FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Adrienne Appell
646.520.4863
aappell@toyassociation.org
Toy Industry Association Names Andrew R. (Andy) Hackman as Vice
President, Government Affairs
NEW YORK, NY | September 11, 2012 – The Toy
Industry Association (TIA), the not-for-profit trade association
representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and
youth entertainment products to kids of all ages, has announced the
promotion of Andrew R. (Andy) Hackman to vice president, government
affairs. In his new position, Mr. Hackman will oversee
TIA’s advocacy programs at both the state and federal levels as
well as activities of the toy industry’s Political Action
Committee (TOYPAC).
Previously, Hackman served as senior director of state government
affairs where he was responsible for managing TIA’s legislative
and regulatory outreach in states across the country and assisted in
coordinating grassroots and coalition activities at the state level.
During this time no negative legislation has passed that directly
targets toys or children’s products.
“Andy’s experience in the nation’s capitol and
across the states addressing a broad range of business, consumer and
environmental issues will greatly assist in our efforts to educate and
inform government legislators and regulators about the toy industry, its
economic impact in the United States and the safety of its
products,” said Ed Desmond, TIA executive vice president of
external affairs.
Before joining TIA in 2009, Mr. Hackman served for seven years as
Manager of State Affairs Programs and Director of State Affairs for the
Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA), lobbying and providing
testimony on issues such as consumer protection, environmentally
preferable procurement, ingredient safety, children’s health, and
more. Earlier in his career, he worked in congressional and
provincial relations for the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC.
Mr. Hackman received a Bachelors of Science in Public Affairs from
Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs
and a Masters of Business Administration from George Washington
University. A registered lobbyist in several states and for federal
affairs, he will be based in TIA’s Washington, DC office. He has
re-located to the metropolitan area with his wife, daughter and
dog.
About the Toy Industry Association (TIA)
TIA is
the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses
involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products
to kids of all ages, representing more than 550 companies who account
for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number
one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership
in toy safety including development of the first comprehensive toy
safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government,
consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.
For more information, please visit www.toyassociation.org or www.toyinfo.org.