United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce

The deputy secretary of commerce is a high-ranking position within the U.S. Department of Commerce, created on December 13, 1979, when President Jimmy Carter nominated Luther H. Hodges Jr., then serving as under secretary of commerce. The role involves managing the department’s $11.4 billion budget, overseeing 13 operating units, and supervising 46,000 employees. The deputy secretary also serves as a member of the President’s Management Council.

Rebecca M. Blank served as deputy secretary until May 31, 2013, having been confirmed by the Senate in March 2012. She had previously acted in the role since November 18, 2010, replacing Dennis F. Hightower, who held the position from August 2009 to August 2010. Patrick D. Gallagher served as acting deputy secretary from June 1, 2013, and Bruce H. Andrews was confirmed as deputy secretary on July 24, 2014. The current deputy secretary is Don Graves, who assumed office on May 14, 2021.

The position also includes acting as the secretary of commerce if the secretary is unable to perform their duties.