LITERATURE + LECTURES

Due to the ongoing budget discussions in Washington DC, there is a possibility of a government shutdown. During a shutdown, federal business and all related travel is prohibited. Unfortunately, this nationwide issue will affect the Thought Leaders Luncheon with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk. The luncheon is being postponed. Refunds will be processed for those already registered in seven to 10 business days.

Thank you for your understanding.
Greater Houston Partnership

The Greater Houston Partnership presents the Thought Leader Series, this month featuring United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk (pictured).  Monday, April 11, 2011, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, at the Hyatt Regency Houston, 1200 Louisiana.

The Thought Leader Series provides GHP Members an opportunity to listen and interact with innovative industry experts. This luncheon will feature Ambassador Ron Kirk. As United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Kirk is a member of President Obama’s Cabinet and serves as the President’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues.
 
Ambassador Kirk was nominated to be United States Trade Representative by President Barack Obama and was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 18, 2009. During his tenure at USTR, Ambassador Kirk has led the office in developing trade policies that are proactive, responsible, and more responsive to American families' interests - recognizing that trade can be a job-creating pillar of economic recovery in the United States and around the world. Highlights have included a new focus on trade policy that assists America's small- and medium-sized businesses, increased enforcement efforts to bring home the benefits of existing trade agreements, and changes to move forward the Doha Round of world trade negotiations.

Ambassador Kirk draws upon more than 25 years of diverse legislative and economic experience on local, state and federal levels. As the first African American mayor of Dallas from 1995 - 2001, Ambassador Kirk expanded Dallas' reach to the world through a range of trade programs, including numerous trade missions. Previously, he served as Texas Secretary of State under Governor Ann Richards; as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-Tex.) and as chair of Texas' General Service Commission. Ambassador Kirk also served as a City of Dallas assistant city attorney.

Prior to joining USTR, Ambassador Kirk was a partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP. He was named one of "The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America" by The National Law Journal in 2008, and one of the nation's top government relations lawyers by The Best Lawyers in America from 2007-2009.

Ambassador Kirk was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. He received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1979. He is married to Matrice Ellis-Kirk. He and his wife have two daughters, Elizabeth Alexandra and Catherine Victoria.