The U.S. Department of Commerce announced today that Bechtel executive, Andrew Patterson has been appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa. Patterson serves as the company’s region president for business in Africa.

Established in 2014, the council advises President Obama on enhancing commercial engagement between the United States and Africa through the involvement of senior private sector leaders representing a wide range of industry sectors. The announcement was made at the second U.S.-Africa Business Forum in New York.

“I want to thank Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker for her leadership and government-wide approach to strengthening the U.S. commercial relationship with Africa,” said Patterson.  He added “I am honored to be collaborating with this respected group of business leaders representing various sectors.”  Since 1950, Bechtel has delivered more than 600 energy and infrastructure projects throughout Africa.

Patterson oversees the company’s strategy and execution of trade, investment, financing and development, and other commercial related activities involving the African continent.  Patterson brings more than 15 years’ of experience in the engineering and construction industry and has proved instrumental in successfully leading many of Bechtel’s infrastructure projects around the world.

Patterson will begin serving on the President’s council effective immediately for a two-year term.