How to Address a Secretary and Spouse?

I need to send a wedding invitation to the US Secretary of Defense & his wife. What’s the right form?
—-—-—-—-—-– T. J. M.

Dear T. J. M.:
Most (Offices/Jobs) are not mentioned on social correspondence. But the highest ones are – and the office holder’s name is not used. Thus, members of the Cabinet are so high invitations are sent to the (Office) without mention the name.

Here is the formula:

—-Social envelope:
——–The Secretary of (Department)
—-—-and Mrs. (Shared Surname)
—-—-(Address)

—-—-The Secretary of (Department)
—-—-and Ms./Dr. (Her Full Name)
—-—-(Address)

—-—-The Secretary of (Department)
—-—-and Mr. ( Full Name)
—-—-(Address)

—-Inside envelope:
—-—-The Secretary of (Department) and Mrs. (Surname)
—-—-The Secretary of (Department) and Ms./Dr. (Her Full Name)
—-—-The Secretary of (Department) and Mr. (Full Name)

– Robert Hickey How to Address a Secretary

How to Address a Former Secretary?

I am writing a message to former United States Secretary of Transportation, who now works for a DC consulting/lobbying group. How do I address him in on the envelope and in the salutation.? Is still Secretary (Name).
—-—-—-– Kathy J. Young

Dear Ms. Young:

Three-part answer:

—-#1A) Such high former officials appointed by the President and approved by the Senate continue to be in writing:
————The Honorable (Full Name)
————(Address)

—-#1B) In conversation, former secretaries are no longer addressed as Mr./Madam Secretary or referred to as The Secretary as they were when they were while in office. They typically go back to a form of address to which they were entitled before becoming a Secretary: Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.

—-In the media former secretaries will be addressed, and referred to, as Secretary (Name) sometimes.  You hear this mostly in oral conversation.  Aware reporters are quick to note the ‘former’ status – so no one mistakenly thinks they are referring to / speaking to a current office holder.

—-#2) If you are addressing a former secretary as Secretary (Name) who is acting as something else …. e.g., as a paid lobbyist promoting the points of view of his client — that could be a problem.  Best practice is to use a form of address supported by their role in the specific conversation.  A current Senator or member of the House would likely know he/she is speaking to a former secretary, but should not address him in the style of a secretary during a lobbying interaction.

—-Envelope and in the letter’s address:
—-—-Mr./Ms./Dr. (Full Name)
—-—-(Name of new affiliation)
—-—-(Address)

—-Salutation:
—-—-Dear Mr. (Surname):

– Robert Hickey

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