AHAM Strengthens Policy Leadership Team with New VP and Key Promotion

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is pleased to announce that Matthew Hite, a senior government affairs leader and former U.S. Senate committee legislative counsel, will join the association as vice president of government affairs.

Hite, who most recently served as vice president, federal advocacy for the American Rental Association in Washington, D.C., comes to AHAM with decades of experience in both advocacy organizations and government. His previous roles include senior vice president of government affairs for the GPA Midstream Association, policy counsel and committee executive for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and senior counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Rochester and a Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University.

"Matthew's strong blend of policy expertise, strategic insight, established relationships and track record of engaging members will elevate our advocacy on behalf of appliance manufacturers in the U.S.," said AHAM President and CEO Kelly Mariotti. "The issues on which AHAM engages, which impact products utilized in every home, require the highest caliber of policy leadership. Matthew will enhance our already outstanding policy team as we continue positioning the industry for success in a dynamic regulatory and legislative environment."

In addition, Jennifer Cleary, AHAM's vice president, regulatory affairs, has been elevated to deputy general counsel. She will continue to oversee AHAM's regulatory affairs in her current vice president role and take on the added responsibilities of deputy general counsel. Cleary serves as a member of AHAM's staff executive team, helping to steer AHAM's operational and strategic activities.

 "Jennifer has played a pivotal role in guiding AHAM's regulatory strategies," Mariotti said. "She has been instrumental in working across federal agencies to advance AHAM's mission in safety, energy and environmental issues. Her proven leadership will continue to be an asset in this expanded role, which is critical to AHAM's growth."

Cleary holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Juris Doctor from American University's Washington College of Law. She served as an associate at Mintz Levin and legal counsel to AHAM before joining the AHAM staff in 2010.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) is the trade association representing manufacturers of major, portable, and floor care home appliances and suppliers to the industry. AHAM is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and maintains an office in Ottawa. AHAM is the single voice providing the home appliance industry and its customers leadership, advocacy, and a forum for action — developing and implementing credible solutions for public policy, standards, and business decisions. Visit AHAM's web site at http://www.aham.org or follow us on X @AHAM_Voice and @AHAM_Policy.

SOURCE Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)