Donald L. Evans

Donald L. Evans "joined the Financial Services Forum as Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2005 to lead its executive membership in promoting global competitiveness and robust capital markets.

"Donald L. Evans was the 34th secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the voice of business in government. Secretary Evans was a core member of President Bush’s economic team, advising the president on many issues, including pro-growth and job-creating economic policies, international trade, business concerns, and energy policy.

"He oversaw a diverse cabinet agency with some 40,000 workers and a $5.8 billion budget focused on promoting American business, both at home and abroad. His department gathers vast quantities of economic and demographic data, issues patents and trademarks, helps set technical standards, forecasts the weather, conducts oceans and coastal zone research, manages marine fisheries and sanctuaries, enforces international trade laws, and develops telecommunications and technology policy.

"Born in Houston, Texas, in 1946, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, receiving a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in 1969 and an M.B.A. in 1973. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the Omicron Delta Kappa honorary fraternity. During school breaks, he worked in a Texas steel mill. In 1975, Secretary Evans moved to Midland, Texas, from Houston and began his career as a “roughneck” working on oil rigs for Tom Brown, Inc., a large independent energy company. Ten years later, he took the helm of the company as CEO, continuing in that position until being tapped by the president to lead the Commerce Department.

"Secretary Evans is a self-described optimist who believes the highest calling in life is serving others. As a result, he has been very active in community service over the years. In 1995, Governor Bush appointed him to the Board of Regents of the University of Texas; he was elected chairman of the board in February 1997 and served two consecutive terms. Secretary Evans was a board member of the Scleroderma Research Foundation for eight years and was a driving force behind Native Vision, a program that provides services to about 10,000 Native American children. He was involved with the United Way for many years, serving as president of the Midland branch in 1989 and campaign chair in 1981.

"In December 2001, the University of South Carolina awarded Secretary Evans an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. In September 2002, the University of Texas awarded Secretary Evans its Distinguished Alumnus Award. In November 2002, he was inducted into the University of Texas Red McCombs School of Business Hall of Fame. Secretary Evans has made significant contributions in local and national politics over the past 25 years, having worked on behalf of Governor Bush’s successful gubernatorial campaigns in 1994 and 1998, and serving as chairman of the Bush/Cheney 2000 campaign.

"Secretary Evans says his passions in life are his family and friends. He is married to Susan Marinis Evans. They have two daughters, a son and two grandchildren."

• Leadership Council, Initiative for Global Development