Which of the following individuals has never held the position of Secretary of State?

The individual who has never held the position of Secretary of State is James David Vance. He is not known for serving in this role and is primarily recognized as a political commentator and author, rather than a public official in the U.S. government.

In contrast, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, and Colin Powell have all served as Secretaries of State, participating in key diplomatic efforts, representing the United States in international dealings, and managing foreign policy under their respective administrations. Understanding the roles and contributions of these specific individuals highlights the significant impact that former Secretaries of State have had on international relations and U.S. foreign policy, reinforcing the importance of accurate identification of federal positions held by public figures.