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The Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, or USC(ST), is a high-ranking official in the United States Department of Commerce and the principal advisor to the United States Secretary of Commerce on the technological development. The Under Secretary is dual hatted as the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the Commerce Department.
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The Under Secretary is appointed by the President of the United States with the consent of the United States Senate to serve at the pleasure of the President. The past Under Secretary is Dr. Patrick D. Gallagher, who was appointed by President Barack Obama on November 5, 2009. As of May 5, 2015, the Under Secretary is Willie E. May.
Overview
As the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Under Secretary is responsible for promoting American innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
With the rank of Under Secretary, the USC(ST)/Director is a Level III position within the Executive Schedule. The Under Secretary ranks sixth in the line of succession for the office of Secretary of Commerce.
History
The position of Under Secretary/Director was created by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010.
The 106th Congress had created a position for Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology in the Electronic Commerce Technology Promotion Act, appointing Dr Cheryl L. Shavers to the position.
Reporting Officials
Officials reporting to the USC(ST)/Director include: