The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) announced that Kevin J. Kraushaar has been named vice president for government affairs, chapter operations and general counsel.  In this role, Kraushaar will coordinate all NWRA advocacy and legislative efforts at the federal, state and local levels.

“Kevin brings a depth and breadth of experience to NWRA as we engage at the state and federal levels on a multitude of issues we face as an industry,”  NWRA President and CEO Sharon H. Kneiss said in a statement.  “His track record with major associations and corporate advocacy will serve our member companies well as we continue to advance the agenda for the waste and recycling industry.  Kevin has already hit the ground running prior to his official start.  He will be meeting many of our members at this week’s Mid-Atlantic Annual Conference in Charleston, and he had the opportunity to meet with many members and NWRA Chapter leaders at our recent Southeast Regional meetings.”

Kraushaar has more than 25 years of experience in legislative affairs and advocacy programs.  He was most recently a principal in the firm J. Warren Strategies, advising associations and corporations on a wide range of state and federal legislative initiatives.  Prior to that, he served as the vice president of government relations for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, and he served on the staff of Representative Carl Pursell (MI).  He began his career with the Michigan State Senate.  He holds a juris doctor from University of Detroit Mercy and a bachelor degree from the University of Michigan.

“NWRA is a dynamic, member-driven organization that is unique in that we touch virtually every home and business in America,” Kraushaar said in a statement. “We will be expanding our advocacy efforts both on Capitol Hill and with a number of federal agencies, and we will continue to build on the legislative and policy successes led by our chapters at state and local governments across the country.”

Kraushaar succeeds David Biderman, who left the NWRA in April to become executive director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America.