The Secretary of State handles foreign affairs and relationships with other nations, advises the president on foreign policy, negotiates treaties, and represents the United States at international conferences. It is the highest-ranking appointed executive branch position both in the presidential line of succession and the order of precedence within the cabinet.
Christian A. Herter was appointed to the position of Secretary of State by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1959 and served until 1961.