Edward Spencer Abraham

Spencer Abraham served as the 10th U.S. secretary of energy from 2001 to 2005. Under his leadership the department made major advances in the development of new energy technologies, successfully implemented a variety of nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear security programs after the September 11 attacks, and launched initiatives to improve the nation’s energy security. He also had responsibility for U.S. national labs and energy research activities.

An honors graduate of Michigan State University and Harvard Law School, Mr. Abraham was the co-founder of The Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy and the Federalist Society. He was a law professor at the Thomas M. Cooley School of law before being elected chairman of the Michigan Republican Party in 1983. He later served as deputy chief of staff in the office of the vice president and as co-chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

In 1994, Mr. Abraham was elected to the United States Senate from Michigan. While in the Senate, he authored 22 pieces of legislation that were enacted into law and served on the Senate Judiciary, Commerce and Budget committees. He chaired the Senate subcommittees on Immigration and Manufacturing and Competitiveness. Much of his legislative focus was on advancing the emerging information technology/e-commerce revolution, including the now ubiquitous use of electronic signatures in commercial activities.

Mr. Abraham serves as the chairman of Uranium Energy Corp. He was previously a director of Occidental Petroleum and the non-executive chairman of AREVA’s U.S. board.