William Hedgcock Webster (born March 6, 1924), often known as Bill Webster, is an American attorney and civil servant who served as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1978 to 1987 and as the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from 1987 to 1991. He is the only person to have served as the head of both of these U.S. federal agencies.
Early Life and Education
Webster was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Webster Groves High School and then Amherst College, where he graduated in 1947. He served in the U.S. Navy during both World War II and the Korean War, achieving the rank of lieutenant. After his military service, he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Washington University School of Law in 1949.
Career
Webster began his career in private law practice in St. Louis. His public service career began with various legal roles, including U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.
Federal Judiciary
In 1970, President Richard Nixon appointed Webster to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. He served in this capacity until 1973 when he was elevated by President Nixon to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, where he served until 1978.
Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter appointed Webster to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His tenure at the FBI was marked by efforts to restore public confidence in the agency, which had been damaged by revelations of past abuses and controversies. He focused on strengthening the FBI's counterintelligence and counter-terrorism capabilities and modernizing its operations. He served under three presidents (Carter, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush) during his nine years as FBI Director, becoming the second-longest-serving director after J. Edgar Hoover.
Director of Central Intelligence
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan nominated Webster to become the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), succeeding William J. Casey. As DCI, he was responsible for overseeing the entire U.S. intelligence community, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). His appointment to the DCI role came during a sensitive period for the intelligence community, particularly in the aftermath of the Iran-Contra affair. He focused on rebuilding trust within the intelligence agencies and with Congress. He retired from public service in 1991.
Post-Government Career
After leaving government, Webster returned to private law practice, notably as a partner at the law firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy. He has also served on various government commissions and advisory boards, including the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board and the Homeland Security Advisory Council.
Awards and Recognition
In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded Webster the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in recognition of his distinguished public service.
Legacy
Webster is widely respected for his integrity, calm demeanor, and his dedication to public service. His leadership at both the FBI and CIA is credited with helping to restore public and congressional trust in these critical national security institutions.