Mickey Kantor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mickey Kantor
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| 31st United States Secretary of Commerce | |
| In office April 12, 1996 – January 21, 1997 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Ron Brown |
| Succeeded by | Bill Daley |
| 11th United States Trade Representative | |
| In office January 22, 1993 – April 12, 1996 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Carla Hills |
| Succeeded by | Charlene Barshefsky |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 7, 1939 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
Valerie Woods
(died 1978)Heidi Schulman
(m. 1982) |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Vanderbilt University (BA) Georgetown University (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
Michael Kantor, born on August 7, 1939, is an American lawyer. He worked for the U.S. government in important roles. He was the United States Trade Representative from 1993 to 1996. Later, he served as the United States Secretary of Commerce in 1996 and 1997.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michael Kantor was born and grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. He went to Vanderbilt University. In 1961, he earned a degree in business and economics.
After college, he joined the United States Navy. He served for four years as a supply officer. Later, he studied law at Georgetown University. He earned his law degree in 1968.
His Career in Law and Government
Michael Kantor started his career helping people. He worked for the Legal Services Corporation. There, he gave legal help to farm workers who moved from place to place.
From 1976 to 1993, he worked at a law firm in Los Angeles. The firm was called Manatt, Phelps, Phillips & Kantor. He was also very active in politics. He helped the Democratic Party and raised money for them. He also helped start the LA Conservation Corps. This group helps young people and the environment.
Working as Trade Representative
As the United States Trade Representative, Michael Kantor was a big supporter of free trade. This means making it easier for countries to buy and sell goods to each other. He led important talks for the U.S.
He helped create the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO is a global group that sets rules for trade between countries. He also worked on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA was an agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It made trade easier among these three countries.
Kantor also helped organize important meetings. These included the Miami Summit of the Americas. This meeting brought together leaders from countries in North and South America. He also helped with meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). This group works to improve trade in the Pacific region. He also helped expand trade with the new European Union.
Becoming Secretary of Commerce
On April 12, 1996, Michael Kantor became the United States Secretary of Commerce. He took over this role after the previous Secretary, Ron Brown, passed away. The Secretary of Commerce helps businesses and promotes trade in the U.S. and with other countries.
Today, Michael Kantor still practices law. He works at an international law firm called Mayer Brown in Los Angeles. He also serves on the boards of several organizations. For example, he helps lead Vision to Learn. This group provides free eye exams and glasses to children. He is also involved with the University of Southern California's Annenberg Center.
Personal Life and Awards
Michael Kantor has been married to Heidi Schulman, a broadcast journalist, since 1982. He has three children. His first wife, Valerie Woods Kantor, passed away in 1978. His son, Russell, passed away in 1988.
He has also served on the boards of other organizations in the past. In 2001, the government of Brazil honored him. They gave him the Order of the Southern Cross. This is a high award given to people who have done great things for Brazil.
See also
- List of Jewish United States Cabinet members
