Peter Cowhey, dean of the UC San Diego School of International Relations and Pacific Studies has been named to a senior position in Obama Administration Office of Special Trade Representative (USTR).

Peter Cowhey

During a one-year leave of absence from UCSD Cowhey will serve as senior counselor to the U.S. Trade Representative focusing on strategy and negotiations.

In making the announcement UC San Diego Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Paul Drake, said, “It is an honor for Dean Cowhey and UCSD that Peter has been asked to serve in the Obama administration.  His presence in this key position will raise the national and international profile of UC San Diego.”

For his part Cowhey said, "I look forward to working with the leadership team of USTR on crafting a trade policy that is innovative, ambitious and in keeping with the President's goals. Properly crafted, trade policy can broadly benefit the people of America and our trading partners."

Cowhey is a widely recognized trade expert with special experience in telecommunications policy.  His next book, to be published in April, is titled “Transforming Global Information and Communication Markets.”