In 1965, Secretary S. Dillon Ripley appointed Robert W. Mason to the newly created position of Executive Assistant to the Secretary. Mason assisted the Secretary with various administrative matters including the review and management of incoming correspondence; tracking the status of special projects; and supervision of the Secretary's files. The Executive Assistant eventually became the manager of day-to-day operations of the Secretary's Office. Mason served in the position until 1969. Other incumbents have included John H. Dobkin, 1969-1971; Christian C. Hohenlohe, 1971-1973; Dorothy Rosenberg, 1973-1980; and James M. Hobbins, 1980- .