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For Immediate Release: October 12, 2010
Contact: Mary Trupo (202) 482-3809
Ambassador Charles A. Ford Rejoins International Trade Administration as Deputy Director General
WASHINGTON – Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Francisco J. Sanchez today announced that Ambassador Charles A. Ford as the new Deputy Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service.
As Deputy Director General, Ford will serve as principal Deputy to the Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion/Director General. He will be the organization’s chief operating officer, focusing on strategic planning, financial and human resources, and technology.
“The International Trade Administration is fortunate to have Chuck return to lead the global network of the Commercial Service in achieving the goals of the National Export Initiative,” said Sanchez. “Encouraging U.S. firms to export and providing them the support necessary to be successful is what Chuck has done throughout his career and we look forward to his guidance as we move forward.”
Ford has had a long and distinguished career in government and the private sector, most notably as a Foreign Commercial Service Officer culminating in his appointment by the President as U.S. Ambassador to Honduras from 2005-2008. “Chuck brings unparalleled experience in diplomacy, operations and program management, as well as a deep understanding of, and commitment to, the Commercial Service,” said Sanchez.
In addition to his Commercial Service assignments in Western Europe and Latin America, Ford served previously as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Operations and as Acting Director General from 1993-1994. He has written about export promotion policy and the future for commercial diplomacy in the Foreign Service Journal and other publications. Ford joined the Foreign Commercial Service shortly after its transfer from the State Department. He had previously worked at the Inter-American Development Bank and the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association.
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International Trade Administration
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