WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) is pleased to announce several staff updates designed to further the organization's reach and influence in Washington and in the states.

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David Thomas has joined the Association as Director of Federal Government Affairs. In this position, he will serve as the Association's senior contact for members of Congress and Administration officials.

"David is a widely respected top Hill staffer and seasoned political operative," said John Bozzella, president and CEO of Global Automakers. "He will be instrumental in continuing to develop our federal strategies and meeting the objectives of the Association and its members."

Before joining Global Automakers, Thomas held a number of prominent staff positions within the Republican leadership. He was Chief of Staff to Representative Hal Rogers (KY-05), Chair of the Appropriations Committee, where he managed the Congressman's legislative and political agenda. Prior to that, he was Executive Director of the Republican Main Street Partnership. Thomas has also served as Chief of Staff for Representative Tom Davis (VA-11), and as Associate Political Director in the White House during the George W. Bush administration.

He is a graduate of George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in Public Administration, and has taken graduate level courses in Public Administration and Public Policy.

Promotions
Two senior staff members are receiving promotions at Global Automakers. Ellen Gleberman will now serve as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. This promotion recognizes the enormous contributions she makes in directing the Association's legal and strategic activities as well as managing the day to day operational and administrative functions of the Association. Gleberman joined Global Automakers as Vice President and General Counsel in 2005 after spending over 15 years at Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. as Chief Legal Officer and a member of the board of directors.

Senior Director of Government Affairs Paul Ryan will move into the newly-created position of Vice President, Trade and Competitiveness. In his new role, Ryan will use his energies to develop accurate and timely information about the global nature of the U.S. auto industry and a broad business, political and policy point of view on the benefits of international investment and trade for the auto sector. Ryan has been with Global Automakers for over 15 years and brings extensive knowledge and valuable perspective on the unique issues facing international automakers and their U.S. operations. He joined Global Automakers in 2000 after a 12 years as Corporate Manager for Federal Affairs in the legislative office of Nissan North America, Inc.

"Ellen's promotion is well deserved and reflects her incredible leadership and expertise over many years at Global Automakers and in the industry," said Bozzella. "Paul was the natural choice to fill our new Vice President position as the Association enhances its focus on trade policy and our members' competitiveness in the global marketplace."

The Association of Global Automakers represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. We work with industry leaders, legislators, and regulators to create the kind of public policy that improves vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation, and protects our planet. Our goal is to foster a competitive environment in which more vehicles are designed and built to enhance Americans' quality of life. For more information, visit www.globalautomakers.org.

Contact: Annemarie Pender
202.650.5548 | apender@globalautomakers.org

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SOURCE Global Automakers