Jay Timmons

President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers (since December 2010)

Why He Matters

As the president and CEO if the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the nation's largest industrial trade association, Timmons oversees general strategy, policy development, and grassroots efforts for the powerful trade association.

Twice named one of Washington's "Fabulous 50 Movers and Shakers on Capitol Hill" by Roll Call, Timmons is a former chief of staff to ex-Sen. and Gov. George Allen (R-Va.). He is also a former executive director of the Senate Republican campaign arm, so has played plenty of political hardball despite touting his bipartisan credentials. He believes his ability to forge consensus will help NAM's membership on an array of policy issues.

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Background

At a Glance

Career History: Executive Vice President, National Association of Manufacturers (2008-December 2010); Senior vice president, NAM Government relations (2005-2008); Executive Director,National Republican Senatorial Committee (2002 to 2004); Chief of Staff, former Sen. George Allen (R-Va. (2001-2002); Chief of Staff, Gov. George Allen (R-Va.) (1994-1998); Chief of Staff, Rep. George Allen (R-Va.) (1991-1993)
Birthday: May 4
Hometown: Chillicothe, Ohio
Alma Mater: Attended Ohio State University.

Religion: Christian
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Path to Power

Timmons grew up in Chillicothe, Ohio, and told the National Journal that his first job was "scrubbing toilets at a local fast food restaurant in Chillicothe, Ohio, and tending the cattle on my family's farm."

Prior to joining the NAM, Timmons was a chief campaign strategist for Senate Republicans, serving as executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 2002 to 2004.

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The Issues

NAM is the voice of U.S. industry, representing thousands of manufacturers of all sizes in every industrial sector and all 50 states. Timmons is at the forefront of the manufacturing sector's efforts to advance a federal policy and legislative agenda for jobs and economic growth on issues ranging from climate change and health-care reform to taxes and international trade.

It represents such diverse companies as:

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The Network

Unlike some other busines trade groups in Washington, NAM has tried to work more cooperatively, and quietly, with the Obama administration. In 2009 alone, NAM officials met with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, among others.

On K Street, Timmons has worked closely with the Chamber's Tom Donohue and the National Federation of Independent Business' Dan Danner.

Additional Resources