Abstract
Using information drawn from biographical statements and resumes, first gathered in 1990 then again in 1993, this paper reports on the types of professional experience that appointed executives brought to the job of state department head. While most demographic, political and decision criteria characteristics fail to differentiate men and women, there are a few noteworthy differences. Women executives differ in political experience, age, substantive work experience, and number of dependent children from their male counterparts. The comparison of 1990 findings and those for 1993 showed a closing of the gap between men and women state department heads.