Nomination of Richard L. McElheny To Be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce

The President today announced his intention to nominate Richard L. McElheny to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce (Trade Development). He would succeed William H. Morris, Jr.

Since 1982 Mr. McElheny has been Director General of the Commercial Services, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. Previously he was Director General of the Foreign Commercial Service of the International Trade Administration in 1981-1982; president and chief executive officer of Econo Therm Energy Systems in 1979-1981; senior vice president/corporate development, Victorio Co., Phoenix, in 1978-1979; and vice president of marketing, then executive vice president and chief operating officer and president, beginning in 1971, of Farmhand, Inc., Hopkins, Minn. (1969-1978).

In 1977 he served as chairman of the Minnesota Association of Commerce and Industry and as president of the National Farm Industry Association. He was a member of the District Export Council, U.S. Department of Commerce, in 1974-1977.

Mr. McElheny graduated from Stanford University (B.S. 1958; M.B.A., 1960). He is married, has two children, and resides in Washington, D.C. He was born May 24, 1936.