikipedia.org's
List of U.S. Presidents by Previous Executive Experience). The list defines executive experience as having served as the top or second decision-maker in federal or state government, or in the same role at a company or large military unit.
So, for example, George Washington qualified through his service as general of the United Army of the Colonies. His successor, John Adams, qualified through his service as Washington's vice president. Thomas Jefferson served as governor of Virginia and U.S. vice president.
Who were the five presidents with no previous executive experience?
James Madison, whose highest ranking job prior to his presidency was in the Virginia state legislature and Continental Congress.
John Quincy Adams (U.S. Senate).
James Buchanan (Pennsylvania House of Representatives and U.S. House of Representatives).
Abraham Lincoln (U.S. House of Representatives).
John F. Kennedy (U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate).