Nomination of J. Michael Farren To Be an Under Secretary of Commerce

The President today announced his intention to nominate J. Michael Farren to be Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. He would succeed W. Allen Moore.

Mr. Farren served as deputy director of President Bush's transition team from November 1988 to January 1989. He was counsel at the law firm of Wiggin & Dana in New Haven, CT, since September 1988. Mr. Farren previously served as Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade from September 1985 to July 1988 and was responsible for management and policy development for the International Trade Administration. Prior to that Mr. Farren served as Counselor to the Secretary of Commerce from March 1985 to September 1985, advising the Secretary on policy development and Cabinet matters. From June 1983 to March 1985, he served as Director of the Office of Business Liaison at the Commerce Department, where he served as the Secretary's primary contact with the business community. He was director of White House liaison and executive assistant to the deputy chairman of the Republican National Committee from August 1981 to June 1983. Mr. Farren also served as vice president of the Greater Waterbury, Connecticut, Chamber of Commerce from December 1978 to August 1981. From March 1974 to November 1978, Mr. Farren was district representative and campaign director for U.S. Representative Ronald A. Sarasin.

Mr. Farren was born in Waterbury, CT, holds a juris doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and is admitted to the practice of law in Connecticut and the District of Columbia. He holds a master's degree in public policy analysis from Trinity College and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Fairfield University. Mr. Farren resides in Washington, DC.