Kelley steps in as acting deputy commerce secretary

The U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday said Karen Dunn Kelley, undersecretary for economic affairs, will take on the existing functions and duties of deputy commerce secretary in an acting role under the Vacancies Reform Act.    The U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday said Karen Dunn Kelley, undersecretary for economic affairs, will take on the existing functions and duties of deputy commerce secretary in an acting role under the Vacancies Reform Act.
   “Karen has decades of experience in the private sector managing diverse operations in addition to her leadership of the Economic and Statistics Administration,” said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in a statement. “I am thankful to have such a qualified individual to fill this position.”
   Kelley was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Commerce undersecretary for economic affairs in the Trump administration.
   Prior to joining Commerce, Kelley served as senior managing director of investments at Invesco. She has 35 years of experience working in the finance sector.
   Kelley is filing the vacancy left by former acting deputy commerce secretary, Ellen Herbst, who had served as Commerce assistant secretary for administration and chief financial officer. Herbst recently retired from the department to become vice chancellor for administration and finance for the University System of Maryland.