The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) has announced several staff updates designed to enhance the organization’s advocacy efforts in Washington and in the states.
David Thomas has joined the association as director of Federal Government Affairs. In this position, he will serve as the association’s senior contact for members of Congress and administration officials.
“David is a widely respected top Hill staffer and seasoned political operative,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO of Global Automakers. “He will be instrumental in continuing to develop our federal strategies and meeting the objectives of the association and its members.”
Before joining Global Automakers, Thomas held a number of prominent staff positions within the Republican leadership. He was chief of staff to Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-‘05), chair of the Appropriations Committee, where he managed the Congressman’s legislative and political agenda. Prior to that, he was executive director of the Republican Main Street Partnership. Thomas also served as chief of staff for Rep. Tom Davis (VA-‘11), and as associate political director in the White House during the George W. Bush administration.
He is a graduate of George Mason University with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, and has taken graduate level courses in public administration and public policy.
Promotions
Two senior staff members are receiving promotions at Global Automakers. Ellen Gleberman will now serve as executive vice president and general counsel. This promotion recognizes the enormous contributions she makes in directing the association’s legal and strategic activities as well as managing the day-to-day operational and administrative functions of the association. Gleberman joined Global Automakers as vice president and general counsel in 2005 after spending more than 15 years at Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. as chief legal officer and a member of the board of directors.
Senior Director of Government Affairs Paul Ryan will move into the newly created position of vice president, trade and competitiveness. In his new role, Ryan will use his energies to develop accurate and timely information about the global nature of the U.S. auto industry and a broad business, political and policy point of view on the benefits of international investment and trade for the auto sector. Ryan has been with Global Automakers for more than 15 years and brings extensive knowledge and a valuable perspective on the unique issues facing international automakers and their U.S. operations. He joined Global Automakers in 2000, after 12 years as corporate manager for federal affairs in the legislative office of Nissan North America Inc.
“Ellen’s promotion is well-deserved and reflects her incredible leadership and expertise over many years at Global Automakers and in the industry,” said Bozzella. “Paul was the natural choice to fill our new vice president position as the association enhances its focus on trade policy and our members’ competitiveness in the global marketplace.”
