Biography
Jack L. Rives received both his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and law school degrees from the University of Georgia.
Following graduation from law school, he began a 33-year career in the United States Air Force as a military attorney, or judge advocate (JAG). He served as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force, the senior U.S. Air Force attorney, and he was the first military attorney to attain the three-star rank of lieutenant general. Jack led some 4,600 legal professionals worldwide, including 2,600 active duty, reserve component, and civilian lawyers. Among his many military awards and decorations are the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Defense Superior Service Medal.
On Law Day (May 1), 2010, Jack began his service as the Executive Director of the American Bar Association. He has overall management responsibility for staff operations at the Association’s headquarters in Chicago, at its Washington, DC office, and at program sites in California, Texas, and several dozen countries throughout the world.
Jack oversees a staff of more than 900 and a consolidated budget of over $200 million, and he ensures the effective development and direct implementation of the Association’s strategic goals. He has responsibility for the programs and policy activities adopted by the ABA’s governing and policy-making bodies, the Board of Governors and House of Delegates. He is responsible for membership and non-dues revenues programs, and for budgets that reflect the right priorities and appropriate cost-cutting initiatives. Jack helps to ensure the ABA’s position as the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world.