IEDC’s Steff to join Trump’s Department of Commerce

Ian Steff, who was named Indiana’s first chief innovation officer less than a year ago, accepted a position in the Trump administration this week to help boost domestic manufacturing on a global scale.

Ian Steff

Steff will serve as deputy assistant secretary for manufacturing in the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, according to a press release from Steff’s office. He was appointed by President Donald Trump and will be sworn into office June 5.

In his new position, Steff will oversee programs seeking to increase U.S. manufacturing exports, jobs and investments. Steff will manage a staff of more than 40 trade professionals, according to the press release.

Steff previously led Indiana science, technology and advanced manufacturing initiatives while working for the Indiana Economic Development Corp. under the Pence and Holcomb administrations. He was named chief innovation officer in August, and among other duties was responsible for overseeing Pence’s $1 billion innovation and entrepreneurship initiative.

Steff joined the IEDC as a science and technology adviser in May 2014, and before that served as the vice president of technology partnerships and global policy at the Semiconductor Industry Association in Washington D.C. for nearly a decade.

He also has worked as an executive chairman of the board of the U.S. Technology Office in Beijing and as a member of the trade staff for the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.

Steff received a bachelor’s degree in international studies from American University and a master’s degree in international science and technology policy from George Washington University. He also studied at the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C.