Michael J. Smaha to Head CMI’s Federal and State Legislative Strategy and Derek D. Swick to Lead CMI’s Regulatory and Technical Affairs Department
WASHINGTON, DC – Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) President Robert Budway today announced a boost to the organization’s public affairs staff with the appointment of two new vice presidents: Michael J. Smaha as vice president of government affairs and Derek D. Swick as vice president of regulatory and technical affairs. Smaha will lead CMI’s federal and state legislative strategy, while Swick will spearhead the regulatory and scientific issues.
“Both Mike and Derek bring passion and energy, along with a wealth of experience in their respective disciplines,” said Budway. “We are very excited to build the public affairs department at CMI and look forward to these gentlemen strengthening the industry’s sustainability narrative, along with the strong innovations made in can manufacturing, with federal and state legislators, regulators and other important stakeholders.”
Smaha brings more than 20 years of experience in a variety of government relations positions at various companies, consulting groups and trade associations. He most recently was U.S. government affairs and Political Action Committee director for Owens-Illinois, a fortune 500 glass container company. He has also worked at an international political consulting group, The Saint Consulting Group, based in Newark, CA, and the Health Care Distributors Association as a legislative and regulatory analyst.
“I look forward to representing the metal can manufacturers and being able to speak with legislators about the container’s superior sustainability story on behalf of the industry,” said Smaha. “This is a terrific opportunity to plan and execute a strong legislative agenda that will advance the can manufacturer’s outstanding sustainability story,” said Smaha.
Swick joins CMI after spending 16 years with the American Petroleum Institute (API), where he served as an advocate for the oil and natural gas industry and managed the health and product stewardship advocacy and toxicology research program. His peer-reviewed published research has been used to influence public perception and advance the petroleum industry’s interests. Prior to API, Derek was scientific programs manager at the Silicones Environmental Health and Safety Council, where he managed chemical industry testing programs.
“My priority will be to build a strong scientific and regulatory strategic plan that will influence an innovative vision and bring value to and for the can manufacturing industry,” said Swick. “I am committed to rolling up my sleeves and advocating for the innovations in aluminum and steel cans and the many societal solutions they provide.”
Smaha holds a master’s in policy management from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and received his B.A. in political science from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT. Swick received a Ph.D. in public administration and a master’s of public policy from American University in Washington, DC. He also received a B.S. in chemistry from Juanita College in Huntingdon, PA.
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The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The can industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 119 billion food, beverage and general line cans; which employs more than 28,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa; and generates about $17.8 billion in direct economic activity. CMI members are committed to providing safe, nutritious and refreshing canned food and beverages to consumers.