Obama appoints Dow Corning CEO to President's Export Council

08 Jul '10

3 min read

Dow Corning Chairman, President and CEO Dr. Stephanie A. Burns has been appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama to the President's Export Council (PEC), a public/private sector advisory committee that advises the President on international trade.

The Council will advise the President on policies and initiatives to improve U.S. trade performance; promote expanded exports; and address trade-related challenges among the business, industrial, agricultural, labor, and government communities.

“I am proud that Dow Corning is viewed by government officials and the business community as an innovative leader in global business,” said Dr. Burns, whose term lasts until November 2011. “Collaborating with this diverse, experienced and respected group of individuals will be an honor, but more importantly, will help guide the United States for sustainable economic strength.”

The PEC, which reports to the Department of Commerce, will play a key role in the President's plan to double U.S. exports over the next five years. The Council will be chaired by James McNerney, CEO of the Boeing Corporation. Ursula Burns, CEO of the Xerox Corporation, will serve as vice chair.

“To build on the progress we've made so far, I've appointed these accomplished men and women to serve in these important roles,” said President Barack Obama at a reception at the White House Rose Garden where he announced the council members. “I am confident that their depth of experience in the private sector will be valuable as we continue working to open new markets for American goods, boost our exports and level the playing field for American workers.”

“This challenging economic environment only heightens the importance of some of the trade challenges and opportunities we have in the U.S.,” said Burns.

Dr. Burns' 27-year career at Dow Corning has spanned scientific research, issues management, science and technology leadership and business management. She has been a member of Dow Corning's Board of Directors since 2001, and was elected President in 2003, Chief Executive Officer in 2004, and Chairman in 2006. She joined Dow Corning in Midland, Michigan in 1983 as a researcher where she quickly moved into product developmentleading advances in electronic materials. In 1994 she became the company's first director of Women's Health. She relocated to Brussels, Belgium in 1997, initially as director of Science and Technology for Europe and then subsequently as the director for two of Dow Corning's industries, electronics and life sciences. In December 2000, she returned to the United States to become Executive Vice President, responsible for global operations. Dr. Burns serves on the boards of the American Chemistry Council, the Society for Women's Health Research, and GlaxoSmithKline plc. She is also the honorary president of the Society of Chemical Industry.

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