Jack N. Gerard

Gerard came to API from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) where as president and CEO he brought in 33 new members, convinced several defectors to return and turned around the group's finances. He also won several legislative victories, including opening more areas to natural-gas drilling and chemical-plant security legislation.

His time at ACC, his stint as head of the National Mining Association and his experience on Capitol Hill have helped shape his lobbying philosophy. "When industries are confronted by challenges, they tend to get shell-shocked and step back into the foxhole," Gerard said. "My philosophy is the opposite. Industries need to step forward and make the case when people don't understand them."

But in 2009, he faced what might be a major challenge: defeating House cap-and-trade legislation that API opposed.

In Their Own Words

"When industries are confronted by challenges, they tend to get shell shocked and step back into the foxhole," Gerard said. "My philosophy is the opposite. Industries need to step forward and make the case when people don't understand them."

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