Clark Ervin is State Dept. inspector general

With an assignment to visit more than 260 embassies and U.S. broadcast facilities throughout the world--at least once every five years--Clark Kent Ervin is described as one of the most well-traveled officials in the State Department.

He is the inspector general of the State Department and Broadcasting Board of Governors. He is the first Black to hold this position.

Sworn into office a year ago, Ervin not only visits the offices, but he inspects the books of the various bureaus to ensure that they are effective, efficient, and economical.

He also investigates instances of fraud, waste and mismanagement.

Formerly the deputy attorney general of Texas, he also served as Texas' assistant secretary of state. A native of Houston, he graduated cum laude from Harvard University and attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He then returned to Harvard law school, graduating with a doctor of laws degree. He started out practicing law in a downtown Houston firm.