The Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (formerly known as the Associate Director) is a senior United States government position in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The office is second in command to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and takes over responsibilities as Director should his/her office be absent or vacant. The office is also the highest position attainable within the FBI without being appointed by the President of the United States. Responsibilities as Deputy Director include assisting the Director and leading prominent investigations. All other FBI executives and Special Agents in Charge report to the Director through the Deputy Director. From 1978 to 1987, the position of Deputy Director was not filled due to William H. Webster's decision to divide the Deputy's responsibility between three positions.  Mark F. Giuliano was promoted to the position on December 1, 2013.