STEVEN SCHRAGE JOINS CSIS AS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CHAIR

WASHINGTON, February 6, 2008 – The Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) is pleased to announce that Steven Schrage, whose experience spans senior positions across the Executive Branch, Congress, private sector and Presidential campaigns, has joined CSIS as its new Scholl Chair in International Business.

“With the global financial crisis, rising protectionism, the dramatic rethinking of business and government roles, and the struggle to balance openness and security in today’s interconnected world, there has never been a more important time for the mission of CSIS’s Dr. William M. Scholl Chair in International Business," said Pamela Scholl, the President and Chairman of the Dr. Scholl Foundation.  “Steven’s experience across the White House’s U.S. Trade Representatives’ Office, in key State Department and Congressional economic and security positions, and in leading multilateral efforts among the G8 will allow CSIS to lead in confronting our current economic, trade and security challenges.”

Steven Schrage was the first senior official appointed by the Bush Administration to the White House’s Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, where he oversaw all aspects of this cabinet-level agency and later served as an official under USTR Robert Zoellick.  At the U.S. Department of State, Steven worked on international economic policy and sanctions after 9/11 and served as Deputy Assistant Secretary overseeing over $2 billion in assistance and personnel across the world on issues ranging from Afghanistan and Iraq civilian security, to global anti-corruption and intellectual property rights enforcement.  He led or co-chaired U.S. bilateral crime and terrorism dialogs with countries such as Pakistan, Russia and Nigeria.

While at the State Department, Steven was chosen to lead multilateral efforts among top U.S. allies in the Group of Eight (G8) when he was selected to co-chair the G8’s Anti-Crime and Terrorism Group.  This work involved coordinating and leading across U.S. agencies and foreign governments on issues including border security, intelligence cooperation and cybercrime and terrorism.

His background also includes serving as International Trade Counsel to the Congress’ Ways and Means Committee, which initiates all U.S. trade legislation, and as foreign policy counsel to a member of the Senate’s leadership and its Foreign Relations Committee.  In addition, his private sector experience includes work as an attorney with several international law firms.  He has been part of the policy teams of several Presidential campaigns, most recently serving as Foreign Policy and Trade Director for the campaign of former Governor and Bain Capital CEO Mitt Romney.  Mr. Schrage is an honors graduate of Duke University and the University of Michigan Law School, and conducted MBA and doctoral studies at Harvard Business School, where he earned distinction (honors) for his doctoral work prior to his return to public service in 2000.

“CSIS is proud that Steven has joined CSIS to lead the Center’s study of international business trends at this critical time,” said CSIS President and CEO, Dr. John J. Hamre.  “His expertise in trade, international business and security is of great value to the Center as we study the rapidly evolving landscape in this time of global economic crisis and provide research and analysis to both educate and drive effective policymaking.”