Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/963057
66 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2018 On March 5, IPC announced its VP of Global Government Relations, Chris Mitchell (no rela- tion to me). In this new role, Chris will work closely with IPC's Government Relations Steer- ing Committee and its government relations team based in Washington, D.C. Chris will rep- resent IPC and the electronics manufacturing industry before key policymakers globally and identify issues and other opportunities where IPC can demonstrate its leadership in govern- ment relations and public policy. We spoke to Chris recently on his back- ground in government relations and his plans for IPC's government relations program. John: Chris, what are your top priorities as IPC's vice president of global government re- lations? Chris: IPC's government relations program has grown enormously over the last five years, and I'm committed to build- ing on our success over the next five. In the short- term, I have four top pri- orities. First, we are going to continue to grow partic- ipation in IMPACT, our annual advocacy event for member company senior executives in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, as well as the value members derive from it. Planning for IM- PACT Washington, D.C. is well underway, and we expect a roster of high-profile speakers and meetings. We are also laying the policy ground- work now, so that IPC members can have max- imum influence in Washington during their meetings on May 21–23. IMPACT Brussels will take place on November 28–29 and we are al- ready initiating our plans for this event. S e c o n d , I P C w i l l b e strengthening its commitment to global advocacy. We are in the process of hiring a senior director for govern - ment relations in Europe, and we will be stand- ing up two new government relations com- mittees—one in Europe and one in Asia Pacif- ic. Our investments in these regions will bet- ter position the industry to identify and r espond to policy developments around the world. Third, IPC will be in- vesting more resources in thought leadership to help frame and drive the discussion on issues im - portant to the electron- ics industry. To this end, w e will be working more closely with industry peers, as well as academ - ic institutions and think tanks, to generate support for IPC's policy goals. Meet IPC's Vice President of Global Government Relations, Chris Mitchell One World, One Industry by John Mitchell, IPC−ASSOCIATION CONNECTING ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES Chris Mitchell