JPMA opens Washington, D.C. office

Nonprofit association hires staff to oversee the organization's government and regulatory affairs programs

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/11/2012 11:39:03 AM

Washington - The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has opened an office here with two new staff members leading the D.C. team.
The suburban Philadelphia-based trade association is opening the office at a time where there is an increased need for the industry to have a consistent presence in D.C. for collaborations with the federal government, the organization said in a press release.
Julie Vallese has been appointed to the position of managing director of public and government affairs. A seasoned consumer product safety advocate, Vallese was director of public affairs for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, where she served as the senior spokesperson and media advisor. Prior to working for the CPSC, Julie worked as a correspondent and editor for CNN where she educated consumers on various topics, including child safety.
As the managing director of public and government affairs, Vallese will coordinate JPMA's overall public affairs strategy, working closely with the organization's executive staff to develop, coordinate and implement JPMA's regulatory, legislative and public affairs activities.
Working collaboratively with senior leadership and the JPMA communications team, Vallese will assist in the development and implementation of public and government affairs strategies to broaden the impact of JPMA's programs. In her new position, Vallese will oversee organizational messaging directed toward the media, the public and policy makers at the state and federal level.
Mark Fellin will serve as the director of regulatory and legislative affairs in the JPMA Washington, D.C. office with Vallese. A Pennsylvania native, Fellin served as a legislative correspondent for Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), establishing relationships with congressional staff and excelling at tracking legislation.
Fellin's most recent experience was with the Consumer Product Safety Commission where he worked as the public affairs and legislative specialist under Commissioner Anne Northup. Fellin has extensive public and government relations experience, attributed to his post-graduate studies which consisted of specializations in politics and strategic public relations.
In his JPMA position, Fellin will work the JPMA executive staff, general counsel and key industry committee and volunteer leaders to develop, execute and advance the industry's annual regulatory agenda.
Fellin will actively identify and monitor federal and state regulations that relate to the agenda and provide strategic advice to the JPMA staff, board and industry leaders based on these regulations. In addition, Fellin will assist in crafting the industry's regulatory messaging and file comments on federal rulemakings.
"Having an active presence in Washington, D.C. is essential to moving the organization and the juvenile products industry forward today," said JPMA Executive Director Michael Dwyer. "We have built a highly qualified team with specialized skills and background in governmental issues and the legislative process to progressively advance the association and key industry initiatives."