President-elect Joe Biden has nominated Gina Raimondo as his Secretary of Commerce and Don Graves as Raimondo’s Deputy Secretary at the Department of Commerce (Commerce).
Commerce oversees tech-heavy operations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Additionally, Commerce is responsible for technology policy and regulation, as well as establishing standards for global tech companies.
Raimondo has served as the governor of Rhode Island since 2015, and at a Biden event today to announce additional nominations, the President-elect described her as “one of the most effective, forward-thinking governors in the United States.”
As for Graves, he has served as a longtime advisor to Biden in the Obama administration. Biden said Graves “helped lead our national strategy to equip workers with the skills they need for good-paying jobs in the 21st century—in health care, IT, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and so much more.”
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) released a statement today to congratulate Raimondo and Graves on their nominations.
“TIA looks forward to working with Gov. Raimondo and Mr. Graves, once they are confirmed, on a range of important issues that include improving supply chain security, expanding internet connectivity and access, promoting the competitiveness of trusted ICT manufacturers, and ensuring that the U.S. leads in standards innovation,” said TIA CEO, David Stehlin.
