WASHINGTON, D.C., April 14, 2009 – Ford Motor Company today announced the appointment of Pete Lawson as vice president of government relations, based in Washington D.C.
Lawson comes to Ford from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as Vice President of Congressional and Public Affairs and is the Chamber’s chief lobbyist on legal reform, corporate governance, and financial services issues. The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing three million businesses.
“Pete is a leading lobbyist from one of the most respected organizations in Washington,” said Ziad Ojakli, Ford’s group vice president, government and community relations. “He brings to the position his strong relationships across Capitol Hill, a keen understanding of how business and government can partner to achieve important public policy goals, and tremendous leadership skills. We are thrilled that Pete is joining the Ford team.”
Prior to joining the Chamber in 2004, Lawson served as senior counsel to Congressman Jim Moran (D-Va) where he worked with members of the New Democrat Coalition to develop and implement their legislative agenda. He served on Representative Moran's staff from 1998 to 2001 and from 2002 to 2004. He also served from 2001 to 2002 as deputy director of government affairs for one of the nation’s top accounting and consulting firms.
From 1989 to 1993, he worked as a consumer protection specialist in the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, where he investigated business fraud and assisted with the prosecution of businesses found to be in violation of state and federal consumer protection laws.
Lawson replaces Bruce Andrews, who recently left Ford to become general counsel for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
Lawson, a Virginia native, is a graduate of the University of Richmond and George Mason University, where he earned a law degree. He was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 1997. He and his family live in Alexandria, Va.