BIOGRAPHY
The Honorable Ian Steff is the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and currently serves as President and CEO of mySilicon Compass, a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations navigate the global semiconductor market, supply chains, policy developments, workforce initiatives, technology programs, and investment opportunities. He also serves as an Executive Advisor to former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, supporting private equity transactions and commercial acquisitions.
Following unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Steff served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, where he led a team of more than 1,400 trade, investment, and industry professionals and oversaw commercial service operations across more than 70 countries and 117 U.S. cities. He also previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
During his tenure, Steff led key Department of Commerce policy efforts that helped lay the foundation for federal semiconductor initiatives, including provisions within the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and related CHIPS measures. He played a significant role in developing the U.S. government's long-term semiconductor leadership strategy, working alongside the National Security Council and National Economic Council to strengthen and expand American competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.
Before entering government service, Steff spent more than a decade in semiconductor industry leadership roles, including serving as Vice President of Global Policy and Technology Partnerships at the Semiconductor Industry Association. There, he helped establish semiconductor research and development partnerships with more than 40 universities through collaboration with the Semiconductor Research Corporation and led international trade policy initiatives.
Steff began his career as a staff member on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from American University and a Master of Arts in International Science and Technology Policy from The George Washington University.