John Berry (ambassador): Difference between revisions

John Berry
John Berry
United States Ambassador to Australia
	In office; September 25, 2013 – September 20, 2016
President	Barack Obama
Preceded by	Jeff Bleich
Succeeded by	Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr.
Director of the Office of Personnel Management
	In office; April 13, 2009 – April 13, 2013
President	Barack Obama
Preceded by	Kathie Whipple (Acting)
Succeeded by	Elaine Kaplan (Acting)
Director of the National Zoological Park
	In office; October 1, 2005 – April 13, 2009
President	George W. Bush; Barack Obama
Preceded by	Lucy Spelman
Succeeded by	Steven Monfort (Acting)
Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
	In office; 2000–2005
President	Bill Clinton; George W. Bush
Preceded by	Amos Eno
Succeeded by	Jeff Trandahl
Personal details
Born	Morrell John Berry; February 10, 1959 (age 65); Rockville, Maryland, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Curtis Yee
Education	University of Maryland, College Park (BA); Syracuse University (MPA)

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Morrell John Berry^[2] (born 1959) is an American former government official who was named President of the American Australian Association in 2016.^[3] Berry was director of the United States Office of Personnel Management from 2009 to 2013 and United States Ambassador to Australia from 2013 to 2016.

Berry was born in Maryland, to parents who worked for the federal government. He completed degrees at the University of Maryland, and Syracuse University and worked in local government and as a legislative aide in state government from 1982 to 1985. From 1985 to 1994, he worked as legislative director for U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer. He held posts in the U.S. Treasury Department, the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Department of the Interior until 2000, and worked as director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Zoological Park until 2009, when he was nominated by President Barack Obama as director of the United States Office of Personnel Management. Berry took office after being confirmed by the United States Senate in April 2009. In June 2013, President Obama nominated Berry to replace Jeff Bleich as U.S. Ambassador to Australia. He was confirmed by unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate in August 2013.^[4]

Early life and education

Berry was born 1959, in Maryland, United States.^[2]^[5] His father served in the U.S. Marine Corps, his mother worked for the U.S. Census Bureau, and he has a brother and a sister.^[6] Berry graduated from high school in 1977 and finished a Bachelor of Arts in government and politics from the University of Maryland in 1980.^[2] In 1981, Berry graduated from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University with a Master of Public Administration.^[2]

Career

Berry served in management for the Montgomery County government from 1982 to 1984 and as staff director of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee from 1984 to 1985.^[2] From 1985 to 1994, he was legislative director for U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer, and associate staffer on the House Appropriations Committee.^[2]^[7] Berry assisted Hoyer on employment issues of the federal government, and played a leading role in negotiations that led to the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990, which established the locality pay system.^[8]^[9] From 1994 to 1995, Berry served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and acting Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement in the U.S. Treasury Department.^[2]^[10] From 1995 to 1997, Berry worked as director of government relations and as senior policy advisor at the Smithsonian Institution.

Department of the Interior

Berry was appointed Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget at the U.S. Department of the Interior during the Clinton administration, serving from 1997 to 2001.^[2]^[7] At the Interior Department, Berry improved credit union and continuing education options, oversaw the expansion of department programs to improve employees' work-life balance, and held town hall meetings with Interior employees and used their suggestions to upgrade a cafeteria and health center.^[9] These changes were partly funded through partnerships with federal employees, unions and other agencies to reduce costs for the department.^[9] Berry worked to create a complaint procedure for employees who experience discrimination because of their sexual orientation, to expand relocation benefits and counseling services to domestic partners of employees, to establish a liaison to gay and lesbian workers, and to eliminate discriminatory provisions of the National Park Service's law enforcement standards.^[11] He helped establish an office supply store for Interior employees, which he staffed with disabled workers.^[9] Berry oversaw one of the largest budgetary increases in the department's history.^[10]

In 2000, Berry became director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, where he worked with Interior Inspector General Earl Devaney to reconcile twenty years of financial records, improve management, and conserve wildlife habitat through public-private partnerships.^[2]^[10] Berry was appointed from October 1, 2005, to serve as director of the National Zoo, which had been found to have shortcomings in record keeping and maintenance.^[12]^[13] Berry created a strategic planning and modernization process for the zoo.^[9] This included a twenty-year capital plan, securing $35 million in funding to provide for fire protection, and beginning renovations to animal houses.^[10]

The Berry Bastion, an Antarctic mountain, was named in his honor.

Office of Personnel Management

In 2008, Berry was mentioned as a possible nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Interior, a position obtained by Ken Salazar.^[14]^[15] President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate Berry as director of the Office of Personnel Management on March 3, 2009,^[8] and did so on March 4.^[16] The nomination hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on March 26, 2009, led to expectation of easy confirmation for Berry, despite opposition from conservative activists based on Berry's homosexuality.^[5]^[6] In the hearing Berry stated he supported any effective employee compensation system, but that the federal government had the obligation to give employees with comparable job performances similar pay and treatment.^[17] He pledged to preserve veterans preference and supplement it with training programs to prepare veterans for federal jobs, and promised reviews of proposals to improve the security clearance and hiring processes.^[17] Berry emphasized the importance for agencies to use all recruitment tools, citing relocation benefits that could keep agencies competitive with the private sector,^[17] and stated he would create a strategic plan and set performance goals for the Office of Personnel Management.^[17] Berry had stated support for benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees and a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.^[5]

The Senate confirmed Berry on April 3, 2009,^[16] and he was sworn in April 13 as the first agency director in the Obama administration with all senior staff in place.^[18] The ceremonial swearing in on April 23 was attended by First Lady Michelle Obama.^[19] At the time, Berry was, according to the Human Rights Campaign, the highest-ranking openly gay official to serve in the executive branch in any U.S. administration.^[11]

U.S. Ambassador to Australia

In June 2013, President Obama nominated Berry to be the US ambassador to Australia, the first openly gay U.S. ambassador to a G-20 nation.^[4] On August 1, 2013, the United States Senate confirmed Berry by unanimous consent.^[20] Australian media coverage of Berry's appointment was overwhelmingly positive with a video he posted to the US Embassy website being described as the "friendliest introduction video in diplomatic history" while Berry himself was described as "modest", with an "impressive record".^[21] Federal News Radio in the US reported that, "more than 200 people had posted responses" to the video, "most of which were warm and cordial".^[22]

Personal life

Before being appointed as ambassador to Australia Berry lived in Washington, D.C.^[16] Berry is openly gay. On August 10, 2013, he married Curtis Yee, his partner for 17 years, at St Margaret's Episcopal Church in Washington.^[23]

References

^ "Steven L. Monfort Named Acting Director of the National Zoo" (Press release). National Zoological Park. 2009. Archived from the original on July 20, 2009. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ "Nomination disclosure form" (PDF). National Journal. March 26, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
^ "American Australian Association Announces Amb. John Berry as New President" (Press release). New York, NY and Sydney, Australia: American Australian Association. June 9, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2016.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ ^a ^b "Openly gay man John Berry to be next US ambassador to Australia". The Australian. June 25, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
^ ^a ^b ^c Wechsler, Pat; Marcus, Aliza (March 20, 2009). "Gay Obama Nominee Succeeds as Values Turn on Rescuing Families". Bloomberg Television. Retrieved March 20, 2009.
^ ^a ^b O'Keefe, Ed (March 26, 2009). "Berry Sails Through Confirmation Hearing". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
^ ^a ^b O'Keefe, Ed (January 13, 2009). "Likely OPM Director Earns Rave Reviews". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
^ ^a ^b O'Keefe, Ed (March 3, 2009). "Zoo Director to Head Office of Personnel Management". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Rosenberg, Alyssa (January 13, 2009). "Zoo chief could be named OPM director soon". National Journal. Archived from the original on May 13, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Obama Names New FCC, OPM Directors". The White House. National Journal. March 3, 2009. Archived from the original on March 6, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
^ ^a ^b Rosenberg, Alyssa (March 3, 2009). "John Berry named OPM director". National Journal. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
^ Olson, Elizabeth (July 29, 2005). "National Briefing - Washington: New Director For National Zoo". The New York Times. Retrieved December 11, 2008.
^ "Smithsonian Names John Berry as New Director for the National Zoological Park" (Press release). Smithsonian National Zoological Park. July 29, 2005. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
^ Sidoti, Liz; Cappiello, Dina (December 11, 2008). "Obama chooses team for energy, the environment". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 12, 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
^ "Ken Salazar Confirmed as 50th Secretary of the Interior" (Press release). United States Department of the Interior. January 20, 2009. Archived from the original on March 27, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
^ ^a ^b ^c "John Berry Confirmed As OPM Director" (Press release). United States Office of Personnel Management. April 3, 2009. Archived from the original on April 5, 2009. Retrieved April 4, 2009.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Rosenberg, Alyssa (March 26, 2009). "Personnel pick remains flexible on pay-for-performance systems". National Journal. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
^ O'Keefe, Ed (April 14, 2009). "John Berry Gets to Work". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
^ O'Keefe, Ed (April 23, 2009). "Michelle Obama Visits, John Berry Sworn In at OPM". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
^ Heil, Emily (August 2, 2013). "HRC welcomes confirmations of gay candidates". Washington Post. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
^ Swan, Jonathan (18 September 2013). "Barack Obama's chief people person, new US ambassador John Berry, lives up to his reputation". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
^ O'Connell, Michael (19 September 2013). "Ambassador John Berry checks in Down Under". WFED. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
^ Young, Matt (August 12, 2013). "US ambassador to Australia marries in private same-sex ceremony". news.com.au. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013.

External links

Appearances on C-SPAN

Political offices
Preceded by Kathie Whipple Acting	Director of the Office of Personnel Management 2009–2013	Succeeded by Elaine Kaplan Acting
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Jeff Bleich	United States Ambassador to Australia 2013–2016	Succeeded by Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr.

[1] "Steven L. Monfort Named Acting Director of the National Zoo" (Press release). National Zoological Park. 2009. Archived from the original on July 20, 2009. Retrieved November 24, 2010.

[form-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ "Nomination disclosure form" (PDF). National Journal. March 26, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009.

[3] "American Australian Association Announces Amb. John Berry as New President" (Press release). New York, NY and Sydney, Australia: American Australian Association. June 9, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2016.^{[permanent dead link]}

[australian-4] "Openly gay man John Berry to be next US ambassador to Australia". The Australian. June 25, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013.

[BB090320-5] Wechsler, Pat; Marcus, Aliza (March 20, 2009). "Gay Obama Nominee Succeeds as Values Turn on Rescuing Families". Bloomberg Television. Retrieved March 20, 2009.

[WP090326-6] O'Keefe, Ed (March 26, 2009). "Berry Sails Through Confirmation Hearing". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 29, 2009.

[Keefe-Jan-7] O'Keefe, Ed (January 13, 2009). "Likely OPM Director Earns Rave Reviews". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 4, 2009.

[Keefe-Mar-8] O'Keefe, Ed (March 3, 2009). "Zoo Director to Head Office of Personnel Management". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 4, 2009.

[GE090103-9] Rosenberg, Alyssa (January 13, 2009). "Zoo chief could be named OPM director soon". National Journal. Archived from the original on May 13, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009.

[LIT090303-10] "Obama Names New FCC, OPM Directors". The White House. National Journal. March 3, 2009. Archived from the original on March 6, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2009.

[GE090303-11] Rosenberg, Alyssa (March 3, 2009). "John Berry named OPM director". National Journal. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009.

[NYT050729-12] Olson, Elizabeth (July 29, 2005). "National Briefing - Washington: New Director For National Zoo". The New York Times. Retrieved December 11, 2008.

[13] "Smithsonian Names John Berry as New Director for the National Zoological Park" (Press release). Smithsonian National Zoological Park. July 29, 2005. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2010.

[14] Sidoti, Liz; Cappiello, Dina (December 11, 2008). "Obama chooses team for energy, the environment". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 12, 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2009.

[15] "Ken Salazar Confirmed as 50th Secretary of the Interior" (Press release). United States Department of the Interior. January 20, 2009. Archived from the original on March 27, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009.

[OPM090403-16] "John Berry Confirmed As OPM Director" (Press release). United States Office of Personnel Management. April 3, 2009. Archived from the original on April 5, 2009. Retrieved April 4, 2009.

[GE090326-17] Rosenberg, Alyssa (March 26, 2009). "Personnel pick remains flexible on pay-for-performance systems". National Journal. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved March 29, 2009.

[WP090414-18] O'Keefe, Ed (April 14, 2009). "John Berry Gets to Work". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 15, 2009.

[WP090423-19] O'Keefe, Ed (April 23, 2009). "Michelle Obama Visits, John Berry Sworn In at OPM". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 24, 2009.

[20] Heil, Emily (August 2, 2013). "HRC welcomes confirmations of gay candidates". Washington Post. Retrieved August 13, 2013.

[smh-21] Swan, Jonathan (18 September 2013). "Barack Obama's chief people person, new US ambassador John Berry, lives up to his reputation". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 22 September 2013.

[WFED-22] O'Connell, Michael (19 September 2013). "Ambassador John Berry checks in Down Under". WFED. Retrieved 22 September 2013.

[23] Young, Matt (August 12, 2013). "US ambassador to Australia marries in private same-sex ceremony". news.com.au. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|American government official & diplomat (born 1959)}}
 {{Good article}}
 {{Infobox officeholder
@@ Line 6: / Line 7: @@
 |president     = [[Barack Obama]]
 |term_start    = September 25, 2013
-|term_end      = September 2016
+|term_end      = September 20, 2016
 |predecessor   = [[Jeffrey L. Bleich|Jeff Bleich]]
-|successor     = [[Arthur B. Culvahouse, Jr.]]
+|successor     = [[Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr.]]
 |office1       = Director of the [[United States Office of Personnel Management|Office of Personnel Management]]
 |president1    = [[Barack Obama]]
@@ Line 16: / Line 17: @@
 |successor1    = [[Elaine D. Kaplan|Elaine Kaplan]] {{small|(Acting)}}
 |office2       = Director of the [[National Zoological Park (United States)|National Zoological Park]]
-|president2    = [[George W. Bush]]
+|president2    = [[George W. Bush]]<br />[[Barack Obama]]
 |term_start2   = October 1, 2005
 |term_end2     = April 13, 2009
 |predecessor2  = [[Lucy Spelman]]
-|successor2    = [[Steven Monfort]] {{small|(Acting)}}<ref>{{cite press release |title=Steven L. Monfort Named Acting Director of the National Zoo |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/Staff/Monfortactingdirector.cfm |publisher=[[National Zoological Park (United States)|National Zoological Park]] |year=2009 |accessdate=November 24, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720133541/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/Staff/Monfortactingdirector.cfm |archivedate=July 20, 2009 |df= }}</ref>
+|successor2    = [[Steven Monfort]] {{small|(Acting)}}<ref>{{cite press release |title=Steven L. Monfort Named Acting Director of the National Zoo |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/Staff/Monfortactingdirector.cfm |publisher=[[National Zoological Park (United States)|National Zoological Park]] |year=2009 |access-date=November 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720133541/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/Staff/Monfortactingdirector.cfm |archive-date=July 20, 2009 }}</ref>
 |office3       = Director of the [[National Fish and Wildlife Foundation]]
-|president3    = [[Bill Clinton]]<br>[[George W. Bush]]
+|president3    = [[Bill Clinton]]<br />[[George W. Bush]]
 |term_start3   = 2000
 |term_end3     = 2005
-|predecessor3  =
+|predecessor3  = Amos Eno
 |successor3    = [[Jeff Trandahl]]
 |birth_name    = Morrell John Berry
@@ Line 34: / Line 35: @@
 |party         = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
 |spouse        = Curtis Yee
-|alma_mater    = [[University of Maryland, College Park]]<br>[[Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs|Syracuse University]]
+|education     = [[University of Maryland, College Park]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Syracuse University]] ([[Master of Public Administration|MPA]])
 }}
-'''Morrell John Berry'''<ref name="form">{{cite magazine|title=Nomination disclosure form|magazine=National Journal|date=March 26, 2009|url=http://www.govexec.com/pdfs/032609ar1.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> (born February 10, 1959) is an American former government official who was named President of the [[American Australian Association]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite press release |last= |first= |date=June 9, 2016 |title=American Australian Association Announces Amb. John Berry as New President |url=http://www.americanaustralian.org/news/293191/Press-Release-American-Australian-Association-Announces-Amb.-John-Berry-as-New-President.htm |location=New York, NY and Sydney, Australia |publisher=American Australian Association |access-date=December 5, 2016}}</ref> Berry was director of the [[United States Office of Personnel Management]] from 2009 to 2013 and [[United States Ambassador to Australia]] from 2013 to 2016.
+'''Morrell John Berry'''<ref name="form">{{cite magazine|title=Nomination disclosure form|magazine=National Journal|date=March 26, 2009|url=http://www.govexec.com/pdfs/032609ar1.pdf|access-date=March 29, 2009}}</ref> (born 1959) is an American former government official who was named President of the [[American Australian Association]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite press release |date=June 9, 2016 |title=American Australian Association Announces Amb. John Berry as New President |url=http://www.americanaustralian.org/news/293191/Press-Release-American-Australian-Association-Announces-Amb.-John-Berry-as-New-President.htm |location=New York, NY and Sydney, Australia |publisher=American Australian Association |access-date=December 5, 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Berry was director of the [[United States Office of Personnel Management]] from 2009 to 2013 and [[United States Ambassador to Australia]] from 2013 to 2016.
-Berry was born in [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery County]], [[Maryland]], to parents who worked for the [[Federal government of the United States|federal government]]. He completed degrees at the [[University of Maryland, College Park]] and [[Syracuse University]] and worked in local government and as a legislative aide in state government from 1982 to 1985. From 1985 to 1994, he worked as [[Legislative assistant|legislative director]] for [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] [[Steny Hoyer]]. He held posts in the [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Treasury Department]], the [[Smithsonian Institution]], and the [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]] until 2000, and worked as director of the [[National Fish and Wildlife Foundation]] and the [[National Zoological Park (United States)|National Zoological Park]] until 2009, when he was nominated by President [[Barack Obama]] as director of the [[United States Office of Personnel Management]]. Berry took office after being confirmed by the [[United States Senate]] in April 2009. In June 2013, President Obama nominated Berry to replace [[Jeff Bleich]] as U.S. Ambassador to Australia. He was confirmed by  unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate in August 2013.<ref name=australian/>
+Berry was born in [[Maryland]], to parents who worked for the [[Federal government of the United States|federal government]]. He completed degrees at the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]], and [[Syracuse University]] and worked in local government and as a legislative aide in state government from 1982 to 1985. From 1985 to 1994, he worked as [[Legislative assistant|legislative director]] for [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] [[Steny Hoyer]]. He held posts in the [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Treasury Department]], the [[Smithsonian Institution]], and the [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]] until 2000, and worked as director of the [[National Fish and Wildlife Foundation]] and the [[National Zoological Park (United States)|National Zoological Park]] until 2009, when he was nominated by President [[Barack Obama]] as director of the [[United States Office of Personnel Management]]. Berry took office after being confirmed by the [[United States Senate]] in April 2009. In June 2013, President Obama nominated Berry to replace [[Jeff Bleich]] as U.S. Ambassador to Australia. He was confirmed by unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate in August 2013.<ref name=australian/>
 ==Early life and education==
-Berry was born February 10, 1959, in [[Rockville, Maryland|Rockville]], [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery County]], [[Maryland]], United States.<ref name="form" /><ref name="BB090320">{{cite news|last=Wechsler|first=Pat|author2=Marcus, Aliza|title=Gay Obama Nominee Succeeds as Values Turn on Rescuing Families|publisher=[[Bloomberg Television]]|date=March 20, 2009|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=ayPMVbGij1KY|accessdate=March 20, 2009}}</ref> His father served in the [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]], his mother worked for the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], and he has a brother and a sister.<ref name="WP090326">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=Berry Sails Through Confirmation Hearing|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=March 26, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/03/john_berry.html|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> Berry graduated from high school in 1977 and finished a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in government and politics from the [[University of Maryland, College Park]] in 1980.<ref name="form" /> In 1981, Berry graduated from the [[Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs]] at [[Syracuse University]] with a [[Master of Public Administration]].<ref name="form" />
+Berry was born 1959, in [[Maryland]], United States.<ref name="form" /><ref name="BB090320">{{cite news|last=Wechsler|first=Pat|author2=Marcus, Aliza|title=Gay Obama Nominee Succeeds as Values Turn on Rescuing Families|publisher=[[Bloomberg Television]]|date=March 20, 2009|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=ayPMVbGij1KY|access-date=March 20, 2009}}</ref> His father served in the [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]], his mother worked for the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], and he has a brother and a sister.<ref name="WP090326">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=Berry Sails Through Confirmation Hearing|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=March 26, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/03/john_berry.html|access-date=March 29, 2009}}</ref> Berry graduated from high school in 1977 and finished a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in government and politics from the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]] in 1980.<ref name="form" /> In 1981, Berry graduated from the [[Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs]] at [[Syracuse University]] with a [[Master of Public Administration]].<ref name="form" />
 ==Career==
-Berry served in management for the Montgomery County government from 1982 to 1984 and as staff director of the [[Maryland Senate]] Finance Committee from 1984 to 1985.<ref name="form" /> From 1985 to 1994, he was [[Legislative assistant|legislative director]] for [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] [[Steny Hoyer]], and associate staffer on the [[United States House Committee on Appropriations|House Appropriations Committee]].<ref name="form" /><ref name="Keefe-Jan">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=Likely OPM Director Earns Rave Reviews|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 13, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/01/new_opm_director_soon.html|accessdate=March 4, 2009}}</ref> Berry assisted Hoyer on employment issues of the [[Federal government of the United States|federal government]], and played a leading role in negotiations that led to the [[Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990]], which established the locality pay system.<ref name="Keefe-Mar">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=Zoo Director to Head Office of Personnel Management|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=March 3, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/03/03/zoo_director_to_head_office_of.html|accessdate=March 4, 2009}}</ref><ref name="GE090103">{{cite magazine|last=Rosenberg|first=Alyssa|title=Zoo chief could be named OPM director soon|magazine=National Journal|date=January 13, 2009|url=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0109/011309ar1.htm|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> From 1994 to 1995, Berry served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and acting Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement in the [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Treasury Department]].<ref name="form" /><ref name="LIT090303">{{cite news|title=Obama Names New FCC, OPM Directors |work=The White House |publisher=[[National Journal]] |date=March 3, 2009 |url=http://lostintransition.nationaljournal.com/2009/03/nominees-for-fcc-chairman-opm.php |accessdate=April 15, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306225151/http://lostintransition.nationaljournal.com/2009/03/nominees-for-fcc-chairman-opm.php |archivedate=March  6, 2009 |df= }}</ref> From 1995 to 1997, Berry worked as director of government relations and as senior policy advisor at the [[Smithsonian Institution]].
+Berry served in management for the Montgomery County government from 1982 to 1984 and as staff director of the [[Maryland Senate]] Finance Committee from 1984 to 1985.<ref name="form" /> From 1985 to 1994, he was [[Legislative assistant|legislative director]] for [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] [[Steny Hoyer]], and associate staffer on the [[United States House Committee on Appropriations|House Appropriations Committee]].<ref name="form" /><ref name="Keefe-Jan">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=Likely OPM Director Earns Rave Reviews|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 13, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/01/new_opm_director_soon.html|access-date=March 4, 2009}}</ref> Berry assisted Hoyer on employment issues of the [[Federal government of the United States|federal government]], and played a leading role in negotiations that led to the [[Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990]], which established the locality pay system.<ref name="Keefe-Mar">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=Zoo Director to Head Office of Personnel Management|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=March 3, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/03/03/zoo_director_to_head_office_of.html|access-date=March 4, 2009}}</ref><ref name="GE090103">{{cite magazine|last=Rosenberg|first=Alyssa|title=Zoo chief could be named OPM director soon|magazine=National Journal|date=January 13, 2009|url=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0109/011309ar1.htm|access-date=March 29, 2009|archive-date=May 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513085236/http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0109/011309ar1.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> From 1994 to 1995, Berry served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and acting Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement in the [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Treasury Department]].<ref name="form" /><ref name="LIT090303">{{cite news|title=Obama Names New FCC, OPM Directors |work=The White House |publisher=[[National Journal]] |date=March 3, 2009 |url=http://lostintransition.nationaljournal.com/2009/03/nominees-for-fcc-chairman-opm.php |access-date=April 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306225151/http://lostintransition.nationaljournal.com/2009/03/nominees-for-fcc-chairman-opm.php |archive-date=March 6, 2009 }}</ref> From 1995 to 1997, Berry worked as director of government relations and as senior policy advisor at the [[Smithsonian Institution]].
 === Department of the Interior ===
-Berry was appointed Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget at the [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]] during the [[Presidency of Bill Clinton|Clinton administration]], serving from 1997 to 2001.<ref name="form" /><ref name="Keefe-Jan" /> At the Interior Department, Berry improved credit union and continuing education options, oversaw the expansion of department programs to improve employees' [[work-life balance]], and held [[town hall meeting]]s with Interior employees and used their suggestions to upgrade a cafeteria and health center.<ref name="GE090103" /> These changes were partly funded through partnerships with federal employees, unions and other agencies to reduce costs for the department.<ref name="GE090103" /> Berry worked to create a complaint procedure for employees who experience discrimination because of their [[sexual orientation]], to expand relocation benefits and counseling services to domestic partners of employees, to establish a liaison to gay and lesbian workers, and to eliminate discriminatory provisions of the [[National Park Service]]'s law enforcement standards.<ref name="GE090303">{{cite magazine|last=Rosenberg|first=Alyssa |title=John Berry named OPM director|magazine=National Journal|date=March 3, 2009|url=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0309/030309ar1.htm|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> He helped establish an office supply store for Interior employees, which he staffed with disabled workers.<ref name="GE090103" /> Berry oversaw one of the largest budgetary increases in the department's history.<ref name="LIT090303" />
+Berry was appointed Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget at the [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]] during the [[Presidency of Bill Clinton|Clinton administration]], serving from 1997 to 2001.<ref name="form" /><ref name="Keefe-Jan" /> At the Interior Department, Berry improved credit union and continuing education options, oversaw the expansion of department programs to improve employees' [[work-life balance]], and held [[town hall meeting]]s with Interior employees and used their suggestions to upgrade a cafeteria and health center.<ref name="GE090103" /> These changes were partly funded through partnerships with federal employees, unions and other agencies to reduce costs for the department.<ref name="GE090103" /> Berry worked to create a complaint procedure for employees who experience discrimination because of their [[sexual orientation]], to expand relocation benefits and counseling services to domestic partners of employees, to establish a liaison to gay and lesbian workers, and to eliminate discriminatory provisions of the [[National Park Service]]'s law enforcement standards.<ref name="GE090303">{{cite magazine|last=Rosenberg|first=Alyssa|title=John Berry named OPM director|magazine=National Journal|date=March 3, 2009|url=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0309/030309ar1.htm|access-date=March 29, 2009|archive-date=March 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330074222/http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0309/030309ar1.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> He helped establish an office supply store for Interior employees, which he staffed with disabled workers.<ref name="GE090103" /> Berry oversaw one of the largest budgetary increases in the department's history.<ref name="LIT090303" />
-In 2000, Berry became director of the [[National Fish and Wildlife Foundation]], where he worked with Interior [[Inspector General]] [[Earl Devaney]] to reconcile twenty years of financial records, improve management, and conserve wildlife habitat through public-private partnerships.<ref name="form" /><ref name="LIT090303" /> Berry was appointed from October 1, 2005, to serve as director of the National Zoo, which had been found to have shortcomings in record keeping and maintenance.<ref name="NYT050729">{{cite news |first=Elizabeth |last=Olson |title=National Briefing - Washington: New Director For National Zoo |date=July 29, 2005 |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E2DD113FF93AA15754C0A9639C8B63 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=December 11, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Smithsonian Names John Berry as New Director for the National Zoological Park |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressReleases/NZP/2005/NewZooDirector.cfm |publisher=Smithsonian National Zoological Park |date=July 29, 2005 |accessdate=November 24, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317044827/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressReleases/NZP/2005/NewZooDirector.cfm |archivedate=March 17, 2012 |df= }}</ref> Berry created a strategic planning and modernization process for the zoo.<ref name="GE090103" /> This included a twenty-year capital plan, securing $35 million in funding to provide for fire protection, and beginning renovations to animal houses.<ref name="LIT090303" />
+In 2000, Berry became director of the [[National Fish and Wildlife Foundation]], where he worked with Interior [[Inspector General]] [[Earl Devaney]] to reconcile twenty years of financial records, improve management, and conserve wildlife habitat through public-private partnerships.<ref name="form" /><ref name="LIT090303" /> Berry was appointed from October 1, 2005, to serve as director of the National Zoo, which had been found to have shortcomings in record keeping and maintenance.<ref name="NYT050729">{{cite news |first=Elizabeth |last=Olson |title=National Briefing - Washington: New Director For National Zoo |date=July 29, 2005 |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E2DD113FF93AA15754C0A9639C8B63 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=December 11, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Smithsonian Names John Berry as New Director for the National Zoological Park |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressReleases/NZP/2005/NewZooDirector.cfm |publisher=Smithsonian National Zoological Park |date=July 29, 2005 |access-date=November 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317044827/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressReleases/NZP/2005/NewZooDirector.cfm |archive-date=March 17, 2012 }}</ref> Berry created a strategic planning and modernization process for the zoo.<ref name="GE090103" /> This included a twenty-year capital plan, securing $35 million in funding to provide for fire protection, and beginning renovations to animal houses.<ref name="LIT090303" />
 The [[Berry Bastion]], an Antarctic mountain, was named in his honor.
@@ Line 55: / Line 56: @@
 === Office of Personnel Management ===
 [[File:Berry 1st day.jpg|thumb|Berry greeting employees at OPM headquarters on his first day as agency director]]
-In 2008, Berry was mentioned as a possible nominee for [[United States Secretary of the Interior|U.S. Secretary of the Interior]], a position obtained by [[Ken Salazar]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Sidoti |first=Liz |author2=Cappiello, Dina |title=Obama chooses team for energy, the environment |date=December 11, 2008 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008493988_obamaenv11.html |work=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[The Seattle Times]] |accessdate=April 15, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212105006/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008493988_obamaenv11.html |archivedate=December 12, 2008 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Ken Salazar Confirmed as 50th Secretary of the Interior |url=http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/012009.html |publisher=[[United States Department of the Interior]] |date=January 20, 2009 |accessdate=March 29, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327061310/http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/012009.html |archivedate=March 27, 2009 |df= }}</ref> [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] announced his intention to nominate Berry as director of the [[United States Office of Personnel Management|Office of Personnel Management]] on March 3, 2009,<ref name="Keefe-Mar" /> and did so on March 4.<ref name="OPM090403">{{cite press release |title=John Berry Confirmed As OPM Director |url=http://opm.gov/news/john-berry-confirmed-as-opm-director,1458.aspx |publisher= [[United States Office of Personnel Management]]|date=April 3, 2009 |accessdate=April 4, 2009}}</ref> The nomination hearing before the [[United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|Senate Homeland Security Committee]] on March 26, 2009, led to expectation of easy confirmation for Berry, despite opposition from conservative activists based on Berry's homosexuality.<ref name="BB090320" /><ref name="WP090326" /> In the hearing Berry stated he supported any effective employee compensation system, but that the federal government had the obligation to give employees with comparable job performances similar pay and treatment.<ref name="GE090326">{{cite magazine|last=Rosenberg|first=Alyssa|title=Personnel pick remains flexible on pay-for-performance systems|magazine=National Journal|date=March 26, 2009|url=http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=42358|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> He pledged to preserve [[Veterans' Preference Act|veterans preference]] and supplement it with training programs to prepare veterans for federal jobs, and promised reviews of proposals to improve the [[security clearance]] and hiring processes.<ref name="GE090326" /> Berry emphasized the importance for agencies to use all recruitment tools, citing relocation benefits that could keep agencies competitive with the private sector,<ref name="GE090326" /> and stated he would create a strategic plan and set performance goals for the Office of Personnel Management.<ref name="GE090326" /> Berry had stated support for benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees and a repeal of the [[Defense of Marriage Act]].<ref name="BB090320" />
+In 2008, Berry was mentioned as a possible nominee for [[United States Secretary of the Interior|U.S. Secretary of the Interior]], a position obtained by [[Ken Salazar]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Sidoti |first=Liz |author2=Cappiello, Dina |title=Obama chooses team for energy, the environment |date=December 11, 2008 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008493988_obamaenv11.html |agency=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[The Seattle Times]] |access-date=April 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212105006/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008493988_obamaenv11.html |archive-date=December 12, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Ken Salazar Confirmed as 50th Secretary of the Interior |url=http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/012009.html |publisher=[[United States Department of the Interior]] |date=January 20, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327061310/http://www.doi.gov/news/09_News_Releases/012009.html |archive-date=March 27, 2009 }}</ref> [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] announced his intention to nominate Berry as director of the [[United States Office of Personnel Management|Office of Personnel Management]] on March 3, 2009,<ref name="Keefe-Mar" /> and did so on March 4.<ref name="OPM090403">{{cite press release |title=John Berry Confirmed As OPM Director |url=http://opm.gov/news/john-berry-confirmed-as-opm-director,1458.aspx |publisher=[[United States Office of Personnel Management]] |date=April 3, 2009 |access-date=April 4, 2009 |archive-date=April 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405094107/http://www.opm.gov/news/john-berry-confirmed-as-opm-director,1458.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> The nomination hearing before the [[United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|Senate Homeland Security Committee]] on March 26, 2009, led to expectation of easy confirmation for Berry, despite opposition from conservative activists based on Berry's homosexuality.<ref name="BB090320" /><ref name="WP090326" /> In the hearing Berry stated he supported any effective employee compensation system, but that the federal government had the obligation to give employees with comparable job performances similar pay and treatment.<ref name="GE090326">{{cite magazine|last=Rosenberg|first=Alyssa|title=Personnel pick remains flexible on pay-for-performance systems|magazine=National Journal|date=March 26, 2009|url=http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=42358|access-date=March 29, 2009|archive-date=June 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606133116/http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=42358|url-status=dead}}</ref> He pledged to preserve [[Veterans' Preference Act|veterans preference]] and supplement it with training programs to prepare veterans for federal jobs, and promised reviews of proposals to improve the [[security clearance]] and hiring processes.<ref name="GE090326" /> Berry emphasized the importance for agencies to use all recruitment tools, citing relocation benefits that could keep agencies competitive with the private sector,<ref name="GE090326" /> and stated he would create a strategic plan and set performance goals for the Office of Personnel Management.<ref name="GE090326" /> Berry had stated support for benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees and a repeal of the [[Defense of Marriage Act]].<ref name="BB090320" />
-The Senate confirmed Berry on April 3, 2009,<ref name="OPM090403" /> and he was sworn in April 13 as the first agency director in the Obama administration with all senior staff in place.<ref name="WP090414">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=John Berry Gets to Work|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 14, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/04/john_berry_gets_to_work.html|accessdate=April 15, 2009}}</ref> The ceremonial swearing in on April 23 was attended by [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] [[Michelle Obama]].<ref name="WP090423">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=Michelle Obama Visits, John Berry Sworn In at OPM|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 23, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/04/michelle_obama_visits_opm.html|accessdate=April 24, 2009}}</ref> At the time, Berry was, according to the [[Human Rights Campaign]], the highest-ranking openly gay official to serve in the executive branch in any U.S. administration.<ref name="GE090303" />
+The Senate confirmed Berry on April 3, 2009,<ref name="OPM090403" /> and he was sworn in April 13 as the first agency director in the Obama administration with all senior staff in place.<ref name="WP090414">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=John Berry Gets to Work|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 14, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/04/john_berry_gets_to_work.html|access-date=April 15, 2009}}</ref> The ceremonial swearing in on April 23 was attended by [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] [[Michelle Obama]].<ref name="WP090423">{{cite news|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|title=Michelle Obama Visits, John Berry Sworn In at OPM|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 23, 2009|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/04/michelle_obama_visits_opm.html|access-date=April 24, 2009}}</ref> At the time, Berry was, according to the [[Human Rights Campaign]], the highest-ranking openly gay official to serve in the executive branch in any U.S. administration.<ref name="GE090303" />
 === U.S. Ambassador to Australia ===
-In June 2013, President Obama nominated Berry to be the [[United States Ambassador to Australia|US ambassador to Australia]], the first openly gay U.S. ambassador to a [[G-20 major economies|G-20 nation]].<ref name=australian>{{cite news|title=Openly gay man John Berry to be next US ambassador to Australia |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/foreign-affairs/openly-gay-man-john-berry-to-be-next-us-ambassador-to-australia/story-fn59nm2j-1226669459721|accessdate=August 13, 2013|newspaper=The Australian|date=June 25, 2013}}</ref> On August 1, 2013, the United States Senate confirmed Berry by unanimous consent.<ref>{{cite news|last=Heil|first=Emily|title=HRC welcomes confirmations of gay candidates|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/post/hrc-welcomes-confirmations-of-gay-candidates/2013/08/02/7befc95e-fb69-11e2-9bde-7ddaa186b751_blog.html|accessdate=August 13, 2013|newspaper=Washington Post|date=August 2, 2013}}</ref> Australian media coverage of Berry's appointment was overwhelmingly positive with a video he posted to the [[Embassy of the United States, Canberra|US Embassy]] website being described as the "friendliest introduction video in diplomatic history" while Berry himself was described as "modest", with an "impressive record".<ref name=smh>{{cite news|last=Swan|first=Jonathan|title=Barack Obama's chief people person, new US ambassador John Berry, lives up to his reputation|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/barack-obamas-chief-people-person-new-us-ambassador-john-berry-lives-up-to-his-reputation-20130918-2ty9r.html|accessdate=22 September 2013|newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=18 September 2013}}</ref> [[Federal News Radio]] in the US reported that, "more than 200 people had posted responses" to the video, "most of which were warm and cordial".<ref name=WFED>{{cite news|last=O'Connell|first=Michael|title=Ambassador John Berry checks in Down Under|url=http://www.federalnewsradio.com/526/3457790/Ambassador-John-Berry-checks-in-Down-Under|accessdate=22 September 2013|newspaper=[[WFED]]|date=19 September 2013}}</ref>
+In June 2013, President Obama nominated Berry to be the [[United States Ambassador to Australia|US ambassador to Australia]], the first openly gay U.S. ambassador to a [[G-20 major economies|G-20 nation]].<ref name=australian>{{cite news|title=Openly gay man John Berry to be next US ambassador to Australia |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/foreign-affairs/openly-gay-man-john-berry-to-be-next-us-ambassador-to-australia/story-fn59nm2j-1226669459721|access-date=August 13, 2013|newspaper=The Australian|date=June 25, 2013}}</ref> On August 1, 2013, the United States Senate confirmed Berry by unanimous consent.<ref>{{cite news|last=Heil|first=Emily|title=HRC welcomes confirmations of gay candidates|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/post/hrc-welcomes-confirmations-of-gay-candidates/2013/08/02/7befc95e-fb69-11e2-9bde-7ddaa186b751_blog.html|access-date=August 13, 2013|newspaper=Washington Post|date=August 2, 2013}}</ref> Australian media coverage of Berry's appointment was overwhelmingly positive with a video he posted to the [[Embassy of the United States, Canberra|US Embassy]] website being described as the "friendliest introduction video in diplomatic history" while Berry himself was described as "modest", with an "impressive record".<ref name=smh>{{cite news|last=Swan|first=Jonathan|title=Barack Obama's chief people person, new US ambassador John Berry, lives up to his reputation|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/barack-obamas-chief-people-person-new-us-ambassador-john-berry-lives-up-to-his-reputation-20130918-2ty9r.html|access-date=22 September 2013|newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=18 September 2013}}</ref> [[Federal News Radio]] in the US reported that, "more than 200 people had posted responses" to the video, "most of which were warm and cordial".<ref name=WFED>{{cite news|last=O'Connell|first=Michael|title=Ambassador John Berry checks in Down Under|url=http://www.federalnewsradio.com/526/3457790/Ambassador-John-Berry-checks-in-Down-Under|access-date=22 September 2013|newspaper=[[WFED]]|date=19 September 2013}}</ref>
 ==Personal life==
-Before being appointed as ambassador to Australia Berry lived in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="OPM090403" /> Berry is openly [[gay]]. On August 10, 2013, he married Curtis Yee, his partner for 17 years, at St Margaret's Episcopal Church in Washington.<ref>{{cite news|last=Young|first=Matt|title=US ambassador to Australia marries in private same-sex ceremony |url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/us-ambassador-to-australia-marries-in-private-samesex-ceremony/story-fnet09p2-1226695651201|accessdate=August 13, 2013|newspaper=news.com.au|date=August 12, 2013}}</ref>
+Before being appointed as ambassador to Australia Berry lived in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="OPM090403" /> Berry is openly [[gay]]. On August 10, 2013, he married Curtis Yee, his partner for 17 years, at St Margaret's Episcopal Church in Washington.<ref>{{cite news|last=Young|first=Matt|title=US ambassador to Australia marries in private same-sex ceremony|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/us-ambassador-to-australia-marries-in-private-samesex-ceremony/story-fnet09p2-1226695651201|access-date=August 13, 2013|newspaper=news.com.au|date=August 12, 2013|archive-date=August 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812074116/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/us-ambassador-to-australia-marries-in-private-samesex-ceremony/story-fnet09p2-1226695651201|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 ==See also==
-{{stack|{{Portal|Biography|International relations|Politics|LGBT|Australia|United States|Maryland|Washington, D.C.}}}}
+{{Portal|Biography|Politics|LGBT|Australia|United States|Maryland}}
-*[[List of LGBT Ambassadors of the United States]]
+*[[List of LGBT ambassadors of the United States]]
 ==References==
@@ Line 74: / Line 75: @@
 ==External links==
 {{Commons category|John Berry}}
-*{{C-SPAN|John Berry 03}}
+*{{C-SPAN|53929}}
 {{s-start}}
 {{s-off}}
-{{s-bef|before=[[Kathie Whipple]]<br>{{small|Acting}}}}
+{{s-bef|before=[[Kathie Whipple]]<br />{{small|Acting}}}}
 {{s-ttl|title=Director of the [[United States Office of Personnel Management|Office of Personnel Management]]|years=2009–2013}}
-{{s-aft|after=[[Elaine D. Kaplan|Elaine Kaplan]]<br>{{small|Acting}}}}
+{{s-aft|after=[[Elaine D. Kaplan|Elaine Kaplan]]<br />{{small|Acting}}}}
 |-
 {{s-dip}}
 {{s-bef|before=[[Jeffrey L. Bleich|Jeff Bleich]]}}
 {{s-ttl|title=[[United States Ambassador to Australia]]|years=2013–2016}}
-{{s-aft | after = presumptive [[Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr.]] 2018/9-}}
+{{s-aft |after=[[Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr.]]}}
 {{s-end}}
 {{US Ambassadors to Australia}}
+{{Authority control}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Berry, John}}
@@ Line 93: / Line 96: @@
 [[Category:Ambassadors of the United States to Australia]]
 [[Category:Directors of the United States Office of Personnel Management]]
+[[Category:Gay diplomats]]
+[[Category:American gay men]]
 [[Category:LGBT ambassadors of the United States]]
-[[Category:LGBT people from the United States]]
+[[Category:LGBT people from Maryland]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
-[[Category:Gay diplomats]]
 [[Category:Maryland Democrats]]
+[[Category:Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs alumni]]
 [[Category:Obama administration personnel]]
 [[Category:People from Rockville, Maryland]]
 [[Category:Smithsonian Institution people]]
-[[Category:Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs alumni]]
 [[Category:United States Assistant Secretaries of the Interior]]
 [[Category:United States Department of the Treasury officials]]
 [[Category:University of Maryland, College Park alumni]]
-[[Category:LGBT people from Maryland]]
+[[Category:20th-century American LGBT people]]
+[[Category:21st-century American LGBT people]]

Authority control databases
International	VIAF FAST
National	United States
Other	SNAC