As DAS for the Western Hemisphere, Mr. Andersen was responsible for developing programs, policies and strategies designed to strengthen the United States' commercial position in the Western Hemisphere. Prior to this position, Mr. Andersen was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Market Access and Compliance unit which assists and advocates for U.S. businesses in international markets. In this capacity he was responsible for overseeing both market access and commercial issues and leading staff in over 100 U.S. locations and in over 70 countries. He also served Acting DAS for Operations in Import Administration of the International Trade Administration. He has been involved in a number of major international and bilateral negotiations, including the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations, and Free Trade Negotiations with Canada, Chile, Central America and the Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia, and Panama. He was a key member of the President’s Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba. Mr. Andersen is also the current Chairman of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) SME Working Group for the 2015-2016 APEC years.