Who was previously considered as Secretary of State before the current holder of the position?

The position of Secretary of State has seen several individuals in leadership roles before the current officeholder. In the context of the question, the correct choice indicates someone who served immediately prior to the current Secretary of State, which is essential in the understanding of the position's succession.

Rex Tillerson served as Secretary of State from February 2017 until March 2018 under President Donald Trump. He was succeeded by Mike Pompeo. This makes Rex Tillerson the most recent previous Secretary in relation to the current holder of the office, which is why this answer is correct.

The other individuals listed served in the Secretary of State position at various times. Hillary Clinton held the position from January 2009 to February 2013, while John Kerry served from February 2013 to January 2017. Condoleezza Rice was Secretary of State from January 2005 to January 2009. Although they all played significant roles in U.S. foreign policy, they do not directly precede the current officeholder in this context.