Washington, D.C.—President Clinton designated Marjory Searing as Acting Director General and Assistant Secretary of the International Trade Administration's (ITA) U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Dr. Searing previously served as ITA's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific.

"Dr. Searing brings substantial trade promotion and management experience to the job, and I'm pleased she has agreed to take on this assignment," said Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley. "Her hard work and dedication have played a critical role in our efforts to create a level playing field for U.S. exporters around the world."

As Acting Director General, Dr. Searing is responsible for managing the Commerce Department's network of 100 domestic Export Assistance Centers and over 140 foreign Commercial Service offices in 74 countries. The Commercial Service promotes exports, as well as supports U.S. international commerce interests in both at home and abroad.

In addition, Elizabeth Sears was named Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations, and Valerie Blatnik-Sigel became Deputy Assistant Secretary for Export Promotion Services. Also, Franklin J. Vargo was named Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific, and Stephen Jacobs as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Agreements Compliance.

"These appointments are a win-win situation for Commerce and the business community," said Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade David L. Aaron. "Pursuing an aggressive trade and export promotion agenda requires experienced professionals, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to help create greater prosperity and more jobs for American workers."

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