National Urban League Applauds U.S. Senate’s Historic Confirmation of Reta Jo Lewis as President of Export – Import Bank
National Urban League Applauds the U.S. Senate’s Historic Confirmation of Reta Jo Lewis
Washington, D.C. (February 9, 2022) – Today, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued a statement applauding the U.S. Senate's confirmation of Reta Jo Lewis as President of the Export–Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank). Ms. Lewis becomes the first person of color in U.S. history to serve as President of the EXIM Bank:
"We are pleased that the Senate moved forward tonight to confirm Ms. Lewis with a bipartisan vote of 56-40. In recent weeks, the National Urban League encouraged Senators on both sides of the aisle to support her historic nomination, and last fall, we joined the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the U.S. Black Chambers, the Black Economic Alliance, and the Potomac Coalition in sending a letter to the Senate Banking Committee highlighting Ms. Lewis’ distinguished record of accomplishments and her impressive career in public service as reasons for our endorsement.
“The EXIM Bank facilitates and finances the export of U.S. goods and services, including products sold by American small businesses. Historically, minority-owned firms have faced barriers securing export opportunities through the agency. The National Urban League provides technical assistance to small business owners of color throughout our nationwide affiliate network. We are hopeful that Ms. Lewis’ tenure as the EXIM President will usher in a new era where the bank is more inclusive of the many minority-owned firms that deserve representation at the EXIM Bank.
"Ms. Lewis has the requisite experience, credentials, and judgment necessary to admirably lead the U.S. EXIM Bank, having worked in international affairs and public policy for more than 25 years. She previously served as senior fellow and the Director of Congressional Affairs at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, a nonpartisan think tank focused on promoting cooperation between the U.S. and Europe. Prior to that, she served as the first-ever Special Representative for Global Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, where she was in charge of building and supporting strategic relationships between the nation’s state and local leaders and their foreign counterparts. Additionally, Ms. Lewis has held senior positions in the Clinton Administration, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and international law firms.
"The National Urban League congratulates Ms. Lewis on her confirmation and looks forward to working with her in this new role.”