Jack Gerard: Rex Tillerson has career experience to excel as Secretary of State

WASHINGTON, December 13, 2016 – API President and CEO Jack Gerard released the following statement in response to President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nomination of ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson to serve as Secretary of State.

“Rex Tillerson is world class. He has decades of experience working with global leaders and overseeing the creation of thousands of jobs,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “He understands that American voters want to strengthen our national security, grow jobs, and protect American interests globally. 

“As our nation’s next top diplomat, Rex has the strategic experience to effectively represent the new administration and the American people. He runs one of the largest companies in the world that operates in more than 50 countries, oversees over 75,000 employees, and he has first-hand experience working on international issues. His relationships and in particular those with other nations will help further advance U.S. interests across the globe.

“We congratulate Rex on being nominated and look forward to working with him, the incoming administration, and the new Congress on common sense policies that protect the environment, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.

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