Retired Admiral James Stavridis, dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University and reportedly a contender to be secretary of State, called his Thursday meeting with President-elect Donald Trump "terrific."
"We talked about the world, we talked about defense, we talked about [the] state of our military, we talked a lot about cybersecurity, and overall I found it to be a very interesting and a very informed conversation on the part of the president-elect," he said.
Stavridis declined to say whether he is being considered to lead the State Department.
"When I first heard there was a short list, I thought they were referring to a list of short people, which is, you see, I would definitely be on that list, but in terms of any job, I would say, why don't you talk to the folks upstairs [at Trump Tower]."
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President-elect Trump has been holding meetings with candidates for top positions in his administration at his Manhattan offices as well as working with transition team ahead of the inauguration.
Stavridis was reportedly vetted by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign to be her running mate, though she eventually selected Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia.
Another leader with Massachusetts ties is on the list to possibly be named secretary of State: Former governor Mitt Romney. Trump confirmed Wednesday that Romney, who sharply criticized the Republican nominee during the campaign, is being considered.
Trump also said the announcement could come next week.
Nicole Hernandez can be reached at nicole.hernandez@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @NRHSJax.