trade.gov - David Bohigian

Photo of David Bohigian International Trade Administration,
U.S. Department of Commerce

David Bohigian

Assistant Secretary for
Market Access and Compliance

David Bohigian was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance (MAC) in December 2005. He focuses on creating a positive global business environment for American firms and workers by eliminating barriers to trade and investment as well as solving commercial disputes involving foreign governments. In 2007, MAC created global opportunities worth more than $120 for an American family of four, up more than 80 percent from 2005.

In his tenure, Bohigian established the Invest in America initiative to attract foreign direct investment to the United States, launched entrepreneurship.gov to promote U.S. exports through developing pro-growth policies overseas, and led the United States’ first clean energy trade mission, which introduced American firms to China and India . In addition, he is the Department’s representative on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and has spearheaded commercial reconstruction and stabilization efforts globally. Prior to his appointment, Bohigian led the Department’s Policy Office, serving as the lead economic and energy advisor to Secretaries Gutierrez and Evans.

Before joining the Commerce Department, Bohigian served as a Managing Director of Idealab, which creates and operates a network of businesses. With Idealab, he served in several management positions for various portfolio companies, including Chief Executive Officer of Ice Jewelry. Later, he led operations for Idealab’s London office, working to establish market share for U.S. companies in Europe. Bohigian joined Idealab after it acquired the company he founded, VenCatalyst. Prior to founding VenCatalyst, Mr. Bohigian was a partner at Jefferson Partners, a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm.

Bohigian received his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis and his B.A. from Washington & Lee University. He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, the Eagle Scout Association, a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and serves on the Board of Visitors of Mary Institute and Country Day School.