William E. Allen

William E. Allen
Acting Director
February 10, 1919 - June 30, 1919

In February 1919, William E. Allen of Texas began serving as Acting Director. Before his appointment, Mr. Allen served as assistant in War Matters to the chief of the Bureau of Investigation.

Mr. Allen’s resignation became effective June 30, 1919, when he was replaced by William J. Flynn.

Directors, Then and Now

- Robert S. Mueller, III, 2001-Present
- Thomas J. Pickard, 2001
- Louis J. Freeh, 1993-2001
- Floyd I. Clarke, 1993
- William S. Sessions, 1987-1993
- John E. Otto, 1987
- William H. Webster, 1978-1987
- James B. Adams, 1978
- Clarence M. Kelley, 1973-1978
- William D. Ruckelshaus, 1973
- L. Patrick Gray, 1972-1973
- J. Edgar Hoover, 1924-1972
- William J. Burns, 1921-1924
- William J. Flynn, 1919-1921
- William E. Allen, 1919
- Alexander B. Bielaski, 1912-1919
- Stanley W. Finch, 1908-1912

‪The FBI Director:
Background on the Position‬

‪Since its beginning in 1908, the FBI has been led by a single individual. At first called "Chief," this leader has been titled "Director" since the term of William Flynn (1919-1921). The FBI Director has answered directly to the attorney general since the 1920s.‬ ‪Under the Omnibus Crime Control Act and Safe Streets Act of 1968, Public Law 90-3351, the Director is appointed by the U.S. President and confirmed by the Senate. On October 15, 1976, in reaction to the extraordinary 48-year term of J. Edgar Hoover, Congress passed Public Law 94-503, limiting the FBI Director to a single term of no longer than 10 years. ‪Details