Russell Batson Joins Polyurethane Foam Association

May 9, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Industry   

The organization said Batson will work closely with PFA Executive Director Robert Luedeka in anticipation of Luedeka’s retirement at the end of 2018. 

Batson has more than two decades of related experience providing public affairs and regulatory counsel, working with corporations and industry associations, to advocate issues based on credible science and sound economics. He routinely interacted with opinion leaders, journalists, regulators, code authorities, and other stakeholder groups to build understanding of issues and effectively convey organization positions. 

Most recently, he was senior counsel, government relations, Americas, for SABIC, advising one of the world’s largest chemical and plastics producers on key regulatory matters and related issues. 

Prior to that, he spent 15 years with AHFA (formerly the American Furniture Manufacturers Assn.) as director of congressional and regulatory affairs, and later as vice president of government affairs.

At AHFA, he was instrumental in helping shape rulemaking on upholstered furniture flammability, involving complex issues of fire science, chemical safety, product liability and federal preemption, according to Luedeka.

“Russ already has a working knowledge of many of the issues facing the flexible polyurethane foam industry,” said Luedeka. “Having him on board gives us another set of extremely valuable skills that can be put to work immediately to reinforce PFA’s advocacy and association management programs.”

“PFA has been fortunate over its 35-plus years to have extremely capable leadership,” added Chip Holton of NCFI Polyurethanes, the current PFA President. “Russ is someone with the credentials and experience to continue this legacy.”