New chief negotiator for textiles named in DC

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/27/2006 11:09:00 AM

Washington, DC „Ÿ Matt Priest has been named deputy assistant secretary for textiles and apparel at the U.S. Department of Commerce.  He succeeds James Leonard, who served in the position from 2002 until September 2006.

In his new role, Priest will administer U.S. textile quota agreements, formulate trade policy, research and analyze industry data, and promote U.S. trade events.

In addition, Priest will work to improve the domestic and international competitiveness of the U.S. fiber, textiles and apparel industries. He will also chair the interagency Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA).

Priest currently serves as senior advisor to the assistant secretary for Import Administration at Commerce, where he advises on textiles and trade issues. Earlier in his career, he was legislative director for Rep. Sue Myrick of North Carolina, advising in the areas of textiles, trade and economic development.