IPC Welcomes U.S. House Veteran Rich Cappetto as Senior Director of North American Government Relations

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IPC welcomes Richard Cappetto, a 14-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives, as its new senior director for North American government relations.

In this role, Cappetto will be responsible for the development and implementation of IPC’s public policy advocacy efforts in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He will work closely with key government officials and their staffs; with IPC’s Government Relations Steering Committee and its Advocacy Team, composed of senior executives and staff of IPC member companies; and with IPC’s professional staff worldwide to advocate on behalf of the electronics industry in the halls of government. IPC’s policy priorities include securing funding and incentives for investment and innovation in electronics manufacturing; ensuring practical, risk-based regulations; and expanding efforts to educate and train more high-skilled workers.

Cappetto’s prior role was Chief Customer Officer in the U.S. House, where he worked to improve internal services to all Members of Congress and their staffs, so that they could better serve their constituents. Previously he was staff director of the Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards and a professional staff member at the Committee on House Administration. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University; a master’s degree in defense and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College; and a certificate in public sector leadership from Cornell University. He is a certified project management professional (PMP) and contracting officer’s representative.

“Rich’s expertise in congressional affairs and his extensive relationships on Capitol Hill will enable him to be a trusted, effective advocate for IPC members in Washington, Ottawa, Mexico City, and across the globe,” said Chris Mitchell, IPC vice president of global government relations.

Cappetto is the latest in a string of new hires and promotions in IPC’s Washington office. Michelle Mermelstein recently joined IPC as senior director of media engagement; Nyron Rouse as director of government grants and strategic funding initiatives; and Kate Koger as public affairs coordinator. The entire team and the IPC advocacy agenda can be found on IPC’s Advocacy pages.