Attorney and Policy Expert called a quick study

January 14, 2011 Washington, DC The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has hired Robert DeHaan to lead its government affairs office. DeHaan held senior positions in the Bush Administration for nearly five years, including in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and at the Department of Transportation (DOT.)

Bob is a well-respected counselor to senior government officials and an expert on how government operates, said NFI President John Connelly. His skills, broad experience, and interest in advocating for the seafood community make him a great fit for NFI and a real champion for our members.

While serving in the Administration, DeHaans work focused on the regulatory priorities of USTR and DOT as well as programs and policies that affected a wide range of other agencies. In 2008, he was nominated as Assistant Secretary of Transportation by President Bush, and since 2009 he has been a consultant.

Bob has a solid reputation as a hard worker and a quick study in understanding new issues. Hes already thrown himself into learning our industry and issues so he can quickly assess the impact of a whole suite of federal policies, said Connelly.

An Illinois native, DeHaan moved to Washington in 1995 to practice law. He represented clients in the federal courts and before a variety of agencies, like the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Defense, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ive been an advocate outside of government and a policy specialist inside of government, a combination of knowledge and skills that I look forward to putting to work on behalf of those companies investing in NFI, said DeHaan. He added, I really look forward to getting onto boats, into processing plants, and seeing how Americans can better understand all the benefits of fish.

DeHaan takes over as Vice President for Government Affairs and General Counsel amid political change in Washington as the 112^th Congress begins its work.

For more than 60 years, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and its members have provided American families with the variety of sustainable seafood essential to a healthy diet. For more information visit: www.AboutSeafood.com.

Contact Information

Gavin Gibbons
(703)752-8891
ggibbons@nfi.org