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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 24, 1998

                           PRESIDENT CLINTON 
                        NAMES MICHAEL J. COPPS 
            AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE DEVELOPMENT 
                    AT THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

The President today announced his intent to nominate Michael J. Copps as Assistant Secretary for Trade Development at the Department of Commerce.

Mr. Michael J. Copps, of Alexandria, Virginia, has been serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Basic Industries, Trade Development at Commerce since 1993. As Deputy Assistant Secretary, he directs industry analysts, economists, and international trade specialists in the Department's mission to improve market access and market share for U. S. basic industries. In addition, Mr. Copps chairs six public sector-private sector working groups under the U.S. China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade and the Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission's U.S. Russia Business Development Committee. Prior to joining Commerce, Mr. Copps served as Senior Vice President, Legislative Affairs, for the American Meat Institute. From 1985 to 1989, he served as the Director of Government Affairs for Collins & Aikman Corporation. Additionally, from 1970 to 1975, Mr. Copps served as the Administrative Assistant and Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings.

Mr. Copps holds a B.A. from Wofford College, and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina.

As Assistant Secretary for Trade Development, Mr. Copps will advise the Under Secretary for International Trade and the Secretary of Commerce on trade and investment policies pertaining to U.S. industrial sectors. He will also develop and carry out policies and programs to promote world trade and strengthen the international trade investment position of the U.S.