Press Release

Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Statement on David A. Sampson

Assistant Secretary David A. Sampson nominated for Commerce Deputy Secretary Post

Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on President Bush’s announcement of his intention to nominate David A. Sampson for Deputy Secretary of the Commerce Department.

“I am pleased by the President’s intention to nominate David A. Sampson as Deputy Secretary of Commerce. David Sampson has demonstrated the leadership, vision and management skill that will make him an outstanding Deputy Secretary. In his current position as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, David improved the accountability of the agency to ensure better stewardship of the taxpayers’ dollars. I look forward to working with David and the Commerce team as we promote economic growth and security, technological innovation and free and fair trade on behalf of President Bush.” Sampson has served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development since 2001. Prior to his appointment, Sampson was the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Arlington, Texas Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness; and Vice Chair of the Texas Strategic Economic Development Planning Commission in then-Governor Bush's Administration. Sampson is a graduate of David Lipscomb University , the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and earned his doctorate at Abilene Christian University . Dr. Sampson and his family currently reside in Northern Virginia . Upon confirmation by the Senate, Dr. Sampson will replace Theodore Kassinger, who has served as Deputy Secretary since July 2004 and as the Department’s General Counsel, beginning 2001.

“Ted Kassinger made significant contributions to the Commerce Department over the past four years. I admire not only his dedication and leadership, but his commitment to excellence and public service,” said Gutierrez.