NRA names EVP, policy & gov’t affairsNRA names EVP, policy & gov’t affairs

Paul Frumkin

WASHINGTON The National Restaurant Association has appointed Scott DeFife to the post of executive vice president, policy and government affairs, the association said Monday.

In his new post, DeFife will take charge of the NRA’s federal and state legislative and lobbying efforts, public policy and advocacy communications on Jan. 11, 2010.

DeFife joins the NRA from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, where he spearheaded government affairs, overseeing the association’s 15-person government affairs team.

The Hill magazine recently recognized him as being one of the “best lobbyists in the business for America’s trade associations.”

Prior to that, DeFife was senior policy advisor to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. In addition, he held senior legislative posts with Reps. Bart Gordon, D-Tenn., Karen McCarthy, D-Mo., and Michael Andrews, D-Texas.

Dawn Sweeney, the NRA’s president and chief executive, said DeFife’s “advocacy experience in complex policy and legislation, superlative bipartisan credentials and substantive approach will be of great benefit to the National Restaurant Association, our members and the restaurant industry.

“His unique blend of federal and state government affairs experience in politics and trade associations will enhance our government affairs efforts in key areas,” she said.

Contact Paul Frumkin at [email protected].