Book Donald Evans

Donald Evans is an American businessman who served as the 34th United States Secretary of Commerce. Named to the post by George W. Bush, a friend of many years, he took the oath of office on January 20, 2001, and led the Commerce Department until early 2005. His partnership with Bush stretches back decades. Evans first helped raise money for Bush's 1978 congressional campaign, then chaired his winning Texas governor's race in 1994 and his re-election in 1998. In 2000 he became chairman of Bush's presidential campaign and its lead fundraiser, and he was the first of the incoming cabinet nominees to go before a Senate confirmation hearing. Governor Bush appointed him an University of Texas regent in 1995, and he chaired that board from 1997 to 2001. After government service he became non-executive chairman of TXU Energy after the company was bought by KKR and TPG Capital. His civic record includes eight years on the board of the Scleroderma Research Foundation and leadership roles with the United Way of America, including president in 1989. Evans speaks on business, economics and public service.