Extrusion International 1-2025-USA

32 Extrusion International 1/2025 32 INDUSTRY NEWS Executive Leadership Team New Hires and Promotions Announced The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has announced a series of new hires and promotions with- in its Executive Leadership Team, effective January 1, 2025. These appointments reinforce the asso- ciation’s commitment to protect, promote, and grow the industry to- wards a goal of creating a sustain- able plastics industry. “I’m proud of the team we’ve assembled at PLASTICS, happy to welcome our new additions and an- nounce these well-deserved promo- tions to the Executive Leadership Team,” said PLASTICS President and CEO, Matt Seaholm. “As we start the new year, I’m con dent this team will continue to represent the entire supply chain of our indus- try with dedication and deliver the highest value for our members.” PLASTICS New Hires Chris Rager will join the PLASTICS team as Vice President of Govern- ment Affairs. Chris joins PLASTICS after serving as the head of State Government Affairs for the Ameri- can Petroleum Institute, where he managed the day-to-day opera- tions of eight regionally based of- ces and nearly 50 staff members and consultants that covered API’s nationwide integrated advocacy capability. With over 20 years of ex- perience in government relations, Chris brings a wealth of expertise from his previous roles and will focus on building a robust govern- ment affairs strategy at PLASTICS. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing PLASTICS’ advocacy and policy efforts at all levels of government. Angela Mealy joins PLASTICS as Executive Director of NPE: The Plas- tics Show. In this newly created role, Angela will oversee the strategy, operations, budget, project man- agement, and overall success of NPE2027. Angela brings extensive experience from her tenure as Se- nior Director of Event Services at the Association of Equipment Manu- facturers, where she directed three major trade shows. PLASTICS is also proud to an- nounce the following promotions within its Executive Leadership Team: Ashley Hood-Morley to Senior Vice President, Industry Engagement. Patrick Krieger to Senior Vice Pres- ident, Sustainability and Policy. Stephanie Strategos Polis to Vice President, Public Affairs. Apryl Alexander-Savino to Vice President, Events and Marketing. Mónica Mancilla Cooke to Vice President, Human Resources. Con rmation to Lead the Environmental Protection Agency PLASTICS released the following statement congratulating Lee Zeld- in on his con rmation to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and expressing eagerness to work with Lee Zeldin: “PLASTICS extends our sincere congratulations to Lee Zeldin on his con rmation to serve as Admin - istrator of the EPA,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “As a representative in Congress, Mr. Zeldin balanced thoughtful and responsible environmental policy while supporting businesses and economic growth. We look forward to working with Mr. Zeldin to pro- tect, promote and grow the plastics industry as we continue to invest in sustainability and circularity.” Earlier this week, the Plastics In- dustry Association (PLASTICS) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressing full support for the nomination of Lee Zeldin. Concerns about New Tariffs PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm issued the following state- ment regarding the Trump Admin- istration’s new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China: “The plastics industry recognizes the importance of securing our bor- ders and combating illegal drug traf- cking to protect American commu - nities. A strong and secure nation is fundamental to economic growth and industrial stability. PLASTICS is concerned about the new tariffs and their impact on U.S. plastics manufacturing and jobs. While we understand President Trump’s ra- tionale, a blanket tariff policy could have signi cant economic conse - quences, disrupting the movement of essential machines, products, and materials that keep American man- ufacturers running. A competitive industry requires policies that pro- tect high-quality jobs and ensure stable supply chains across sectors like healthcare, consumer products, and automotive. A strategic, mea- Matt Seaholm