Government Affairs
With policies and positions established by a Government Relations Committee, association staff is in constant touch with key policy makers whose decisions affect the entire industry. SMART has close ties to other prominent national organizations with shared common interests.
SMART’s goal is to actively influence the outcomes and impact of government decisions or actions that affect members engaged in the wiping materials, used clothing, fiber markets or textile recycling industry. Advancement of our industry is our number one priority. When other issues arise that affect the industry, SMART is able to respond with sophisticated lobbying and information services.
SMART Government Affairs Consultant, Jessica Franken show / hideJessica Franken has more than a decade of government affairs/public policy experience that includes positions on Capitol Hill and extensive work with industry association clients including SMART; INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry; and more. In this capacity, Franken has acted as a primary policy liaison/advocate between clients and state, federal and international officials on a diverse array of issues including: environmental, consumer product safety, international trade, tax, healthcare, homeland security, chemicals, manufacturing, and labor/workplace policy.
An accomplished writer, Franken has contributed to and authored more than 80 policy-themed articles for trade publications, and has developed numerous industry-adopted position papers and formal submissions to the U.S. government. She received a Master’s degree in Public Policy from George Mason University’s School of Public Policy, and was named the 2006 recipient of the university’s coveted Alexis de Tocqueville Award for academic achievement and professionalism in the field of public policy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics, graduating with honors from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1997. Franken is the President of The Franken Group, LLC, a government affairs consulting firm in Arlington, Virginia formed in January 2009.
