Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross attended the unveiling of former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker's official portrait.

“I commend Secretary Pritzker for her dedication to public service.” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross “Forgoing her position in the private sector, she brought well-honed business acumen to the Federal government, a model that this Administration has expanded upon.”

Secretary Pritzker was confirmed in 2013 and served to the end of President Obama’s second term. She was a core member of President Obama’s economic team and served as the country’s chief commercial advocate. During Secretary Pritzker’s tenure, she spearheaded vital initiatives such as the Department of Commerce’s IP attaché program, SelectUSA and represented American interests abroad as she led the negotiations of the E.U.–U.S. Privacy Shield. Secretary Pritzker also developed the first workforce and skills development agenda for the Department.

“It was the honor of my lifetime to serve our nation as the 38th Secretary of Commerce in our mission to keep America open for business,” said former Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “I am incredibly grateful to the so many talented professionals who served with me and who continue to serve this wonderful Department in the important effort to expand growth and opportunity for all Americans and our businesses.”

Before Secretary Pritzker’s term in government service, she helped found multiple businesses including PSP Capital and the Pritzker Realty Group. Pritzker and her husband Bryan also cofounded the Pritzker Traubert Foundation in order create greater economic opportunity for Chicago’s families. She currently serves as a member of the board of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a member of the Aspen Strategy Group and Aspen Economic Strategy Group. Pritzker is also co-chairing a task force for the Council on Foreign Relations on the future of the U.S. workforce and is a co-chair of the new Cyber Readiness Institute. She previously held a seat on the Chicago Board of Education and launched Skills for America’s Future.

As is customary, former Secretary Pritzker’s portrait will be displayed in the Hoover Building of the U.S. Department of Commerce.