George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States (1989–1993), also served as Vice President under Ronald Reagan for two terms (1981–1989). Before reaching the White House, he held key posts including U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. A World War II veteran and oil executive, he became the patriarch of a political family that included President George W. Bush and Florida Governor Jeb Bush.