Eugene (Gene) Lawson, President of the US-Russia Business Council and a member of EF’s Board of Trustees, was awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin for his efforts in promoting economic ties between the US and Russia. One of the highest honors a foreign citizen can receive, the Order of Friendship is bestowed upon those who make a significant contribution to strengthening cooperation between Russia and other nations.
Lawson has been a member of EF’s Board of Trustees since 1995, and is currently touring the US promoting Russia’s bid to join the World Trade Organization. Prior to assuming the presidency of the US-Russia Business Council in 1993, Lawson worked as acting chairman and president of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
