American Forest & Paper Association names vice president of government affairs

The Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has announced Eric Steiner as its vice president of government affairs. Steiner will help lead the paper and wood products industry’s legislative agenda and drive advocacy efforts before Congress, the Biden administration and state governments. Steiner becomes vice president for government affairs Nov. 1.

Steiner joins AF&PA from Elanco Animal Health, where he served as senior director of government affairs. In this role, Steiner led policy development, directed lobbying efforts, oversaw legislative and regulatory strategy and advocacy. He also built external coalitions and led internal cross company teams.

Before Elanco, Steiner worked in government affairs for Kraft Foods and served as senior professional staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. He also served as a senior executive political appointee at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and helped lead government affairs for the National Association of Wheat Growers.

“We are excited to have Eric bring his notable experience to our outstanding government affairs team,” says Heidi Brock, CEO of AF&PA. “His previous work experience in the U.S. Senate, USDA, a trade association and two publicly traded companies will be key to communicating our industry’s essential role in manufacturing renewable and recyclable paper and packaging products while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

Steiner earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from Purdue University and a Juris Doctor from the George Mason University School of Law.

“I am pleased to join AF&PA’s talented government affairs team, as well as an industry that deeply values safety, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion,” Steiner says. “I look forward to building on these efforts in advocating for a strong and sustainable paper and wood products industry.”