Fred P. Hochberg, the former dean of Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy from 2004-08, was formally sworn-in by Vice President Joe Biden this week as the 23rd president of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), the official export credit agency of the United States. In this capacity, Hochberg serves as chairman of the board.

President Barack Obama nominated Hochberg to the position on April 20, 2009.  The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on May 14, 2009 for a term ending on January 20, 2013.
Hochberg assumed his duties several weeks ago after taking the oath of office in a brief ceremony before an assemblage of Bank staff.

“I want Ex-Im Bank to be an organization known for its embrace of innovation, an organization that takes prudent risks and provides exceptional service to its customers,” Hochberg told staff following the informal swearing-in ceremony.  “American exporters and the workers they employ need and deserve our best efforts to help keep export sales flowing to foreign buyers, especially during these challenging economic times.”

The Bank plays a key role in helping U.S. exporters hit by the current economic crisis. Hochberg noted that he will work to open more markets to U.S. exports to create and sustain U. S. jobs.

During his tenure as Dean of Milano, Hochberg played a vital role in clarifying the school’s mission, raising its profile, and improving its fiscal results. Under his leadership, a new curriculum was developed by the faculty to reflect the changing nature of governance and equips students to meet new challenges; public programs brought in local and national opinion leaders; students had more opportunity to engage in community outreach through lab projects, pro bono consulting to nonprofits, and internships; and Milano raised approximately $8.5 million to help fund scholarships, cutting-edge research and student and faculty resources.