Nomination of William Henry Houston III for the Rank of Ambassador While Serving as United States Negotiator on Textile Matters

The President today announced his intention to nominate William Henry Houston III, of Mississippi, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as United States Negotiator on Textile Matters in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Mr. Houston began his career as a salesman for Cook and Co. in Memphis, TN, 1959-1960. From there he went with Staple Cotton Co-op Association in Greenwood, MS, until 1962, when he became administrative assistant to the president of L.T. Barringer and Co. in Memphis, TN, 1962-1974. From 1969 to 1985, he was engaged in farming operations in Tunica, MS. In 1986 he became a research consultant with Sparks Commodities in Memphis and was then appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles and Apparel at the Department of Commerce. Since early this year, Mr. Houston has been United States Negotiator on Textile Matters in the Office of the Trade Representative.

Mr. Houston was born July 7, 1934, in Memphis, TN. He graduated from Washington and Lee University (B.A., 1956) and the University of Mississippi (M.B.A., 1959). Mr. Houston served in the United States Army, 1956-1957. He is married, has two sons, and resides in Arlington, VA.