William J. Dyess

William Jennings Dyess (August 1, 1929 – January 6, 1996) was an American diplomat who served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs from 1980 to 1981 and as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands from 1982 to 1983.

As a Foreign Service Officer, he was posted to Belgrade, Yugoslavia 1961–63; to Copenhagen 1963–65; to Moscow 1966–68; and to Berlin 1968–70.

He held that job until 1975, when he became executive director of the Bureau of Public Affairs.

Two years later he became Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs.

In 1980, President of the United States Jimmy Carter named Dyess Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, with Dyess holding this office from August 29, 1980 until July 30, 1981.