Fred Ames became the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Administration in November 2005.  In this capacity, he provides overall management of administrative operations for the Agency, both in Washington, DC Headquarters and Geneva, Switzerland.  His responsibility includes facilities management, human resources, information technology and communications, physical and personnel security, and budget and finance.

Just prior to this position, Mr. Ames worked in the private sector providing organizational and human resources management consulting services to Federal agencies, primarily for the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. 

Mr. Ames retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2002 as a Rear Admiral in the position of Assistant Commandant for Human Resources.  During his 34-year career, he gained diverse experience in Federal government and military operations, administration, human resources, engineering, logistics, and executive leadership.  This included nine years sea-going experience, Atlantic and Pacific, including Chief Engineer and Commanding Officer; ten years human resources management; and fourteen years working construction, repair, maintenance, and logistics for vessels and boats. 

Mr. Ames received his Ocean Engineer Degree and Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Masters Degree in Management from the Polytechnic Institute of New York, and Bachelors of Science Degree from the US Coast Guard Academy.  He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.