Federal Independent Agencies
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Smithsonian Launches Regional Collaboratives, a National Initiative To Strengthen Community Partnerships Across the Country
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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Smithsonian Launches Regional Collaboratives, a National Initiative To Strengthen Community Partnerships Across the Country
First Project Kicks Off in Mississippi With a 10-Part Community Cultural Conservation Workshop Starting Feb. 27
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As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, communities across the country are illuminating the stories, creativity and remarkable local expertise that define the nation. To strengthen and celebrate that richness, the Smithsonian has launched Regional Collaboratives,
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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Smithsonian Launches Regional Collaboratives, a National Initiative To Strengthen Community Partnerships Across the Country
First Project Kicks Off in Mississippi With a 10-Part Community Cultural Conservation Workshop Starting Feb. 27
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As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, communities across the country are illuminating the stories, creativity and remarkable local expertise that define the nation. To strengthen and celebrate that richness, the Smithsonian has launched Regional Collaboratives,a nationwide initiative designed to bring the full breadth of the Smithsonian's resources into deeper partnership with communities across five regions and U.S. territories.
The Regional Collaboratives are part of ongoing efforts to reach people outside of Washington, D.C., representing a new model for national engagement, one that is rooted in listening and co-creating with communities to address locally identified priorities. The Smithsonian will work alongside local partners to align expertise, collections, research and educational resources to create projects that span from traveling exhibitions, conservation training and research partnerships, to civic education and youth programming.
By connecting museums, K-12 and higher education systems, educators, libraries, tribal nations, community organizations and local leaders, the initiative strengthens existing networks while creating new pathways for collaboration and opportunity.
"Through the Smithsonian's Regional Collaboratives, we are working with communities--not prescribing solutions--but listening deeply and aligning our resources to the work that matters most to them," said Monique M. Chism, the Smithsonian's Under Secretary for Education. "When we show up as partners, not just as a national institution, we help strengthen existing networks and spark new collaborations that can expand opportunity and impact."
The initiative's first project launches in Mississippi, where community partners identified a need for expanded access to resources to help protect and preserve local cultural heritage.
The Community Cultural Conservation Workshop Series will bring together a cohort of 30 staff members from small museums and historic sites across Mississippi. Through six virtual sessions and four in-person gatherings over 10 months, participants will receive hands-on training in collections care, preservation, digitization, disaster preparedness and community-centered storytelling. Smithsonian experts and Mississippi-based specialists will teach side by side, ensuring both national expertise and local knowledge inform the process. Each in-person training will include a public program open to the broader community.
The first public event will take place Feb. 27 at Delta State University, hosted by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Following a live blues performance, the museum's Robert F. Smith Center for the Digitization and Curation of African American History will host a panel discussion, "Baltimore to Buffalo: Preserving Local Histories through Community Curation," featuring local leaders.
As the workshop series continues across Mississippi, it will connect with complementary Smithsonian programs. In November, the National Folk Festival in Jackson will celebrate Mississippi's traditions and creativity, providing workshop participants opportunities to engage with the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, which is collaborating with the festival.
"So much of our cultural heritage is kept alive by small institutions that don't always have the resources they need," said Robby Luckett, director of the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University, who has previously collaborated with the Smithsonian. "Working with the Smithsonian helps us not only gain valuable skills but also makes us feel seen and supported. Together, we're safeguarding Mississippi's stories so that more people can see themselves in the history of this place."
Mississippi marks the beginning of a broader national effort as additional Regional Collaboratives' projects are underway. In the Northeast, the Smithsonian and Historic New England will partner with teachers and students in Massachusetts on a community based portraiture project culminating in a student-designed exhibition that elevates youth voices. In Michigan, educators will gather alongside Native scholars, cultural leaders and museum practitioners in connection with the "Americans" exhibition, organized by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian and traveled by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
Together, these initiatives signal a new approach to community-centered partnerships that the Smithsonian will continue expanding across the country, honoring local priorities, elevating local expertise and helping communities continue to tell the stories that will shape the next 250 years of the American story.
The Regional Collaboratives are supported by the Smithsonian's "Our Shared Future: 250," a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.
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About the Smithsonian
Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world's largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, libraries and gardens. Two of the 21 museums--the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum--are in the early planning stages. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is about 157 million. To commemorate America's 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian is hosting a full slate of special exhibitions, festivals and public events, including the completion of the National Air and Space Museum's renovation, which opened to the public 50 years ago for the nation's bicentennial.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-launches-regional-collaboratives-national-initiative-strengthen
New stamps feature quilt masterpieces from Harriet Powers
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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New stamps feature quilt masterpieces from Harriet Powers
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated pioneering quiltmaker Harriet Powers (1837-1910) at a ceremony in the nation's capital to dedicate four new commemorative stamps.
Powers, who was born into slavery, became a leading figure in American folk art and storytelling. She used traditional techniques to record complex oral histories and religious themes.
"Harriet Powers took the traditional craft of quilting and elevated it into a
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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New stamps feature quilt masterpieces from Harriet Powers
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated pioneering quiltmaker Harriet Powers (1837-1910) at a ceremony in the nation's capital to dedicate four new commemorative stamps.
Powers, who was born into slavery, became a leading figure in American folk art and storytelling. She used traditional techniques to record complex oral histories and religious themes.
"Harriet Powers took the traditional craft of quilting and elevated it into aprofound medium for history and narrative," said Lisa Bobb-Semple, USPS director of stamp services, and dedicating official. "We are proud to recognize her extraordinary skill and the enduring legacy of her vision."
Joining Bobb-Semple for the ceremony were Karla Kirby, USPS health services executive manager and master of ceremonies; Karsonya Wise Whitehead, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, president; CeLillianne Green, poet; Kyra Hicks, quilter and author; and Powers' descendant, Alyse Minter.
Born into slavery in 1837 near Athens, GA, Powers emerged after emancipation as an artistic voice in American textile art. While she is believed to have completed at least five quilts in her lifetime, she is best known for her two surviving "story quilts." These works used pieced, appliqued, and embroidered panels to depict scenes from local lore or the Bible.
"This is what is extraordinary about Harriet Powers' quilts," said Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS. "I never would have thought of these works of fabric art as canvases for telling stories until seeing the quilts. I chose details that would hold up well at stamp size while still communicating the stories Powers was trying to tell."
The stamp pane features different designs, each showcasing a specific panel from Powers' 1898 "Pictorial Quilt." To create visual variety, the panels are arranged in a shifting order across the pane of 20 giving the impression of a continuous, unfolding narrative.
Powers' work gained public recognition in 1886 when she exhibited her "Bible Quilt" at the Northeast Georgia Fair. Though she initially refused to sell the piece, she later sold it to an art teacher, Jennie Smith. That quilt was eventually donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 1968 -appropriately arriving at the museum by U.S. Mail.
The "Pictorial Quilt," which inspired the new stamps, was originally commissioned by the wives of Atlanta University faculty members as a gift for the vice president of the university board, Charles Cuthbert Hall. Completed in 1898, the quilt remained in the Hall family for more than six decades before being recognized as a national treasure.
Noyes designed the stamps and pane using existing photographs of the "Pictorial Quilt."
The Harriet Powers stamps are issued in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. News about the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #HarrietPowersStamps.
Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, or at select Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. The stories behind the stamps and more are available at stampsforever.com.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter ; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Threads ; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0228-new-stamps-feature-quilt-masterpieces-from-harriet-powers.htm
U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases Investigation Report on the 2023 Explosion and Toxic Ethylene Oxide Release at Dow Plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases Investigation Report on the 2023 Explosion and Toxic Ethylene Oxide Release at Dow Plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana
Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final investigation report (https://www.csb.gov/assets/1/6/Dow_Investigation_Report-Final_(002).pdf) into the July 2023 explosions, fires, and toxic ethylene oxide (EtO) release at the Dow Chemical Company's (Dow) Louisiana Operations Glycol II
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases Investigation Report on the 2023 Explosion and Toxic Ethylene Oxide Release at Dow Plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana
Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final investigation report (https://www.csb.gov/assets/1/6/Dow_Investigation_Report-Final_(002).pdf) into the July 2023 explosions, fires, and toxic ethylene oxide (EtO) release at the Dow Chemical Company's (Dow) Louisiana Operations Glycol IIplant in Plaquemine.
At approximately 9:15 p.m. on July 14, 2023, a series of explosions and fires occurred at Dow's Glycol II unit, causing significant damage to nearby process equipment and resulting in the release of more than 31,000 pounds of toxic EtO, which is produced at the facility. EtO is a reactive and flammable chemical product and is a known human carcinogen. Local authorities issued a shelter-in-place order affecting hundreds of nearby residents.
The CSB determined that the incident began when EtO inadvertently entered pressure relief piping that contained air. The mixture ignited and propagated through approximately 50 feet of piping to a pressure relief valve. When the valve lifted due to increased pressure, the flame traveled into the vapor space of a reflux drum containing both liquid and vapor EtO. The vapor EtO heated and decomposed, causing pressure to rise until the drum catastrophically failed and exploded, releasing its toxic contents.
The CSB's investigation found that metal debris punctured a rupture disc, allowing EtO to enter the pressure relief piping. The debris came from portable work lights that had been inadvertently left inside a large reflux drum by workers who had been performing turnaround maintenance activities in the drum in May 2023, a couple of months before the incident. Over the next several weeks, after the Glycol II unit was restarted, the work lights degraded, creating debris that thereafter entered downstream equipment and eventually punctured the rupture disc, which led to the subsequent fire, explosion, and EtO release.
CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said, "This catastrophic incident should never have happened. The workers did not remove all the work lights from inside the drum, and Dow did not have an effective procedure in place to ensure that they did so. When dealing with a highly hazardous chemical like ethylene oxide, even a seemingly small mistake can have enormous consequences."
The CSB identified several key safety issues. Inadequate vessel closure practices that allowed the reflux drum to be sealed and restarted without positive confirmation that it was clean and free of foreign materials. There also were deficiencies in the inerting system control, as Dow was unaware that nitrogen had slowly leaked out of the pressure relief piping over time and had filled with air, enabling the EtO to ignite.
Additionally, the CSB found that the design of the cooler's emergency pressure relief system contributed to the severity of the incident. The system discharged back into the reflux drum, allowing the flame front to propagate into the drum's vapor space and intensify the explosion. The CSB noted that Dow could have eliminated the thermal expansion hazard and the need to vent ethylene oxide into the reflux drum when it replaced the product cooler in 2010, but Dow did not do so.
CSB Supervisory Investigator Mark Wingard said, "Companies must ensure that equipment is clean and verified before startup, that inerting systems are actively monitored, and that pressure relief systems are designed to prevent flame propagation."
The CSB concluded that the probable cause of the incident was the puncture of the rupture disc by metal debris, which allowed EtO to enter air-filled piping, ignite, and propagate into the reflux drum. Contributing factors included Dow's inadequate vessel closure procedures, failure to maintain an inert atmosphere in the pressure relief piping, and the design of the emergency pressure relief system.
As a result of the investigation, the CSB is issuing recommendations to Dow and two national standards organizations.
The CSB recommended that Dow identify all EtO process lines that should be inerted and are not continuously monitored, determine whether those lines can be eliminated, and implement appropriate inerting and monitoring controls where necessary. The CSB noted that, following the incident, Dow implemented a new vessel closure process and established a "Global Foreign Materials Exclusion Standard"; therefore, the CSB did not issue a recommendation to Dow on vessel closure procedures. However, the CSB is urging Dow to ensure that the company strictly adheres to the new requirements.
The CSB also issued recommendations to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to update NFPA's "Guide for Safe Confined Space Entry and Work" and NFPA's "Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair", to include guidance and requirements ensuring that vessels are left clean and ready for startup after confined space entry. The CSB issued a similar recommendation to the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) to update its "Safety Requirements for Entering Confined Spaces" to address post-entry vessel cleanliness and startup readiness.
The CSB is an independent, nonregulatory federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's core mission activities include conducting incident investigations to identify root cause of releases; formulating preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards.
The agency's board members are appointed by the President subject to Senate confirmation. The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
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Original text here: https://www.csb.gov/us-chemical-safety-board-releases-investigation-report-on-the-2023-explosion-and-toxic-ethylene-oxide-release-at-dow-plant-in-plaquemine-louisiana/
Office of Advocacy Unveils 2026 Congressional District Profiles
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Office of Advocacy Unveils 2026 Congressional District Profiles
The Office of Advocacy, the independent voice for small business within the executive branch, released its 2026 Congressional District Profiles today. The report shines a spotlight on the vital contributions of small businesses in all 436 congressional districts nationwide.
Readers can explore data on the total number of small employers in each Congressional district, their industry composition,
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Office of Advocacy Unveils 2026 Congressional District Profiles
The Office of Advocacy, the independent voice for small business within the executive branch, released its 2026 Congressional District Profiles today. The report shines a spotlight on the vital contributions of small businesses in all 436 congressional districts nationwide.
Readers can explore data on the total number of small employers in each Congressional district, their industry composition,the number of workers they employ, and the overall payroll generated. Each profile also includes a map illustrating the number and geographic distribution of self-employed workers within the district.
"The 2026 Congressional District Profiles once again showcase how America's small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy, creating jobs and fueling location communities across the country" said Casey B. Mulligan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy.
The profiles cover the 436 congressional districts in the 50 states and District of Columbia and are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The profiles use the latest small business economic data available at the congressional district level from government sources.
The Congressional District Profiles are part of Advocacy's geographic profile series, which highlights the features of small business economies for policymakers and other stakeholders at the national, state, and local levels, including rural areas. To view the Small Business Profiles for various geographical regions, please visit the State Profiles (https://advocacy.sba.gov/category/research/research-publications/state-profiles/) on our site.
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent voice for small business within the executive branch. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel's efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit advocacy.sba.gov or call (202) 205-6533.
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Original text here: https://advocacy.sba.gov/2026/02/26/office-of-advocacy-unveils-2026-congressional-district-profiles/
GSA to Dispose of Surplus Federal Property in Laguna Niguel, CA
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA to Dispose of Surplus Federal Property in Laguna Niguel, CA
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Sale of the iconic former Chet Holifield Federal Building supports civic and commercial reinvestment
LOS ANGELES -Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the public sale of the former Chet Holifield Federal Building in Laguna Niguel, California. This strategic disposition of surplus federal property underscores GSA's commitment to optimizing the federal footprint and ensuring the efficient stewardship
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA to Dispose of Surplus Federal Property in Laguna Niguel, CA
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Sale of the iconic former Chet Holifield Federal Building supports civic and commercial reinvestment
LOS ANGELES -Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the public sale of the former Chet Holifield Federal Building in Laguna Niguel, California. This strategic disposition of surplus federal property underscores GSA's commitment to optimizing the federal footprint and ensuring the efficient stewardshipof taxpayer dollars. GSA is partnering with global real estate firm CBRE to sell the property.
"GSA is taking a targeted approach to reducing the bloated federal real estate portfolio," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "By eliminating long-term liabilities, including delinquent maintenance costs, we are saving taxpayer money, while focusing our limited resources on our core assets."
The iconic federal building, a 90-acre property known as the 'Ziggurat,' represents a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark with unparalleled potential for a transformative redevelopment in Southern California. Completed in 1971, the 1-million-square-foot building in Orange County stands out for its architectural resemblance to a Mesopotamian ziggurat temple. Designed by the renowned William Pereira, architect of San Francisco's Transamerica Pyramid and UC Irvine, the building features a distinctive, stepped-pyramid design offering a unique canvas for reimagining its future.
"CBRE will apply its deep market expertise and reach to marketing this unique property for sale by the GSA," Chris Connelly, CBRE Executive Group President of Advisory Services in the U.S. and Canada said. "This is the latest step in CBRE's many years of supporting the GSA in fulfilling its mission."
Through collaboration with federal partners and in accordance with all applicable laws, this sale allows GSA to efficiently move this property out of the federal inventory while providing local economic opportunities for redevelopment.
In addition to the sale of this building, GSA has separately identified other buildings for potential disposal to ensure taxpayers no longer pay for empty and underutilized federal office space, or significant maintenance costs -potentially saving more than $430 million in total annual operating costs.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $116 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-to-dispose-of-surplus-federal-property-in-laguna-niguel-ca-02272026
GSA Stands with President Trump on National Security AI Directive
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Stands with President Trump on National Security AI Directive
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WASHINGTON - Today, in support of President Trump's directive "to IMMEDIATELY CEASE all use of Anthropic's technology," the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is removing Anthropic from USAi.gov and our Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). This decision reflects our responsibility under the President's AI Action Plan for the American people.
"GSA stands with the President in rejecting attempts to politicize work dedicated
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Stands with President Trump on National Security AI Directive
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WASHINGTON - Today, in support of President Trump's directive "to IMMEDIATELY CEASE all use of Anthropic's technology," the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is removing Anthropic from USAi.gov and our Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). This decision reflects our responsibility under the President's AI Action Plan for the American people.
"GSA stands with the President in rejecting attempts to politicize work dedicatedto America's national security. Building resilient, secure, and scalable AI solutions demands alignment, trust, and a willingness to make hard calls," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "We're committed to delivering results for Americans, and working with our AI industry partners who fit the bill."
GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is the federal government's primary vehicle for procurement that allows eligible federal, state, and local entities to purchase commercial products and services at cost-effective, pre-negotiated rates. MAS schedules accounted for over $52.5B in sales in FY25.
USAi.gov is a secure, cloud-based, generative artificial intelligence (AI) evaluation suite launched by GSA in August 2025. USAi serves as a "sandbox" or centralized platform for federal agencies to test, experiment with, and deploy AI models from leading providers at no cost.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $116 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-stands-with-president-trump-on-national-security-ai-directive-02272026
EXIM Announces Members of the 2026-2027 Advisory Committee and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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EXIM Announces Members of the 2026-2027 Advisory Committee and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee
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The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced the membership of its 2026-2027 Advisory and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committees yesterday in an open meeting. The Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the membership of both mandated committees. Bob Diamond, CEO and Founding Partner of Atlas Merchant Capital will serve as Chairman of EXIM's Advisory Committee and Florie
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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EXIM Announces Members of the 2026-2027 Advisory Committee and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee
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The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced the membership of its 2026-2027 Advisory and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committees yesterday in an open meeting. The Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the membership of both mandated committees. Bob Diamond, CEO and Founding Partner of Atlas Merchant Capital will serve as Chairman of EXIM's Advisory Committee and FlorieLiser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa will serve as Chairman of the Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee.
"EXIM's Advisory Committee and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee play a critical role in helping the Bank stay closely connected to the needs of American exporters," said EXIM President and Chairman John Jovanovic. "As we advance our 2026 Strategic Priorities, the expertise of these members will help sharpen our approach, strengthen our impact, and ensure we are revitalizing American industry, strengthening our supply chains, and ensuring American workers and exporters can compete around the world."
The Advisory Committee provides guidance to EXIM on its policies and programs as it fulfills its mission to provide competitive financing to support American jobs through exports. The committee includes 17 representatives from a variety of backgrounds ranging from agriculture and energy to the finance and labor industry. The committee meets quarterly and is mandated by Congress under EXIM's charter. The chair and members of the committee are appointed to one-year terms.
Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee members advise EXIM on the development and implementation of policies and programs designed to support EXIM's engagement in sub-Saharan Africa and boost U.S. exports and American jobs. The committee is comprised of 11 members with representation from a variety of fields including trade, commerce, banking, finance and small business. The committee meets semi-annually and is mandated by Congress under EXIM's charter. The chair and members are appointed to one-year terms.
Members of the EXIM 2026-2027 Advisory Committee:
Chairman :
Bob Diamond
CEO and Founding Partner
Atlas Merchant Capital
Members :
Dwight Anderson
Founder and Managing Partner
Ospraie
Rita Adiani
President, CEO, Director
Titan Mining Corporation
Robert Bishop
Principal
Impala Asset Management
James Cornell
President
NuCore Energy LLC
Mark Campbell
President
Bechtel Enterprises
Martin Dolfi
Founder and Managing Partner
Beliade Consumer Partners
Lisa Epifani
Head of Policy
ClearPath
Mike Gallagher
Head of Defense
Palantir
Lars Hickey
Managing Director of International Government Affairs and Project Finance
Wabtec
Maria Korsnick
President and CEO
Nuclear Energy Institute
Matthew Kroenig
Vice President and Senior Director, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
Atlantic Council
Roger Martella
Chief Corporate Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer
GE Vernova
Sean McGarvey
President
North America's Building Trades Union
Scott Nolan
CEO
General Matter
Jay Shidler
Director of Business Recruitment
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Anthony Seiwell
International Representative
Laborers' International Union of North America
Members of the EXIM 2026-2027 Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee:
Chairman :
Florie Liser
President and CEO
Corporate Council on Africa
Members :
Franklin Amoo
Managing Partner
Baylis Emerging Markets
Reuben Brigety, II
President
Busara Advisors
Francine Katsoudas
EVP and Chief People, Policy, & Purpose Officer
Cisco
Dan Runde
Senior Advisor
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Amara Sackor
Director
TSC LLC
Tisha Schuller
CEO
Adamantine Energy
Ayo Sopitan
CEO
Metalex Commodities Inc.
V Shankar
Co-Founder and CEO
Gateway Partners
Karl Von Batten
Managing Partner
Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C.
Guevera Yao
Vice President, U.S. Africa Business Center
Chamber of Commerce
ABOUT EXIM:
As the United States government's official export credit agency, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. As an independent agency, EXIM plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring American businesses are given a fighting chance. To achieve this mission, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. Learn more at www.exim.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.exim.gov/news/exim-announces-members-2026-2027-advisory-committee-and-sub-saharan-africa-advisory-committee
