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Mazda Chief Lobbyist Nocera to Retire

Ryan Named Successor

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announces the retirement of longtime chief lobbyist Barbara Nocera , effective December 31, 2012. Nocera led the Washington, DC, government and public affairs team for more than 15 years.

During her tenure, Nocera helped champion significant CAFE regulations, U.S.-Japan trade issues and automotive safety advances. She was also instrumental in helping to structure the historic Cash for Clunkers program in 2009, which helped the automotive industry stay afloat during the devastating economic recession. In addition to serving as the chief representative for Mazda in state and federal affairs, Nocera served as the program director for Mazda's corporate foundation, where she oversaw the donations to various charitable organizations. Under her leadership, the Mazda Foundation distributed over $8 million to worthy organizations. Prior to joining Mazda, Nocera served as a leading lobbyist and government affairs manager for Honda North America for nearly 17 years.

" Barbara Nocera has been an outstanding advocate for Mazda," said MNAO President and CEO Jim O'Sullivan. "Her leadership has been indispensable for helping to strengthen Mazda's position in the U.S. and her keen insight and diligence will be greatly missed."

Mazda, today, also announced that Dan Ryan will succeed Nocera as its Director of Government and Public Affairs located at its Washington, DC, office. Ryan joined Mazda in 2001 as manager of government and safety affairs where he advocates on a variety of auto safety issues. Ryan also serves as the primary liaison with leadership at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports.

New to Mazda's government advocacy team is Sean McMorrow . McMorrow will hold the position of manager - government affairs. McMorrow comes to Mazda from Representative Dale Kildee 's (D-MI) office where he served as senior policy advisor. In his role with Representative Kildee's office, McMorrow co-managed the bipartisan Congressional Automotive Caucus where he coordinated events with industry leaders, the executive branch, labor representatives and key stakeholders. McMorrow will take the lead on advocating for environmental and trade issues for Mazda.

Rounding out the Mazda government affairs team is Tamara Mlynarczyk , manager of public affairs, and Matt Erwin , state affairs specialist. Mlynarczyk was also recently named the new program director for the Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

Contact: Tamara Mlynarczyk , Mazda North American Operations, 202-467-5092

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations