President-Elect Trump Picks Another Key Member of His Administration

President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday afternoon he would appoint Goldman Sachs COO Gary Cohn as assistant to the president for economic policy and director of the National Economic Council.

In that role, Cohn will “both design and coordinate” the president-elect’s “America First” economic agenda; raising wages will be a top priority. He will also work closely with the Treasury and Commerce departments, led respectively by Steve Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross.

“As my top economic advisor, Gary Cohn is going to put his talents as a highly successful businessman to work for the American people,” Trump said. “”He will help craft economic policies that will grow wages for our workers, stop the exodus of jobs overseas and create many great new opportunities for Americans who have been struggling. He fully understands the economy and will use all of his vast knowledge and experience to make sure the American people start winning again.”

Cohn received his bachelor’s degree from American University. He later worked for U.S. Steel and the New York Mercantile Exchange before taking a job at Goldman Sachs. His toughness and tenacity, according to the Trump transition team, are “legendary,” and “will now be put to work on behalf of the American people.”

“Being chosen to serve in the President-elect’s administration is a great honor,” Cohn said. “I share President-elect Trump’s vision of making sure every American worker has a secure place in a thriving economy, and we will be completely committed to building a nation of strength, growth and prosperity.”

In addition to his incredible business history, Cohn has an inspiring personal story. Growing up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, he was diagnosed at age seven with dyslexia, which made it difficult for him to read and spell.

He also has a giving heart. Born into a Jewish family, his faith has been very important to him. He and his wife have given millions of dollars to philanthropic causes, including the construction of the Hillel building at Kent State University. {eoa}