Directors, Then and Now
Since its beginning in 1908, the FBI has been led by a single individual. At first called “Chief,” this leader has been titled “Director” since the term of William Flynn (1919-1921).
The FBI Director has answered directly to the attorney general since the 1920s. Under the Omnibus Crime Control Act and Safe Streets Act of 1968, Public Law 90-3351, the Director is appointed by the U.S. President and confirmed by the Senate. On October 15, 1976, in reaction to the extraordinary 48-year term of J. Edgar Hoover, Congress passed Public Law 94-503, limiting the FBI Director to a single term of no longer than 10 years.
Current Director
Kash Patel
February 21, 2025 – Present
Previous Directors
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Christopher Wray, August 2, 2017 - January 20, 2025
Christopher Wray was sworn in as the Director of the FBI on August 2, 2017.
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Andrew McCabe (Acting), May 9, 2017 - August 2, 2017
Andrew McCabe was named Acting Director of the FBI on May 9, 2017.
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James B. Comey, September 4, 2013 - May 9, 2017
James B. Comey was sworn in as the Director of the FBI on September 4, 2013.
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Robert S. Mueller, III, September 4, 2001- September 4, 2013
Robert Mueller headed the FBI for exactly 12 years, the second longest in history, following legislation in 2011 that extended his tenure by two years.
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Thomas J. Pickard (Acting), June 25, 2001 - September 4, 2001
On June 25, 2001, Mr. Pickard was appointed Acting Director of the FBI by Attorney General John Ashcroft.
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Louis J. Freeh, September 1, 1993 - June 25, 2001
Louis Freeh was confirmed by the Senate on August 6, 1993 and was sworn in as Director on September 1, 1993.
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Floyd I. Clarke (Acting), July 19, 1993 - September 1, 1993
On July 19, 1993, Floyd I. Clarke assumed the duties of Acting Director of the FBI. He served in this capacity until September 1, 1993.
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William S. Sessions, November 2, 1987 - July 19, 1993
On November 1, 1987, Judge Sessions resigned his position as United States District Judge to become Director of the FBI and was sworn in on November 2, 1987.
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John E. Otto (Acting), May 26, 1987 - November 2, 1987
John E. Otto served as Acting Director of the FBI between May and November 1987.
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William H. Webster, February 23, 1978 - May 25, 1987
William Webster resigned as judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit on February 23, 1978 to become Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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James B. Adams (Acting), February 15, 1978 – February 23, 1978
James Blackburn Adams was appointed acting director of the FBI, serving February 15, 1978 until February 23, 1978.
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Clarence M. Kelley, July 9, 1973 - February 15, 1978
Mr. Kelley was sworn in as Director of the FBI in Kansas City, Missouri on July 9, 1973.
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William D. Ruckelshaus (Acting), April 30, 1973 - July 9, 1973
William Doyle Ruckelshaus served as Acting Director of the FBI between April 1973 and July 1973.
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L. Patrick Gray (Acting), May 3, 1972 - April 27, 1973
Louis Patrick Gray, III served as Acting Director from May 3, 1972 to April 27, 1973.
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J. Edgar Hoover, May 10, 1924 - May 2, 1972
J. Edgar Hoover led the FBI for nearly a half-century, from 1924 until 1972. Under Director Hoover, the Bureau grew in responsibility and importance, becoming an integral part of the national government and an icon in American popular culture.
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William J. Burns, August 22, 1921 - June 14, 1924
Well qualified to direct the Bureau and friends with Warren Harding’s Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty, Burns was appointed Director of the Bureau of Investigation on August 22, 1921.
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William J. Flynn, July 1, 1919 - August 21, 1921
The former chief of the U.S. Secret Service, Mr. Flynn was named Director of the Bureau of Investigation in 1919.
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William E. Allen (Acting), February 10, 1919 - June 30, 1919
In February 1919, William E. Allen of Texas began serving as Acting Director. Before his appointment, Mr. Allen served as assistant in War Matters to the chief of the Bureau of Investigation.
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Alexander B. Bielaski, April 30, 1912 - February 10, 1919
At the end of April 1912, Attorney General Wickersham appointed Mr. Bielaski to replace Mr. Finch. As chief, Mr. Bielaski oversaw a steady increase in the resources and responsibilities assigned to the Bureau.
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Stanley W. Finch, July 26, 1908 - April 30, 1912
As chief examiner, Mr. Finch advocated the creation of an investigative squad within the Justice Department, eventually becoming its first leader.
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