How a lifelong hockey fan became a key diplomat at the center of global tensions.

Science · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: John J. Sullivan served as a high-level American official across multiple administrations, navigating complex roles from Deputy Secretary of State to Ambassador to Russia. Beyond his legal career and government service, he famously used his passion for hockey as a unique diplomatic tool to engage with Russian counterparts in Moscow.

Born in Boston in 1959, John J. Sullivan built a career defined by the intersection of law, national security, and foreign policy. After graduating from Columbia Law School, he clerked for Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter and later became a partner at Mayer Brown, where he focused on international trade and sanctions. His government service began in earnest in 2004 when he was appointed Deputy General Counsel of the Department of Defense, eventually rising to become the 19th U.S. Deputy Secretary of State in 2017.

Sullivan’s tenure as Ambassador to Russia, which began in 2020, was marked by significant geopolitical friction. During a 2021 diplomatic crisis, he faced pressure to leave Moscow after Russia requested his recall following new U.S. sanctions. While he briefly returned to the U.S. for consultations, he returned to his post following a summit between the two nations' presidents. Throughout his time in Russia, he sought to bridge cultural divides through his love of hockey, even participating in the ceremonial puck drop at a Moscow derby.

His career was not without controversy or personal hardship. In 2019, he was involved in disputes regarding congressional subpoenas during the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. Sullivan ultimately left his post in September 2022, citing the death of his wife, Grace Rodriguez, who passed away from cancer. His departure concluded a long period of service that saw him navigate the complexities of the U.S.–Russia relationship during a volatile era of international relations.

Sullivan remains a notable figure in American diplomacy, having served under both Republican and Democratic administrations. His background as a legal expert and his experience managing large federal agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, provided the foundation for his work in high-stakes environments. Today, his experiences are documented in his memoir, providing insight into the challenges of representing American interests on the front lines of global conflict.

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