Spotlight on Commerce

The Spotlight on Commerce series highlights members of the Department of Commerce and their contributions to the Open for Business Agenda.

Spotlight on Commerce: Steve Haro, Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

Operational ExcellenceAbout the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceHispanic Heritage Month

In this fast-paced, uber-connected, technology-engrossing bubble that is Washington, D.C., few of us truly have the time to sit quietly, focus and reflect. On anything. That...

Oct062016

George Laws Garcia, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist, Minority Business Development Agency

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Spotlight on Commerce: George Laws Garcia, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist, Minority Business Development Agency

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceHispanic Heritage Month

As part of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) I work to engage Congressional, state and local officials to help create favorable conditions for minority...

Oct052016

Photo of Yamali Hernandez, NIST Center for Neutron Research

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Spotlight on Commerce: Yamali Hernandez, NIST Center for Neutron Research

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceHispanic Heritage Month

While writing this blog in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month I had the opportunity to think about the importance of my job, my relationship with the people...

Oct042016

Karen Garcia, Special Advisor to the Executive Director of SelectUSA

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Spotlight on Commerce: Karen Garcia, Special Advisor to the Executive Director of SelectUSA

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceHispanic Heritage Month

As Special Advisor to the Executive Director of SelectUSA, I advise the Executive Director on a range of policy and operational processes that allow us to use the convening...

Jun302016

Ryan Rhodes, Senior Advisor, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration

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Spotlight on Commerce: Ryan Rhodes, Senior Advisor, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration

Operational ExcellenceAbout the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceLGBTQ Pride Month

I first heard that expression from U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan during her 2002 farewell speech to the United States Senate, quoting Adlai Stevenson. Stevenson, then a...

Jun282016

Paulina Montanez, Special Advisor (far left) bowling with old and current Commerce colleagues at the Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley

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Spotlight on Commerce: Paulina Montanez, Special Advisor, Office of the Secretary, Executive Secretariat Office

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceLGBTQ Pride Month

First, in light of the recent tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, I ask that readers reflect on how much work is still left to do to achieve true equality in the U.S,...

Jun272016

Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Human Capital Strategist and Ideation Program Manager, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

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Spotlight on Commerce: Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Human Capital Strategist and Ideation Program Manager, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceLGBTQ Pride Month

Last year, in a 5-4 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled against the Defense of Marriage Act and took a historic step in the march towards equality by...

May272016

Deputy Press Secretary Katarina Mayers joins Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews and two other Commerce staffers at a meeting at the White House

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Spotlight on Commerce: Katarina Mayers, Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceAsian American Pacific Islander

As an Asian American, feminist, and former journalist, I firmly believe that our nation’s leadership should represent the very people it represents. After all, we are the...

May262016

Elizabeth Fong Awarded Title of Dean of Staff by NIST Director

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Spotlight on Commerce: Elizabeth Fong, Computer Scientist and “Dean of Staff," National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceAsian American Pacific Islander

Last December, with 48 years of service at NIST, I was honored to be recognized as the “Dean of Staff”—the longest-serving current employee. This recognition has me...

May252016

Eric K. Lin, Chief, Materials Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology

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Spotlight on Commerce: Eric K. Lin, Chief, Materials Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceAsian American Pacific IslanderSpotlight on Commerce

I’m the native-born (New Jersey) son of immigrants from Taiwan who came to the United States as graduate students to pursue opportunities for a better life. I was encouraged...

May242016

Archana Sahgal, Director, Office of Advisory Committees and Industry Outreach

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Spotlight on Commerce: Archana Sahgal, Director, Office of Advisory Committees and Industry Outreach

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceAsian American Pacific Islander

My parents immigrated to Los Angeles from India in the 1970s as another example of people in search of more opportunity and a better life for their family; they left their...

May232016

Hope Shimabuku, Director of the Texas Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office

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Spotlight on Commerce: Hope Shimabuku, Director of the Texas Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office

Operational ExcellenceAsian American Pacific IslanderSpotlight on Commerce

As the Regional Director of the Texas Regional Office of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), I lead the Texas Regional Office and engage in community...

Mar182016

Pravina Raghavan, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce

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Spotlight on Commerce: Pravina Raghavan, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceWomen's History Month

When my parents took the risk to leave everything they knew behind in India and start a new life in the U.S. as graduate students, they never contemplated that their daughter...

Mar162016

Mary Boney Denison, Commissioner for Trademarks

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Spotlight on Commerce: Mary Boney Denison, Commissioner for Trademarks

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceWomen's History Month

As Commissioner for Trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), I oversee all aspects of the Trademarks organization including policy, operations,...

Mar152016

Brandi Tolliver, Academic Affairs Program Manager, Office of International and Academic Affairs, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

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Spotlight on Commerce: Brandi Tolliver, Academic Affairs Program Manager, Office of International and Academic Affairs, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceWomen's History Month

It is often assumed that the primary responsibility of a scientist is to conduct research and communicate scientific findings through publication and technical talks. With a...

Mar142016

Spotlight on Commerce: Felicia Pullam, Director of Outreach, SelectUSA

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Spotlight on Commerce: Felicia Pullam, Director of Outreach, SelectUSA

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceWomen's History Month

I was on vacation a couple of weeks ago, and the last thing I was thinking about was Women’s History Month. I happened to bring along The Economist—mostly because it was easy...

Mar072016

Pamela K. Isom, Director, Office of Application Engineering and Development in the Office of the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

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Spotlight on Commerce: Pamela K. Isom, Director, Office of Application Engineering and Development, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceWomen's History MonthScience, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)All in STEM initiative

It is an exciting time to be at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and help lead the development of new software that has an impact on the economy. Not only are we...

Feb262016

Spotlight on Commerce: Breelyn S. Pete, Director of Public Affairs, U.S. Economic Development Administration

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Spotlight on Commerce: Breelyn S. Pete, Director of Public Affairs, U.S. Economic Development Administration

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceBlack History Month

Black History month is about celebrating our roots, honoring those who have gone before us, and clearing the path of opportunity for the next generation. My roots have always...

Feb252016

Tinisha Agramonte, Director for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Civil Rights

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Spotlight on Commerce: Tinisha Agramonte, Director for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Civil Rights

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceBlack History Month

Black History Month (BHM) to me is an opportunity to discuss the role that Americans of African descent played in shaping American history. Specifically, it is a time to...

Feb242016

Valencia Martin-Wallace, Deputy Commissioner for Patent Quality at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

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Spotlight on Commerce: Valencia Martin-Wallace, Deputy Commissioner for Patent Quality at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

About the U.S. Department of CommerceBlack History MonthSpotlight on Commerce

As the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Quality at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), I lead the Organization’s Enhanced Patent Quality Initiatives and...

Feb232016

Veronica LeGrande, Human Resources Lead, Shared Services, Office of the Secretary

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Spotlight on Commerce: Veronica LeGrande, Human Resources Lead, Shared Services, Office of the Secretary

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceBlack History Month

I was born in Washington, D.C., raised in Maryland, and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business...

Nov242015

Francis Gray, Primary Patent Examiner, United States Patent and Trademark Office

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Spotlight on Commerce: Francis Gray, Primary Patent Examiner, United State Patent and Trademark Office

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceNative American Heritage Month

I am a patent examiner, so I review, evaluate and determine the outcome and patentability of applications in electrophotography, also known as printers. I decided to join the...

Nov232015

Cisco Minthorn, Former Senior Advisor for Native American Affairs and Associate Director of her Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Office

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Spotlight on Commerce: Cisco C. Minthorn, Senior Advisor for Native American Affairs and Associate Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceSpotlight on CommerceNative American Heritage Month

As the Secretary’s Senior Advisor for Native American Affairs and Associate Director of her Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Office, I serve two distinct roles at...

Oct152015

Marguerite Jimenez, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Secretary

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Spotlight on Commerce: Marguerite Jimenez, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Secretary

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceHispanic Heritage MonthSpotlight on Commerce

I was born in California but grew up mostly in a college town in Montana. I am fortunate to have two amazing parents who both pushed me to work hard and supported me while I...

Oct142015

Maria Luisa Escudero Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce

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Spotlight on Commerce: Maria Luisa Escudero, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Secretary

About the U.S. Department of CommerceOperational ExcellenceHispanic Heritage MonthSpotlight on Commerce

I am a Senior Policy Advisor in the Global Economics Team which is a part of the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning in the Office of the Secretary (currently on a detail...

Oct092015

Alejandro Rodriguez, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary

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Spotlight on Commerce: Alejandro Rodriguez, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary

Operational ExcellenceAbout the U.S. Department of CommerceOpen for Business AgendaSpotlight on CommerceHispanic Heritage Month

This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting members of the Department of Commerce and their contributions to the Open for Business Agenda.

Oct082015

Gabriela Morales-Richards, Business Development Specialist, Minority Business Development Agency

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Spotlight on Commerce: Gabriela Morales-Richards, Business Development Specialist, Minority Business Development Agency

Operational ExcellenceAbout the U.S. Department of CommerceOpen for Business AgendaSpotlight on CommerceHispanic Heritage Month

This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting members of the Department of Commerce and their contributions to the Open for Business Agenda.

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Operational Excellence

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Operational ExcellenceAbout the U.S. Department of CommerceOpen for Business AgendaSpotlight on Commerce

Strengthening the Department's capacity to achieve its objectives, maximize return on program investments, and deliver quality, timely service.

May132015

Albert Shen, National Deputy Director, Minority Business Development Agency

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Spotlight on Commerce: MBDA National Deputy Director Albert Shen

InnovationAsian American Pacific IslanderSpotlight on Commerce

Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month is a celebration of the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It is an...

Mar312015

Michelle K. Lee, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

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Spotlight on Commerce: Michelle K. Lee, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

InnovationAbout the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on Commerce

Serving as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, I am in charge of one of the largest...

Mar302015

Anne Neville, Director, State Broadband Initiative, National Telecommunications and Information Administration

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Spotlight on Commerce: Anne Neville, Director, State Broadband Initiative, National Telecommunications and Information Administration

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on Commerce

As part of this work, I also have managed a nationwide grant program that funded the state broadband data collection and capacity building activities that supported each...

Mar272015

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Spotlight on Commerce: Donna F. Dodson, Associate Director and Chief Cyber Security Advisor and Director, National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on Commerce

I love my job. This was true when I was a junior researcher contributing to projects and is true today as I help lead the strategic direction of NIST’s growing program in...

Mar262015

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Spotlight on Commerce: Andrea Pacheco Dhamer, Deputy Director for the Office of Business Liaison, Office of the Secretary

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceAndrea Pacheco Dhamer

I grew up in a town on the border between the U.S. and Mexico; a place where two cities abutted one another culturally and geographically. At the time, I was too young to...

Feb272015

Spotlight on Commerce: Michelle A. Crockett, National Program Manager EEO and Diversity, NOAA National Ocean Service

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Spotlight on Commerce: Michelle A. Crockett, National Program Manager EEO and Diversity, NOAA National Ocean Service

About the U.S. Department of CommerceBlack History MonthSpotlight on Commerce

As National Program Manager for Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service (NOS) I serve as the...

Feb262015

Spotlight on Commerce: Jay Williams, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.

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Spotlight on Commerce: Jay Williams, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development

About the U.S. Department of CommerceJay WilliamsBlack History MonthSpotlight on Commerce

Outside of my parents, the most influential person in my life was the late Bishop Norman L. Wagner. Bishop Wagner served as the pastor of the church I attended virtually my...

Feb252015

Spotlight on Commerce: Cecelia V. Royster, Director, Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management, Bureau Procurement Official, National Institute of Standards and Technology

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Spotlight on Commerce: Cecelia V. Royster, Director, Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management, Bureau Procurement Official, National Institute of Standards and Technology

About the U.S. Department of CommerceCecelia RoysterBlack History MonthSpotlight on Commerce

Black history month has a special place in my heart. When I began my federal government career 30 years ago with the U.S. Coast Guard, it was when I learned of the many...

Feb242015

Spotlight on Commerce: Joann J. Hill, Chief of Business Development for the Southeastern Region, Minority Business Development Agency.

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Spotlight on Commerce: Joann J. Hill, Chief, Office of Business Development, Minority Business Development Agency

About the U.S. Department of CommerceJoann J. HillBlack History MonthSpotlight on Commerce

I am a native of Columbia, South Carolina and a graduate of Benedict College with a BS in Business Administration. I also received a Masters of Business Administration from...

Feb232015

Tommy Wright, Center for Statistical Research and Methodology, U.S. Bureau of the Census

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Spotlight on Commerce: Tommy Wright, Chief, Center for Statistical Research and Methodology, U. S. Bureau of the Census

About the U.S. Department of CommerceBlack History MonthSpotlight on Commerce

Since joining the U. S. Census Bureau in January 1996 as a research mathematical statistician, I have provided the overall technical leadership for the Center for Statistical...

Oct092014

Jose Pepe F. Burgos, Director U.S. Commercial Service-Puerto Rico

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Spotlight on Commerce: Jose "Pepe" F. Burgos, Director U.S. Commercial Service-Puerto Rico

About the U.S. Department of CommerceExportsHispanic Heritage MonthSpotlight on Commerce

My name is Jose F. Burgos. My nickname is Pepe and I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Oct082014

Aaron Trujillo, Associate Director for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, Department of Commerce

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Spotlight on Commerce: Aaron Trujillo, Associate Director For Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

About the U.S. Department of CommerceHispanic Heritage MonthSpotlight on Commerce

As the Associate Director for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Commerce, I carry two responsibilities; handling the issues of Economic...

Oct072014

Sara A. Rosario Nieves, U.S. Census Bureau

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Spotlight on Commerce: Sara A. Rosario, U.S. Census Bureau

About the U.S. Department of CommerceCensus Scientific Advisory CommitteeHispanic Heritage MonthSpotlight on Commerce

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to feature the great contributions each of us are making right here, right now, in this era.

Oct062014

Efrain Gonzalez, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, BusinessUSA

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Spotlight on Commerce: Efrain Gonzalez, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, BusinessUSA

About the U.S. Department of CommerceBusinessUSAEfrain GonzalezHispanic Heritage MonthSpotlight on Commerce

Jun052014

Phu Huynh, Chieif of Staff (Acting), International Trade Administration

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Spotlight on Commerce: Phu Huynh, Chief of Staff (Acting), International Trade Administration

About the U.S. Department of CommercePhu HuynhSpotlight on CommerceAsian American Pacific Islander

Guest blog post by Phu Huynh, Chief of Staff (Acting), International Trade Administration - I was born in Saigon, five years before the Vietnam War ended....

Mar312014

Kate McAdams, Senior Adviser to the Secretary

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Spotlight on Commerce: Kate McAdams, Senior Advisor, Department of Commerce

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceWomen's History Month

In addition to my role on the Secretary's senior management team, I lead the Department's effort to ensure a skilled workforce, one of the pillars of our Open for...

Mar282014

Spotlight on Commerce: Jeannette P. Tamayo, Chicago Regional Director, Economic Development Administration

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Spotlight on Commerce: Jeannette P. Tamayo, Chicago Regional Director, Economic Development Administration

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on Commerce

I am both honored and humbled to have been asked to share my experience in the DOC Spotlight as part of Women’s History Month as so many extraordinary women, and their sons,...

Mar272014

Spotlight on Commerce: Lisa Casias, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Department of Commerce

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Spotlight on Commerce: Lisa Casias, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Department of Commerce

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on Commerce

As the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Director for Financial Management, I work with all of the bureaus CFOs and financial management teams to provide support to the...

Mar262014

Spotlight on Commerce: Kim Glas, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, and Materials, International Trade Administration

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Spotlight on Commerce: Kim Glas, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, and Materials, International Trade Administration

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on Commerce

Guest blog post by Kim Glas, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, and Materials, International Trade Administration

Feb282014

Spotlight on Commerce: LaJuene Desmukes,Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

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Spotlight on Commerce: LaJuene Desmukes,Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on Commerce

As the Director for the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, I am the Department of Commerce’s chief advocate for promoting the use of small business...

Feb272014

Spotlight on Commerce: Russell F. Smith III, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration

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Spotlight on Commerce: Russell F. Smith III, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on Commerce

As the deputy assistant secretary for international fisheries at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I oversee the nation’s engagement in international...

Feb262014

Spotlight on Commerce: Charmaine Davis, Office of the Secretary

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Spotlight on Commerce: Charmaine Davis, Office of the Secretary

About the U.S. Department of CommerceSpotlight on CommerceEmployee Engagement

Growing up in a single parent household, I learned the value of working hard to attain your goals. Watching my mother work hard and be selfless to provide for me and my...

Spotlight on Commerce

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