Bryson, John, 1943-

<p>John Bryson was born in New York, New York, in 1943. He grew up in Portland, Oregon, before graduating from Stanford University and Yale Law School. After leaving law school, Bryson cofounded the National Resources Defense Council in 1970. He served as an attorney for the nonprofit organization focused on environment issues. He then worked for the California Public Utilities Commission and the California State Water Resources. For eighteen years, he was chairman and chief executive officer of Edison International, an energy company. He also served on the boards for The Boeing Corporation and the Walt Disney Company. President Barack Obama nominated Bryson as secretary of Commerce, and Bryson was sworn in on October 21, 2011. As secretary, he served as a liaison between the business community and the Obama administration. Bryson worked to accelerate job creation, strengthen the U.S. economy, and help make U.S. firms more competitive and successful. He also focused on improving and supporting U.S. manufacturing and promoted alternative energy.</p>

<p>In June 2012, Bryson was involved in a series of car accidents that resulted from a seizure. Due to his health problems, he resigned from his post as secretary of Commerce the same month. Rebecca Blank, deputy secretary of Commerce, took over as acting secretary after Bryson's resignation.</p>

John Edgar Bryson (born July 24, 1943)[1] is the former United States <p>Secretary of Commerce, the 37th person to hold the post since its establishment in 1913. Prior to this, he served as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison and as director of The Boeing Company.</p>

<p>The Senate confirmed Bryson as Secretary of Commerce by a 74–26 vote on October 20, 2011. He was sworn in on October 21, 2011. Bryson took a leave of absence in June 2012 for medical tests due to seizures that were related to a hit and run. On June 21, 2012 Bryson resigned because, "the work that [Commerce employees] do to help America’s entrepreneurs and businesses build our economy and create jobs is more important now than ever and I have come to the conclusion that I need to step down to prevent distractions from this critical mission." John Edgar Bryson (born July 24, 1943) is the former United States Secretary of Commerce, the 37th person to hold the post since its establishment in 1913. Prior to this, he served as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison and as director of The Boeing Company.</p>

<p>The Senate confirmed Bryson as Secretary of Commerce by a 74–26 vote on October 20, 2011. He was sworn in on October 21, 2011. Bryson took a leave of absence in June 2012 for medical tests due to seizures that were related to a hit and run. On June 21, 2012 Bryson resigned because, "the work that [Commerce employees] do to help America’s entrepreneurs and businesses build our economy and create jobs is more important now than ever and I have come to the conclusion that I need to step down to prevent distractions from this critical mission."</p>