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Former U.S. commerce administrator named 'Alumnus of the Year'

Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 | 

Few people understand the interconnectedness of the American and global economies like David Sampson does.

David SampsonThrough his travels around the world, Sampson has seen firsthand the impact that each has on the other and how both affect the private market. He has been recognized for his work to promote global opportunities for American companies.

He is also the 2014 Lipscomb University Alumnus of the Year. Sampson will be honored during Lipscomb’s spring commencement, May 3, where he will be recognized at a special luncheon and address graduates and their families during the graduation ceremony later that day.

“The Alumnus of the Year Award is the highest form of recognition given by the Lipscomb University Alumni Association,” said Bennie Harris, vice president for development and alumni relations. “David exemplifies the Christian business leader we hold up to our students, alumni and community. We are proud to claim him as our alumnus.”

The award is given annually to an alumnus or alumna who is a successful individual who, through exemplary accomplishments and recognition, and through his/her strong faith and servant-like heart, epitomizes the potential of a Lipscomb education and thereby brings credit and honor to the university.

A 1978 graduate, Sampson is former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and assistant secretary of commerce for economic development. He was appointed to these positions by former president George W. Bush.

Before joining the Bush White House administration, Sampson served under then-governor Bush as chair of the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness, where he was in charge of strategic planning and performance evaluation for the $2.5 billion Texas Workforce Development System.

Since 2007, Sampson has served as president and chief executive officer of Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, which represents more than 1,000 homeowners, auto and business insurance companies that write 40 percent of the nation’s property and casualty insurance.

As a leading spokesperson for the property casualty industry, Sampson is a regular guest on Fox News and Fox Business Network and has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Dow Jones, Bloomberg, Politico, The Hill and the property casualty trade press. He was named to the Insurance Newscast’s list of the “100 Most Powerful People in the Insurance Industry” and is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Association Committee of 100,” a group of CEOs from the nation’s leading trade associations.

A northern Virginia resident, Sampson received the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Lipscomb’s College of Arts & Sciences and received a 2011 Heroes of Business Award from Lipscomb’s College of Business.

Sampson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Lipscomb and a doctorate from Abilene Christian University. He also completed the program for senior executives at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Sampson and his wife, Karen (Nichols ’78), have twin sons, John and Matt.