John K. Veroneau

Ambassador John K. Veroneau "serves as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, nominated for this position by President George W. Bush, and confirmed by the Senate on September 29, 2006.

"Ambassador Veroneau’s portfolio includes trade relations with Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East, and the Americas, as well as matters involving the World Trade Organization (WTO). He also oversees USTR’s functional offices handling intellectual property, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, services, and market access.

"Prior to his confirmation as Deputy USTR, Ambassador Veroneau served as a partner at the law firm of DLA Piper. Earlier in President Bush’s administration, Ambassador Veroneau served as General Counsel in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (2003-2005). Veroneau’s experience as USTR General Counsel included testifying before Congress on US trade policy and negotiations, recommending and implementing the Administration’s litigation priorities, and overseeing the drafting of bilateral trade agreements. In addition, he served as Assistant USTR for Congressional Affairs from 2001 to 2003.

"Ambassador Veroneau began his public service career working in the United States Senate. From 1989-1997, Veroneau served as Legislative Director to U.S. Senator William S. Cohen (Maine), Legislative Director to former U.S. Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tennessee), and Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator M. Susan Collins (Maine). From 1997-2001, Mr. Veroneau served under then Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen. In 1999, he was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs.

"Ambassador Veroneau has written and spoken widely on issues of international trade from both a legal and foreign policy perspective. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from University of Maine. He is married to Carol Svoboda and has two children."


 * Director, Overseas Private Investment Corporation