Franklin J. Vargo

Frank Vargo is Vice President for International Economic Affairs at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). He is the association’s chief spokesman on trade issues, and is responsible for working with the NAM’s 14,000 member companies to seek Congressional and Executive Branch trade and international economic laws and policies that benefit America’s manufacturers. Mr. Vargo was one of the key industry leaders in the successful effort to obtain Trade Promotion Authority, and is leading the manufacturing community’s efforts to reduce barriers to American industrial products.

Prior to joining the NAM, Mr. Vargo had a distinguished career at the United States Department of Commerce, where he was one of the most senior career trade officials. His many positions at the Commerce Department included serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for WTO Affairs and for trade agreements compliance, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe. Mr. Vargo holds the President’s Distinguished Executive Award, the highest award that can be granted to a U.S. government executive.

The National Association of Manufacturers — is the nation’s largest and oldest multi-industry trade association. The NAM represents 14,000 members (including 10,000 small and mid-sized companies) and 350 member associations serving manufacturers and employees in every industrial sector and all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 11 additional offices across the country. Be sure to visit the NAM’s award-winning Web site at www.nam.org.