News

Restaurant Association’s EVP named a 'Top Lobbyist'

October 24, 2014

Scott DeFife, EVP of Policy and Government Affairs for the National Restaurant Association, has once again been named a 2014 top lobbyist by "The Hill" newspaper. This is the sixth time DeFife has been selected by the publication for inclusion on its annual Top Lobbyists list.

"Under Scott's leadership, the National Restaurant Association has continued to advance the policy priorities of the restaurant industry on Capitol Hill and nationwide," NRA CEO Dawn Sweeney said in a news release. "Scott has led every policy front with continued success. His work on navigating complex issues like health care, immigration and tax policies before Congress and the Administration has benefited millions of restaurateurs and restaurant employees across the country. We are proud of the work he and the NRA team do to promote our industry of opportunity both on the Hill and in every community."

Under DeFife's leadership, the NRA has been tackling ACA issues, including the full-time employee definition, large employer definition and compliance issues such as auto-enrollment and employer reporting. The NRA is also part of the Employers for Flexibility in Health Care Coalition, as well as the recently launched "More Time for Full Time" initiative. The NRA also helped introduce legislation that would clearly define seasonal employment under the law.

Other topics headed by DeFife include:

• Advocating for bipartisan tax policies, including the Work Opportunities Tax Credit;
• Supporting legislation that establishes a permanent 15-year tax depreciation schedule for improvements and new construction that will benefit restaurateurs looking to advance their businesses;
• Making immigration reform a top priority for the restaurant industry and creating a clear path to legalization for undocumented workers, establishing national use of the E-Verify employment verification system, and increasing border security that does not impede legal travel and tourism;
• DeFife is also leading the NRA's sustainability and environmental efforts under its Conserve platform to help restaurateurs implement best practices.

Media Relations team promotions

Additionally, the NRA has announced new roles for three members of its communications and media relations team.

Katie Laning Niebaum has been named VP, Communications and Media Relations, leading the association's media relations arm and communication strategies covering public policy; research initiatives; products, services and events; and overall industry image. Niebaum joined the association in 2011 after serving as communications director for US Senator Blanche Lincoln.

Christin Fernandez has been named director, Media Relations and Public Affairs. Prior to joining the association in 2013, Fernandez was VP of the Washington-based communications, public affairs and lobbying consulting firm HDMK.  

Rachel Salabes has been named manager, Media Relations and Kids LiveWell Program, after previously serving as a media relations specialist for the association.