Sylvia Mathews Burwell & Stephen Burwell – Together Since 2007

Sylvia Mathews Burwell has been the 15th American University president since 2017 and has been the first woman to hold the position. She previously served as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2014 to 2017 during Barack Obama’s administration. She also worked in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in different capacities through the Global Development Program.

Sylvia met Stephen Burwell, a legal practitioner, in 2005 while working with the Gates Foundation. He popped the big question in Bellepoint Park, and they were married in 2007. Their family has since grown to include two children.