Date of Birth: November 28, 1953
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: *Not applicable (as of the knowledge cutoff date in 2023)*
Biography
Michael Chertoff is an American attorney and public servant who has held several prominent positions in the U.S. government. Born on November 28, 1953, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Chertoff had a distinguished career in law and public service. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1978 and went on to serve as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr. Chertoff’s career in public service began in earnest when he served as a U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 1990 to 1994. He later became an Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he played a significant role in the prosecution of the Enron scandal. In 2005, Chertoff was appointed as the second Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by President George W. Bush, a position he held until 2009. During his tenure at DHS, Chertoff oversaw significant reforms in U.S. immigration policy and was instrumental in the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. After leaving public office, he co-founded The Chertoff Group, a security and risk management advisory firm, and served on various corporate and non-profit boards.
5 Interesting Facts about Michael Chertoff
1. Michael Chertoff co-authored the USA PATRIOT Act following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
2. He was the second person to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, succeeding Tom Ridge.
3. Chertoff is a dual citizen of the United States and Israel.
4. He co-founded The Chertoff Group, a global security firm, in 2009.
5. Michael Chertoff is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Chertoff
1. “We need to strike a balance between security and liberty.”
2. “The goal is to create a security environment that is both effective and respectful of rights and liberties.”
3. “The key to homeland security is resilience.”
4. “Our security is not just about buildings and borders; it’s about people.”
5. “We must be vigilant but not paranoid.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Michael Chertoff’s highest net worth has been estimated to be around $20 million, primarily through his public service salary, consulting, and board memberships.
Children
Michael Chertoff is married to Meryl Justin Chertoff. The couple has two children together, Philip Chertoff and Emily Chertoff.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Michael Chertoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Chertoff
2. [Biography on DHS](https://www.dhs.gov/michael-chertoff
3. [The Chertoff Group](https://www.chertoffgroup.com
4. [Council on Foreign Relations Profile](https://www.cfr.org/membership/roster
5. [Interview with Michael Chertoff](https://www.c-span.org/person/?michaelchertoff