Steve Lutes is a Middle East and international trade expert. He currently serves as Vice President of Middle East Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce and as Executive Director for the US-Egypt Business Council, among other councils on which he serves in the same capacity. Prior to this position, Steve was a senior legislative affairs specialist in the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. He also served as the congressional liaison to the President’s Export Council and the Manufacturing Council for the Department of Commerce. Early in his career, Steve worked on Capitol Hill, holding press secretary, legislative director, and chief of staff positions. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American University in Iraq—Sulaimani Foundation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.