AF&PA appoints VP of government affairs

The Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has named Julie Landry as vice president of government affairs effective immediately.

Courtesy of the American Forest
& Paper Association

Landry will lead the paper and wood products industry’s legislative agenda and drive advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House as well as state governments.

“Every day, we work to bring together members, strategic alliances and key stakeholders to advocate for an essential and sustainable paper and wood products industry,” she says. “I look forward to continuing our industry’s leadership on sustainability and fact-based public policy alongside my skilled colleagues.”

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Landry joined AF&PA in 2011 as manager of government affairs and has worked on energy, environment, water and forestry initiatives for the organization. Previously, she worked for the National Association of Convenience Stores, lobbying on a variety of issues including food safety, taxes and energy.

Her career began on Capitol Hill working for Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia before later serving as special assistant to the policy director for the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Landry originally is from Columbus, Georgia, and has a bachelor’s degree in international business from Auburn University.

“We are thrilled Julie will continue her stellar leadership and AF&PA as vice president of government affairs,” AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock says. “Julie’s vast industry knowledge has been essential to achieving public policy successes and I am confident she and our exceptional government affairs team will build on these efforts as we champion our industry’s contributions to communities across the country.”

AF&PA also has promoted Laura Pickard to senior director, government affairs and international trade, and Abby Sztein to senior director, government affairs.

Pickard splits her time between the public policy department, where she heads international issues for AF&PA, and the government affairs team, where she leads federal advocacy efforts on recycling and trade. She is an industry adviser to the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on ITAC 8: Forest Products and Building Materials and has worked in various roles at AF&PA since 2012.

Sztein leads the state advocacy team as well as direct advocacy for the Northeast. She joined AF&PA in 2010 and has held various roles in government affairs and public policy, including state and local government affairs; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; recycling policy; energy; and water issues. Previously, Sztein worked for the Maryland Department of Transportation.

“Julie, Laura and Abby represent more than 30 years of combined experience in our industry, each with their own remarkable track record of success,” Brock says. “AF&PA is fortunate to have such incredible talent at the forefront of our legislative, state and administration discussions.”