Press Release
Dr. John C. Fleming Sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
March 15, 2019
WASHINGTON – Today, Dr. John C. Fleming of Minden, Louisiana, was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. The action follows the March 7th U.S. Senate vote to confirm Fleming as the new administrator of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
A four term U.S. Congressman serving Louisiana’s 4th Congressional district from January 2009, to January 2017, Fleming is also a physician, businessman and former Webster Parish coroner.
As head of EDA, Dr. Fleming will be responsible for fulfilling the agency’s mission of leading the federal economic development agenda.
“John’s diverse experience as an entrepreneur, veteran, physician and former U.S. Congressman make him an excellent choice to lead EDA,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. “I look forward to working with John on advancing the President’s economic agenda at the Department of Commerce.”
“I am honored to continue my service to the nation in the role of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and I thank the U.S. Senate for their vote of confidence,” said Assistant Secretary Fleming. “I am very excited about this opportunity because it allows me to use my broad and deep background as an entrepreneur, veteran, physician, and former U.S. Congressman to serve the American people.”
Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Dr. Fleming served as a deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services overseeing technology modernization efforts.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.