William M. Stephens
William “Bill” Stephens was born in Southern Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, with a political science degree. He lived for many years in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is a graduate of Loyola Law School, New Orleans.
Before entering government service, Bill Stephens engaged in the private practice of law in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was extensively involved in business and insurance litigation and international law. He also served as an adjunct professor at Tulane University, Louisiana. He is admitted to practice in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and maintains his active membership in Mississippi.
Bill Stephens is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, with the rank of Colonel. As a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, he served in multiple assignments, both in the United States and overseas. His foreign assignments and deployments include serving tours in Afghanistan, Germany (U.S. AFRICOM), Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Bill retired from the military in May, 2025.
He has a Master of Laws from the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School and is a graduate of the National Defense University (NDU), College of International and Security Affairs, with Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Security Studies with a joint focus on irregular warfare and emerging technologies. Prior to joining the Department of State, he served with NDU as an advisor in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, establishing the Saudi Armed Forces National Defense University.
Bill Stephens received several military decorations and meritorious service awards and commendations, such as Bronze Star and Humanitarian Service Medal. He is married to Victoria Stephens, an ethics attorney with the U.S. Coast Guard. They have three children.