FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 12, 2010
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883
Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale Confirmed as International Trade Administration’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services
The U.S. Senate confirmed Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale by unanimous consent last night to serve as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services. The Manufacturing and Services (MAS) division of the International Trade Administration serves as the federal government’s lead advocate for U.S. industry.
“Nicole’s extensive experience with business and manufacturing will be an immediate benefit to U.S. industry,” said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. “I am confident that her leadership and commitment will help revitalize U.S. manufacturing and lead to job creation for Americans in all industries.”
The United States ranked as the world’s largest exporter of goods and services in 2008, with these exports accounting for nearly 13 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Having spent much of my life living and working in Detroit, I have witnessed the impact of manufacturing job losses on every sector of the community. I am eager to bring together experts from both the public and private sectors to develop solutions to the issues faced by U.S. industry,” Lamb-Hale said. “Manufacturing and Services will collaborate with Congress and other stakeholders to increase our global competitiveness, and will work to connect U.S. industry to the resources and tools available in the federal government to help support the creation of sustainable, highly skilled jobs for the 21st century economy.”
Lamb-Hale most recently served as the Deputy General Counsel for the Department of Commerce. In this role, she assisted the General Counsel as the chief legal officer for the Department and legal advisor to the Secretary. Prior to joining the Obama administration, Lamb-Hale was the Managing Partner of the Detroit office of the law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP where she specialized in business restructuring in the manufacturing sector. Lamb-Hale has been active in civic and community affairs throughout her career, and previously served as vice-chair of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Leadership Detroit.
