Childhood and Education Journey of Jake Sullivan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jake Sullivan. From birth to education, explore key events.

Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan is an American attorney who served as the U.S. National Security Advisor from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden. As National Security Advisor, Sullivan played a key role in advising the President on national security and foreign policy matters.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 28, 1976: Jake Sullivan's Birth

On November 28, 1976, Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan was born. He later became the U.S. National Security Advisor under President Joe Biden.

1998: Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Yale

In 1998, Sullivan graduated summa cum laude with distinction from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa his senior year.

2003: Graduated from Yale Law School

In 2003, Sullivan graduated with a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.

2008: Advisor to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

In 2008, Sullivan served as an advisor to Hillary Clinton during the primary cycle and later to Barack Obama during the general election campaign, preparing both for debates.

2012: Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of State

In 2012, Sullivan was the Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Policy Planning and travelled with Hillary Clinton to 112 countries.

February 2013: National Security Advisor to Vice President Biden

In February 2013, Sullivan became National Security Advisor to Vice President Joe Biden, playing a role in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards Libya, Syria, and Myanmar.

November 24, 2013: Joint Plan of Action Signed

On November 24, 2013, the Geneva interim agreement on the Iranian nuclear program, known as the Joint Plan of Action, was signed by Iran and the P5+1 countries in Geneva, Switzerland, following efforts in which Sullivan participated.

June 20, 2014: Leaving Obama administration to teach at Yale Law School

On June 20, 2014, it was reported that Sullivan was leaving the Obama administration in August 2014 to teach at Yale Law School.

August 2014: Left Obama administration

In August 2014, Sullivan left the Obama administration to teach at Yale Law School.

2015: Sullivan marries Maggie Goodlander

In 2015, Jake Sullivan married Maggie Goodlander. Goodlander is a Yale graduate, former intelligence officer, and foreign policy advisor.

January 2017: Joined Macro Advisory Partners

In January 2017, Sullivan joined Macro Advisory Partners, a risk advisory company, and was later a faculty member and senior fellow at the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire.