Final answer:
The heads of the executive departments in the United States, also chief advisors to the president, are known as secretaries, except for the head of the Department of Justice who is called the Attorney General. They serve on the president's cabinet, aiding in policy advisement and implementation, while other key advisors work more directly within the White House Office.
Step-by-step explanation:
The executive department heads, or chief presidential advisors, are primarily known as secretaries who lead the 15 executive departments in the United States government, such as the Department of State, Treasury, and Defense. They are appointed by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. These individuals form part of the president's cabinet and are tasked with advising the president on policy areas relevant to their departments and assisting in the implementation of the president's policy initiatives. The Department of Justice is an exception, as its head is referred to as the Attorney General rather than a secretary. Other important roles in the executive office include the chief of staff, national security advisor, press secretary, and various other advisors who work in the White House Office (WHO), which is part of the larger Executive Office of the President (EOP).