Calvin William Verity Jr. served as the 27th United States Secretary of Commerce from 1987 to 1989, concluding a long career that spanned industrial leadership at Armco Steel and high-level government service. His tenure in Washington followed decades of corporate work and strategic roles involving international trade policy and private sector initiatives during the Ronald Reagan administration.
Formative Years and Education
Born in Middletown, Ohio, on January 26, 1917, to Calvin William Verity and Elizabeth O'Brien Verity, he pursued a rigorous academic path. He attended Choate Rosemary Hall, where he roomed with future president John F. Kennedy. His secondary education continued at Phillips Exeter Academy, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Yale University in 1936.
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After college, Verity spent time traveling globally and briefly worked as a maître d' at a Manhattan restaurant. He served in the United States Navy from 1942 through 1945. His primary professional life centered on Armco Steel, a corporation established by his grandfather, George Matthew Verity. Starting at the firm in 1940, he remained with the company for over four decades before retiring in 1982.
Policy and Public Service
Verity transitioned into policy advisory roles, chairing the United States Chamber of Commerce between 1980 and 1981. He directed the bipartisan task force on Private Sector Initiatives in 1981 and held subsequent roles on its Advisory Council and Board of Advisors. From 1979 to 1984, he co-chaired the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Trade Economic Council, facilitating dialogue between American and Soviet business leaders.
Department of Commerce Tenure
As Secretary of Commerce, Verity introduced internal reforms and new functional offices. He established the Commerce Hall of Fame in 1988 to recognize department staff. That same year, he formed the Office of Space Commerce to assist the National Space Council, an initiative designed to promote commercial space exploration. During his time in office, he reportedly kept a passage from the Ayn Rand novel Atlas Shrugged on his desk.
Fast facts
- Born: January 26, 1917, Middletown, Ohio
- Died: January 3, 2007, Beaufort, South Carolina
- Education: Yale University (1936)
- Position: 27th United States Secretary of Commerce (1987-1989)
- Military Service: United States Navy (1942-1945)
- Spouse: Margaret Wymond Verity
- Burial: Woodside Cemetery, Middletown, Ohio
Questions readers ask
What was Verity's role at Armco Steel?
He worked for the corporation founded by his grandfather, George Matthew Verity, starting in 1940 and retiring in 1982.
Did Verity have prior experience with the Soviet Union?
Yes, he served as co-chair of the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Trade Economic Council between 1979 and 1984.
Achievements
- Educated at Choate Rosemary Hall and Phillips Exeter Academy
