Bob Graham Center for Public Service

Francisco J. Sánchez is an attorney in Holland & Knight's Tampa office who focuses his practice on trade policy, regulation and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) process including mitigation measures. Francisco served as the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Trade until 2013, a role former President Barack Obama nominated him to in 2009. As Under Secretary, Francisco led the International Trade Administration in its efforts to improve the global business environment by helping U.S. businesses compete abroad. Francisco also oversaw the ITA's role in the CFIUS. During the Clinton Administration, Francisco served as the assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Prior to the DOT role, he served in the White House as a special assistant to former President Bill Clinton, and chief of staff to the Special Envoy to the Americas.

Before joining Holland & Knight, Francisco was the chairman and CEO of CNS Global Advisors, providing strategic advice to companies and governments looking to expand in or resolve issues in foreign markets, including the U.S. Francisco also serves as an advisor to a private equity firm concentrating on investment opportunities in the Arctic. Francisco graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Business and Spanish, earned his JD from Florida State University College of Law, and received an MA in Public Administration from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. 

He is a veteran staffer of both 'Bob Graham for Governor' campaigns, then served in both administrations, first as an aide to Lt. Governor Wayne Mixson, and later at the Florida Department of Commerce as the Director of the Caribbean Basin Initiative, a program championed by Governor Graham.