12 WESTERN PALLET
NWPCA Announces New VP, Public Affairs
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) has named Jason Ortega, JD/MBA as Vice President, Public Affairs. As VP, Public Affairs he directs NWPCA’s federal advocacy program, builds national and state-level relationships with other forest industry and supply chain partners, and manages the association’s Political Action Committee.
Mr. Ortega joins NWPCA from Lobbyit, a DC-based government affairs firm, where he most recently served as Vice President. He has designed and implemented advocacy strategies for many industry associations throughout his career, including those with significant agricultural and environmental concerns. For the past three years Mr. Ortega has served as NWPCA’s external lobbyist, helping develop our government affairs and PAC strategies, as well as successfully developing bipartisan relationships throughout Congress on our behalf.
“I have spent most of my life working for small businesses,” said Mr. Ortega. “I’ve worked on a farm, in construction, at a wholesale restaurant food supplier, and as an advocate for industry associations comprised of small- and medium-sized businesses. Every single one of those industries depends on NWPCA’s members. I am thrilled for the opportun-
-ity to join the excellent NWPCA team during a critical growth period for the organization and the industry.”
Mr. Ortega holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern Adventist University and a JD/MBA from The Ohio State University, and is also fluent in Spanish.
“Jason’s work ethic, attitude, proven success, and clear desire to advance NWPCA’s strategic interests makes him a great asset for our team and NWPCA’s membership,” said Brent McClendon, President and CEO of NWPCA. “At this important juncture for our industry and the global economy, we need someone with Jason’s experience to proactively seek new opportunities, further advance our advocacy efforts and develop new partnerships, that further drives value to our members and grows our industry.”
Mr. Ortega can be reached at [email protected].