Former U.S. Congressman Jim Gerlach Named New BIPAC CEO
BIPAC Board of Directors Announces New Leadership
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC), which is comprised of more than 7,300 businesses and associations and is dedicated to increasing the political effectiveness of America's business community, today announced the Honorable James "Jim" Gerlach as its new president and chief executive officer.
Former U.S. Congressman Gerlach joins BIPAC from an extensive career in public service and the private sector. Rep. Gerlach served Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional District for 12 years where he most recently served on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Subcommittee on Health and Select Revenue. He was considered by many to be the lead Republican on the Ways and Means Manufacturing Working Group. Throughout his tenure in the House, Rep. Gerlach also served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Financial Services Committee, and the Small Business Committee before his retirement from Congress in 2014.
Prior to his tenure with the U.S. Congress, Rep. Gerlach also served four years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and eight years in the Pennsylvania Senate. An attorney by training, Rep. Gerlach joins BIPAC from Venable LLP.
"This is a critical point in time for the business community as Congress considers a range of important issues and I could not be more excited to help lead the effort to advance the interests of America's job creators," Gerlach said. "As a candidate for public office, early in my career, BIPAC provided me – personally – and my campaign with tremendous value as I transitioned from a state legislator to a U.S. Congressman. I look forward to joining BIPAC and assisting its members and partners in advancing their political, public policy, and business objectives."
Rep. Gerlach was introduced as the next President and CEO at today's BIPAC Board of Directors meeting in Washington, DC. His first day at BIPAC will be June 22, 2015. He succeeds the Honorable Gregory S. Casey as President and CEO. Mr. Casey held that position since 1999. Casey announced his departure from BIPAC in December 2014 following the successful efforts of the organization in the 2014 Midterm Elections. He concludes his tenure at BIPAC this month after growing the Prosperity Project (P2) into one of the nation's most expansive grassroots and political operations that promotes and empowers employer-to-employee advocacy best practices.
"The BIPAC Board of Directors, our CEO Search Committee, and our staff are honored to welcome Rep. Gerlach to BIPAC," said BIPAC Chairman of the Board John Pallat, president of Equinox Financial Solutions.
"BIPAC helps employers small and large play a more active role in the public policy-making process," said former U.S. Congressman and BIPAC Board Member The Honorable Tom Tauke. "Gerlach's expertise in free market based public policies that create jobs and promote economic prosperity, combined with his trusted expertise in state and federal governments will drive additional value to our Prosperity Project network of partners and members spanning all 50 states."
"Jim will be extremely effective with BIPAC's corporate and association members and its vast network of state and local business partners throughout America," said Rob Smith, co-chair of Venable's Legislative and Government Affairs Advocacy Team. "We, his friends and colleagues at Venable, wish him all the best."
Rep. Gerlach will be the organization's fifth chief executive since its founding in 1963.
The CEO Search Committee of BIPAC was comprised of members and partners of the organization from across the country. The Search Committee was advised by the executive search firm of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. in the identification and recruitment of BIPAC's new leadership.
About BIPAC
Since 1963, BIPAC has guided business through the political process. Today, BIPAC functions as the engine behind America's largest grassroots business network assisting over 7,300 companies and associations with communications to employee/retiree voters about elections, candidates, and issues. Learn more at: www.BIPAC.org
Contact: Brian Walsh
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SOURCE BIPAC
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