Secretary Fischer Announces Executive Appointment

Department of Commerce Secretary Jack L. Fischer, AIA, recently announced the appointment of Aggo Akyea as director of the bureau of minority business development.

"Aggo Akyea has demonstrated the passion, talent and experience to be an authentic asset to my management team as we move forward in promoting the development of minority businesses," Secretary Fischer said."

From 2006-2008, Akyea was the minority business enterprise program manager at the Department of Transportation, providing consultation to minority businesses in order to maximize their prime and subcontracting opportunities within the department's state-funded purchasing and construction projects. He served as marketing and certification consultant for the Department of Commerce from 1991-2006, certifying minority firms for participation in public sector contracts and organizing and conducting the annual Marketplace Trade Fair.

From 1989-91, Akyea was assistant manager and federal procurement specialist for the Small Business Procurement Assistance Center, Madison, conducting market analysis and feasibility studies to identify opportunities within the federal government for Wisconsin businesses. He earned a Masters in Business Administration, Economics and Finance, from St. John's University, New York, NY, 1983; a Graduate Diploma in International Marketing and Management from the University of Delft, Delft, Holland; and a Bachelor of Arts, Economics and Sociology, from the University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

-- Tony Hozeny