Will Begin New Duties February 4

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) has named George Kelemen Senior Vice President of Government and Political Affairs. Kelemen is currently Senior Director of External Affairs for the American Cancer Society in Washington, D.C.

“We look forward to George’s leadership on our government affairs team,” said Greg Principato, ACI-NA President (pictured). “His strengths in grassroots advocacy coupled with his lobbying experience on legislative and regulatory issues at the state and federal level will be a major contributor to the strategic success of ACI-NA going forward.”

As Senior Vice President, Kelemen will serve as ACI-NA’s chief lobbyist and manage the Government Affairs Department. He will develop strategies to influence congressional actions affecting the aviation industry and work with members of Congress and their staffs, government agencies and other policy makers on aviation-related issues and legislative developments. In addition, Kelemen will be responsible for the development and implementation of political strategies and initiatives that complement a sustained and politically valuable public visibility plan for airports.

Kelemen currently leads corporate relationship building and Republican outreach for the American Cancer Society’s advocacy and policy affiliate, the Cancer Action Network, and will bring a considerable amount of fundraising experience to his new post at ACI-NA. Prior to joining the American Cancer Society, Kelemen served as Director Congressional Relations/Political Affairs at AARP, leading their lobby team and overseeing their national education and outreach campaign on the Medicare prescription drug benefit program. He also brings extensive experience in grassroots advocacy, evidenced by his work in AARP’s Texas office and for the State of Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston.

He will begin his new position at ACI-NA on February 4.

FMI: www.aci-na.org