Press Release

Brian P. McGowan Appointed U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development

September 15, 2009
Contact: John B. Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON -- Brian P. McGowan has been appointed U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Mr. McGowan begins his duties immediately.

"Brian McGowan has economic development experience at all levels of government and created initiatives to support economic recovery in one of the world's largest economies - California. He will be a tremendous asset to me and EDA as we work to stimulate job creation, promote innovation and restore economic growth in communities throughout the United States," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez.

Before joining the Obama Administration, Mr. McGowan was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve as the lead economic development official for the State of California as Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Commerce. Prior to this appointment, McGowan was the Economic Development Agency Administrator for the County of San Bernardino in California. He also worked in the economic development departments for the California cities of Ontario and Palm Springs. In addition, over a period of five years, he consulted on a U.S. Agency for International Development funded initiative to develop economic growth programs for cities in Bulgaria and Serbia.

Mr. McGowan received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside and a Master's degree in Politics, Economics and Business from the Claremont Graduate University. He is also the Michael and Mary Johnston Fellow at the Claremont Graduate University where he is completing a PhD in American Politics and Policy.

The Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.