An internationally recognized technology innovation expert at the intersection of policy and politics, Ben Wu has professional and management experience at the highest levels of federal and state government. A former U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy, Ben is currently the Maryland Deputy Secretary of Commerce in the Office of the Governor and the Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Department of Commerce. He is a key member of Governor Larry Hogan’s economic team and his Commerce Cabinet.
Previously, Ben was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve in the first and second terms of his administration, and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, to lead activities in support of entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthening U.S. international competitiveness, improving technology transfer, enhancing research and development, and creating greater partnerships between government, industry, and universities. He was the highest ranked Asian American official at the U.S. Department of Commerce in President Bush’s administration.
Ben also held senior staff positions in the U.S. Congress for 13 years, where he directed the drafting of a multitude of laws commercializing federal intellectual property, promoting technology transfer and licensing, requiring Y2K readiness, and advancing math and science education, among many others. He has managed and been engaged in election campaigns throughout Maryland.
Ben has extensive experience in the legislative and executive branches of government working with Asia Pacific nations, as well as helping to develop trade and commerce in the region. He is the current Vice Chair and immediate past President of the U.S.-Asia Institute, a non-governmental organization based in Washington, D.C. and established in 1979, that promotes dialogue between the United States and Asian countries. He has led several trade missions and delegations to Greater China.
Ben has served as a Vice Chair of the Committee of 100. He is a director for the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging. He currently serves on the board of trustees of several professional, community organizations, and a college in the Greater Washington area.
