WASHINGTON – Today, Alejandra Y. Castillo was sworn in as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. The action follows the August 11, unanimous U.S. Senate vote to confirm Castillo as the new administrator of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
An experienced public administrator who previously served as National Director of the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency and held senior policy positions at the White House and the International Trade Administration, Castillo is also a first-generation American of Dominican descent. As head of EDA, she will be responsible for fulfilling the agency’s mission of leading the federal economic development agenda, including overseeing the implementation of $3 billion in economic development funding appropriated as part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
“I am pleased to welcome Alejandra back to the Department to help build our economy back stronger and more equitably,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Her experience is an excellent addition to the world-class team we’ve assembled. She brings an important perspective spanning the public and private sectors and has the drive and determination to help America’s communities continue their recovery from the pandemic.”
“I am honored to resume my service to the nation in the role of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, and I am thankful for President Biden and the U.S. Senate for entrusting me with this role,” said Assistant Secretary Castillo. “I look forward to working with Secretary Raimondo on advancing the President’s economic agenda at the Department of Commerce as we invest in America’s communities.”