Washington (June 9, 2009) – Dr. Rebecca Blank was sworn in today as the new Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs. Dr. Blank will oversee two of the Nation’s preeminent statistical agencies: the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Affairs. She will also serve as the top economic advisor to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

“In Dr. Blank, we have the right person to handle a series of looming challenges,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said, “She will help the Census Bureau conduct an accurate and complete count in the 2010 Census, and I’m relying on her to provide sound economic data and analysis to guide the nation through the worst economic crisis in 60 years.”

Press Release

WASHINGTON (May 19, 2009)—Rebecca Blank, Ph.D, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last Thursday as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs. As the Economic Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce, and head of the Economic and Statistics Administration (ESA), Dr. Blank will also have management responsibility for the two top statistical agencies in the United States, the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Dr. Blank's Statement

Dr. Blank's Biography

White House Press Release on Nomination