Press Release

Gutierrez Welcomes Buchan as Commerce Chief of Staff

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today announced that Claire Buchan will serve as his new chief of staff. Buchan replaced Alison Kaufman who has been tapped as senior vice president for government and international affairs by United Technologies Corporation.

“Claire’s deep knowledge of economic issues, strong managerial background and talents as a strategic thinker give her the skills and experience to lead the Commerce team,” Gutierrez said. “Together, we will aggressively work to promote President Bush’s economic policies to create jobs and strengthen our economy.”

Buchan served as deputy assistant to the president and deputy press secretary at the White House. Prior to assuming her post at the White House, she was vice president for communications at ServiceMaster in Chicago.

Previously, Buchan served in President George H.W. Bush’s administration as the deputy assistant secretary of Public Affairs at the Treasury Department, press secretary for the U.S. Trade Representative and as deputy communications director at the Republican National Committee.

During the Reagan administration, she worked for the Department of Commerce in the International Trade Administration. Before joining the Reagan administration, Buchan served as the Press Secretary for Congressman H. James Saxton.

Claire is a graduate of Michigan State University.