REINSCH TO LEAD NATIONAL FOREIGN TRADE COUNCIL
William A. Reinsch, formerly the U.S. Commerce Department’s Undersecretary for the Export Administration, has been named president of the National Foreign Trade Council, starting April 2.
The council was founded in 1914 to serve business’ interests in trade policy, export finance, international tax, and human resources. Today, it represents more than 500 companies and has offices in New York and Washington.
“With the U.S. economy in a downturn, the importance of international trade to U.S. business is ever more apparent — and the importance of the NFTC’s work ever more important,” Reinsch said.
At the Export Administration, Reinsch gained a reputation for defending the high-tech manufacturers’ goal to become stronger in export markets and to reform trade laws impacting U.S. exporters.
Prior to joining the Commerce Department in 1993, Reinsch served as an aide to Sen. John D. Rockefeller and as chief legislative assistant to Sen. John Heinz. He also served on the staff of Rep. Richard Ottinger and Rep. Gilbert Gude.
Reinsch’s duties at the NFTC will be to oversee numerous international trade and tax issues which concern U.S. businesses. He replaces Frank Kittredge, former General Electric executive and president of the council for the past 12 years, who is retiring.