Current position and employer: Member, Executive Office of the U.S. President’s Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA), Office of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). At TACA, I formulate, advise on implementation of U.S. government positions related to industry positions on international trade policy, including negotiating objectives and bargaining positions of trade agreements, and when tasked, serve on U.S. delegation to international trade fora and negotiations. I also develop and maintain productive relationships with subnational U.S. governments, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, and international institutions to obtain diverse perspectives, and advance strategic United States government commercial objectives.
I lead periodic, comprehensive evaluation of U.S. trade goals and objectives, and adjust or redefine goals and objectives as necessary; while assessing the impact of actions by foreign governments on the competitiveness of U.S. industries. I also lead evaluation of investments in supply-chains, foreign trade opportunities, trade regulations, tariff and non-tariff trade barriers; and advise on engagements to strengthen U.S. industry international trade competitiveness, and competitive position of U.S. industry in foreign markets.
In addition, I am also an Adjunct Professor of Economics: Global Trade and Political Economy, at the City University of New York (CUNY). My scholarship at CUNY examines International Political Economy (IPE) concepts that drive trade policy, the interests that compete over them, and the institutions that channel these interests. Scholarship also includes analysis of how politics shapes the global economy of trade, and how the global economy shapes politics. A key focus in IPE is on the distributive consequences of global economic exchange. And, analysis of interplay between social systems and governments, and its influence on public policy, which exacerbates the paradox between resistance to free trade, and desire to grow export markets.
I previously served as Commissioner/Chair, Economic & International Trade Development Taskforce, in the State of Maryland. Prior to my role as Commissioner, I served as an Economic Development Fellow, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, U.S. Department of Commerce. I am also a 2021 Bowe Fellow, a World Trade Center Institute Fellowship for Emerging and Developing Global Executives (EDGE Program).
Hometown: New York City, NY (Nigerian heritage)
Current City: Annapolis, MD
Why did you choose McCourt? Academic rigor, research centers, Georgetown’s reputation, and proximity to U.S. and international public policy institutions.
What was the best part of your experience with McCourt? There was always something new to discover or learn. Guest lectures from heads of government and industry featured in class case studies, not to mention access to vast resources of Georgetown University.
University Involvement: Post graduation, I served two-terms on the McCourt School Alumni Board. I am Co-Chair of the Campus Engagement Committee, Georgetown University Alumni Association (BAC). A member of Georgetown University Global Future of Development (now part of Global Georgetown) – African Governance & Economic Development; and the Georgetown University Alumni Admissions Program (AAP) for freshman and transfer applicants.
Tell us about a project that you’re currently working on.
I am particularly proud of my leadership role in the on-going negotiations for a United States-Kenya Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The goal of the STIP is to pursue enhanced engagement and high standard commitments in a wide range of areas with a view to increase investment; promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth; benefit workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises); and support African regional economic integration. Critically, the United States-Kenya STIP could become a blueprint for future trade negotiations with other African countries.
I previously led the GOCI Maryland Business Forum’s engagement to align the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Africa & Global Health’s foreign policy priorities with Maryland’s $18.6 billion BioHealth & Life Sciences sector. I conceived and managed the GOCI Maryland Business Forum, as a transformative initiative by the Maryland Governor’s Office, to promote private-sector competitiveness in international commerce, especially as markets and societies do not organically arrive at optimal conditions, global economic growth requires an enabling public policy.
Undergraduate university, degree, and major: University of Maryland, B.S. Global Business Management and Public Policy (minor, Business Law and Public Policy)
Hobbies/ Interests: My children and I are recreational trail cyclists. I also quite enjoy reading… and yes, video games!