Seasoned Strategic Planner and Manager to Lead Minority Business Development Agency

Washington, DC - U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans today announced the appointment of Ron Langston of Des Moines, Iowa, a leading strategic planner and manager, as director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

"Ron Langston's strong leadership skills combined with his experience both in business and government will be a valuable asset to the Bush Administration's efforts to help minority businesses compete and succeed in domestic and global markets," said Evans.

"I am honored to help meet President Bush's goal of ensuring the minority business community flourishes in America's economic mainstream," said Langston. "I am committed, along with Secretary Evans, to helping create a positive environment where minority business can prosper."

Prior to his appointment, Langston spent 27 years in the public and private sectors, most recently serving with EMCO Enterprises, Inc., in Des Moines, Iowa, as a manufacturing executive. At EMCO, he used his strategic and administrative management skills to refocus the company's core business units into a cohesive team.

Langston has served in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as an aide to former U.S. Sen. Roger Jepsen (R-Iowa).

Langston is a recipient of numerous awards and honors. He is a National Urban/Rural Fellow and former chairman of the Iowa Commission on the Status of African-Americans. He was appointed in 1997 by Gov. Terry E. Branstad, commissioner of the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Langston is a graduate of the University of Iowa and holds Masters degrees from the Bernard Baruch College, CUNY, and the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Langston is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and is active in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is married to Inga Bumbary.