Baltimoremick.com

In my morning news roundup, President Bush named Susan Schwab as the new United States Trade Representative (USTR). The USTR is the individual responsible for negotiating trade agreements with the US’ various trading partners. The same individual is called before Congressional committees to present the case for the various trade agreements they have brokered with other countries. Essentially, the USTR is the nation’s central voice on issues regarding international trade.

Ms. Schwab was my former dean when I was in graduate school at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. When I first began my professional career, she was my first boss. When I was a research assistant for one of my professors–interestingly enough on a IIE Policy Analysis called Renewing Fast-Track Legislation–she drove me back from the reception on Capitol Hill. When I departed that position, I did not leave it on the best of terms. As a matter of fact, my letter of resignation included a note on my frustrations with the position and the administration. Looking back, I think a large part of my frustrations were born out of my history there as a student. As such, many administrators had a hard time looking beyond my recent past.

In any event, I wish her the best of luck. I know in the last few years as she moved out of the Dean’s chair at the School, she was looking to get a job within the Administration. This goes back to her history on the Hill, so here’s hoping she goes on to do good things.