Global Electronics Association Strengthens Advocacy Efforts with Appointment of Kevin O’Hanlon as V.P. of North American Government Relations

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The Global Electronics Association today announced the appointment of Kevin O’Hanlon as vice president of North America Government Relations. In this role, O’Hanlon will serve as the Association’s senior-most North American government relations leader, directing federal advocacy strategy, overseeing political engagement, and strengthening relationships with policymakers and member companies across North America.

“Kevin is a proven government relations executive with a rare combination of policy depth, political acumen, and operational leadership,” said Chris Mitchell, chief advocacy officer at the Global Electronics Association. “He understands how to execute in high-stakes policy environments, build trust with policymakers on both sides of the aisle, and mobilize industry around a clear, disciplined agenda. We’re excited to welcome him to the team and to continue strengthening the electronics industry’s voice in Washington.”

O’Hanlon brings more than a decade of senior-level experience in government affairs, political strategy, and coalition leadership, most recently serving as senior director of government relations at Samsung Electronics America. There, he led federal and state advocacy across a wide range of technology, manufacturing, and trade policy issues, managed extensive consultant networks, and oversaw political action committee activity. His work produced measurable outcomes, including successful appropriations advocacy and significant cost recoveries tied to ocean shipping reform.

Prior to Samsung, O’Hanlon held senior leadership roles at the Entertainment Software Association, where he served as senior director of federal government affairs and PAC director, doubling PAC fundraising across election cycles and launching high-profile congressional engagement initiatives. Earlier in his career, he led client engagements at Polaris Consulting, advising major trade associations and Fortune 500 companies on federal policy and legislative strategy. He started his career in politics working as Senior Advisor to Congressman Heath Shuler (NC-11), and later as Deputy Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Betty Sutton (OH-13).

O’Hanlon will report to Mitchell and work closely with the Association’s standards, education, and technical programs to ensure advocacy efforts reflect industry priorities across the electronics value chain.