Eisen Tapped to IFDA Government Relations Post



{mosimage}Eisen assumed his new responsibilities on April 11, succeeding David French who recently accepted a position as vice president of government relations at the International Franchise Association, Washington. Eisen previously served as IFDA's director of government relations.

"Jon has done a tremendous job at our organization working on behalf of foodservice distributors in areas such as ergonomics and Hours of Service," said Mark Allen, IFDA president and ceo. "Given Jon's tenure with IFDA, he has a clear understanding of our members, the industry, and its issues. He also has the ideas and the energy to take IFDA's government relations efforts to the next level."

In his former position at IFDA, Eisen concentrated on workplace and transportation issues.

"I look forward to this new opportunity to lead IFDA's government relations efforts," said Eisen, "and intend to remain aggressive in our lobbying efforts and to position IFDA as an organization recognized for active involvement with both the legislative and executive branches.

"As we look to the future, our efforts will focus on three distinct areas. The first is to actively seek opportunities in Washington to make positive changes for foodservice distributors. The second is to grow IFDA's Political Action Committee. In today's political environment, the need for IFDA to have a strong PAC is more crucial than ever. And finally, we will work diligently to strengthen and grow an active grassroots program to connect the industry with lawmakers and to ensure that legislators see the consequences of their actions on their constituents back home."

Eisen's first job in Washington was as the assistant to a private lobbyist. He joined the government relations staff of Food Distributors International (NAWGA/IFDA) in 1994 as an associate director, and was elevated to the position of director in 1998. He was appointed as director of government relations at IFDA when IFDA became an independent organization in 2003.

Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, Eisen is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, GA, where he earned a BA degree in history.

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