The Solar Energy Industries Association is boosting its federal advocacy efforts and adding new legislative affairs and grassroots staff. The trade group, established in 1974, is building a government affairs team to engage policy makers on the climate change debate and establish a stronger presence on Capitol Hill.Monique Hanis, SEIAs communications director, says the move reflects the growth and importance of the solar industry.
Read MoreWall Streets financial lobbies added muscle to their ranks this week, hiring a congressman and an executive from JP Morgan Chase to lead two prominent industry groups. The Managed Funds Association plucked its new leader from Congress. Louisiana Republican Richard Baker will leave office in early February to begin work on behalf of the industry that represents hedge funds. Baker is a longstanding member of the House Financial Services Committee and has represented the sixth district of Louisiana since 1986.
Read MoreBoard members of the Society for Human Resource Management said they are in the process of selecting a search firm to find their new CEO, after current leader Susan R. Meisinger officially announced this month she would retire from the professional group. Meisinger, whos led SHRM since 2001 and has spent 20 years with the organization, said she would stay aboard through the search for a new leader to ensure a smooth transition.
Read MoreGovernment Relations/Public Policy Paul Dioguardi recently joined the Washington, D.C.-based Democratic Governors Association as political director. Dioguardi brings over 15 years of experience in political strategy, issue advocacy, grassroots organizing and government. He comes to DGA from ONE, a humanitarian relief, development and advocacy campaign, where he served as acting CEO and executive vice president. Earlier in his career, he worked on Sen.
Read MoreAmerican Assn of University WomenWashington, DCLinda Hallman, previously Vice President Policy and Government Strategy, External and Member Relations at National Alliance for Health Information
Read MoreThe 2008 presidential campaign will drive much of the policy discussion for the new year, while weighty issues like climate change, trade, health care and immigration will go on the back burner until a new administration takes office in 2009.
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