Chicago Climate Exchange®, Inc. (CCX®) announced today that Ambassador Clayton Yeutter has agreed to serve as an independent director on the CCX Board of Directors. CCX is the world’s first and North America’s only voluntary, legally binding integrated greenhouse gas emissions reduction, registry and trading system.
Ambassador Yeutter has held a number of cabinet and sub-cabinet posts under four Presidents in the U.S. government. He served as a U.S. Trade Representative (1985-88) and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (1989-1991). After being elected Republican National Committee Chairman (1991), Ambassador Yeutter also served in the Cabinet-level post of Counselor to the President (1992).
Prior to his government service, Ambassador Yeutter served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (1978-85).
Ambassador Yeutter is currently Senior Advisor, International Trade at the international practice of Hogan & Hartson, a prestigious international law firm. His work at Hogan & Hartson focuses principally on trade policy and agricultural policy.
During his service to the U.S. Government, Ambassador Yeutter played a prominent role in the development of several key international trade initiatives, including leading negotiations for America in the U.S.–Canada Free Trade Agreement, the precursor to the North American Free Trade Agreement. He also helped launch the 100-nation Uruguay Round which directly lead to the creation of the World Trade Organization. Ambassador Yeutter also played a key role in the determining the policy of American agriculture by steering the 1990 Farm Bill through Congress to initiate a more market-oriented policy structure.
Ambassador Yeutter commented: “I am just delighted to be joining the board of CCX. Lots of people talk about the challenge of climate change; few do anything about it. To his great credit Rich Sandor has made CCX the most innovative institution in this entire policy area. It will be a pleasure to help extend its reach, and its very positive impact, across the globe.”
“We are very honored to announce that Ambassador Yeutter has joined CCX’s Board. I had the privilege of having a professional and personal relationship with Ambassador Yeutter for over 25 years and to have served on the board of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange during his leadership” said Dr. Richard L. Sandor, CCX’s Chairman and CEO.
“His distinguished career in the private and public service is an invaluable asset to the Exchange and its Members. We very much look forward to working with him.”
Ambassador Yeutter holds Ph.D. (Agricultural Economics) and J.D. (Law) degrees from the University of Nebraska, and is also the recipient of eight honorary doctorates.