Ryan R.

About Ryan R.

Ryan Rhodes is a dynamic and innovative leader, who has risen to top management positions within the International Trade Administration (ITA) at the United States Department of Commerce. Most recently, he has spearheaded and directed comprehensive advocacy strategies that have shaped novel digital technology legislation and government frameworks across 20+ countries. He also provides leadership, counsel, and strategy on trade policy positions, action plans, and negotiating postures in alignment with the White House National Security Council, State Department, and other trade and regulatory agencies. As Director of Digital & Emerging Technology Services, Ryan leads domestic and foreign technology policy for the ITA’s Industry & Analysis program to advocate for U.S. technology policy positions across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and in international forums, such as G7, G20, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. With expertise in AI, Ryan has concentrated on AI and emerging technology policies that have developed a strong understanding of governance principles across the tech stack. As Deputy National Field Director for the U.S. Commercial Service at the ITA, Ryan oversaw programmatic and operational initiatives for the Federal government’s U.S-based export promotion and investment agency overseeing 106 field offices and 320 international trade specialists in 48 states and Puerto Rico. Throughout his tenure, he collaborated with the Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Trade Development Agency, and state governments on trade promotion efforts tailored to U.S. exporters. He also led the communications team and supervised the HR team on personnel matters, employee hiring, performance issues, and human resource policy improvements. Ryan’s previous senior advisor roles within the Department demonstrate his ability to evaluate complex issues such as tariff enforcement investigations of foreign imports that directly contributed to the protection of vulnerable U.S. manufacturing sectors impacted by $18 billion in foreign imports.

Experience

1. Director, Digital and Emerging Technology Services - International Trade Administration

   U.S. Department Of Commerce

   Jul 2022 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Promoted to lead domestic and foreign technology policy team to advocate for U.S. technology policy positions across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and in international forums, such as G7, G20, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Collaborate across the Department and U.S. trade agencies on digital economy trade issues including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital telecommunications infrastructure, cloud computing, media and entertainment, digital services taxation, etc. to develop Department trade policy positions, action plans and negotiating postures to strengthen competitiveness of U.S. digital services industries in foreign markets. Oversee staff of eight- Developed digital trade policy positions and action plans to shape digital technology legislation, policy, and governance frameworks in 20+ countries- Wrote and implemented advocacy strategy, laying the foundation for AI growth that will contribute trillions of dollars to the global economic GDP- Led negotiations for the U.S, resulting in strong negotiating postures to accomplish U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Government, and U.S. industry objectives- Overhauled internal policies and procedures while rebuilding the team, allowing for continued proactive engagement to increase U.S. technology competitiveness and reducing trade barriers in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Education

• American University Washington College of Law

  Doctor of Law (JD), Law

  2004 — 2007

• Southeast Missouri State University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government

  1997 — 2001