David L. Aaron

David L. Aaron served as the Under Secretary for the International Trade Administration from October 1997 to April 2000. As Under Secretary he was responsible for leading the International Trade Administration, which participates in the development of U.S. trade policy; identifies and resolves market access and compliance issues; promotes American competitiveness and the strength of U.S. companies in the global economy; administers U.S. trade laws; and undertakes a range of trade promotion and trade advocacy efforts. The International Trade Administration has more than 2,000 dedicated individuals posted at U.S. embassies and commercial offices around the world.

His previous positions include Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris during Clinton administration; Deputy National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter; Vice President for Mergers and Acquisitions, Oppenheimer & Co.; Vice Chairman of the Board, Oppenheimer International. His current position is with the RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy where he serves as Director. His recent work has focused on the Middle East; Jihadism; and counterterrorism.

Ambassador Aaron earned his M.P.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School for Public and International Affairs, and his B. A from Princeton University and he received an honorary L.L.D. from Occidental College.