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Ron Brown's talents: Commerce secretary was gifted leader

Brown led an extraordinary life. It was a life of firsts -- he was the first black to be chief of staff for a U.S. senator, first to run a presidential campaign, first to head a major political party and the first black secretary of Commerce. His service went beyond the color barriers that he broke in politics. While a law student and father of two young children, Brown worked as a welfare caseworker for the National Urban League in New York City. He later went on to become vice president of Washington operations for the Urban League.

Using the skills he developed as a top assistant to Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and at the Democratic National Committee, Brown became director of the Rev. Jesse Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign. His work helped Jackson make a strong impact on the race, winning the Michigan Democratic Primary in the process.

With that experience in hand, he became chairman of the faltering DNC in 1989. Under his leadership he transformed the DNC from a financially troubled, largely insignificant entity into an institution with a visible presence on the national political scene. His abilities at building consensus among disparate groups enabled him to bring the liberal and moderate elements of the party together. The culmination of his efforts was unifying a divided party around the centrist Bill Clinton in 1992. President Clinton rewarded Brown with the top post at the Department of Commerce.

As Commerce secretary, Brown again turned his leadership abilities to reinventing the department. Long regarded as a "secondary" cabinet position, the Commerce secretary had little influence on the economic policy of the United States. And at a time when German and Japanese businesses had their government's support in pursuing international business, Americans were left to fend for themselves. Brown changed this. He actively involved the Department of Commerce in promoting American business to foreign governments. Brown led American businesses on trade missions around the world, and refocused them on the emerging markets of Asia.

Brown sought for the Department of Commerce a place in American foreign policy. His mission to Croatia was an example of those efforts. The region is in desperate need of infrastructure redevelopment, which is especially important if the peace process is to have any success. Brown's mission brought with him leaders in the construction, engineering and power industries with the intent of providing expertise and assistance the troubled region. As always, he saw the potential contribution that he could make and did his best to meet it. And for that, he will be remembered most.