The Honorable Jon M. Huntsman Jr. began his career in public service as a staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan. He has since served four U.S. presidents in critical roles around the world, including as ambassador to Singapore, deputy assistant secretary of commerce for Asia, U.S. trade ambassador and, most recently, ambassador to China.
Twice elected as governor of Utah, Huntsman brought about strong economic reforms, tripled the state"s rainy day fund and helped bring unemployment rates to historic lows. During his tenure, Utah was named the best-managed state in America and best state in which to do business. In recognition of his service, Huntsman was elected as chairman of the Western Governors" Association, serving 19 states throughout the region. Most recently, he ran as a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination until leaving the race in January 2012.
Huntsman currently serves on the board of Ford Motor Company, Caterpillar Corporation, Huntsman Corporation, the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation and The University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he serves as a distinguished fellow at The Brookings Institution, a trustee of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a trustee of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and as chairman of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. He is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania and has seven honorary doctorate degrees.