Exclusive: Kristen Silverberg named next president and CEO of Business Roundtable

Kristen Silverberg, a widely respected policy expert and former ambassador, was named the new president and CEO of Business Roundtable , the top policy voice of America's leading CEOs.

Silverberg, now BRT's president and chief operating officer, will succeed Josh Bolten , a former White House chief of staff who has led the organization for the past decade , when he steps down on Jan.

31.

Why it matters: Business Roundtable is one of Washington's most influential associations.

The 200+ members are CEOs of the biggest U.S.-based companies, most with global reach.

The CEOs use BRT to amplify what they consider the most important messages business leaders can deliver to government.

Silverberg — who worked with Bolten in the White House and is a former U.S. ambassador to the European Union from 2008 to 2009 — said in a statement that a key mission of BRT, American companies and their CEOs is championing and delivering growth and jobs.

"The American economy is undergoing a profound transformation," she said.

"Leaders in government and business have an extraordinary opportunity and a responsibility to strengthen American growth and competitiveness while expanding opportunity for workers and communities." "Business Roundtable has a critical role to play in advancing policies that make America the best place in the world to build, grow and invest in a business." The backstory: Silverberg, 55, was an assistant secretary of State under President George W.

Bush and was a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and Judge David Sentelle of the U.S.

Court of Appeals.

She's a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Texas School of Law.

What they're saying: BRT chair Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO of Cisco Systems, called Silverberg a "proven and strategic leader, with the deep trust and respect of Business Roundtable's Board and members." "Kristen has been instrumental in positioning the organization and its leaders as effective advocates for policies that help American businesses grow and innovate while expanding opportunity for workers and communities across the country." Bolten told me in an interview: "Kristen Silverberg is one of the finest policy professionals in America today.

Over the last several years, she earned broad respect among Business Roundtable members and the enthusiastic support of BRT's board.