Kirk to leave USTR post

   U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk on Tuesday said he will depart the Obama administration late February, after serving in the post for the past four years.

Kirk

   Since he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2009, he has led the administration’s trade negotiations and dialogue with other countries, including the conclusion and congressional passage of bilateral free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama; advancing the regional Trans-Pacific Partnership talks; and sustaining U.S. engagement at the World Trade Organization.
   Prior to joining the administration, Kirk served two terms as the mayor of Dallas. Prior to that, he was Texas secretary of state under Gov. Ann Richards. In addition, Kirk has practiced law as a partner at Vinson & Elkins.