John Orlando was recently named executive vice president of government relations for NAB, replacing Jim May, who left the association earlier this year to head up the Air Transport Association of America. The former CBS Washington VP joined NAB in Jan. 2001 where he served as a member of its lobbying team and headed its DTV promotion. He will now act as chief lobbyist for NAB and direct Congressional affairs on behalf of the broadcast industry's primary trade association.
Before CBS, Orlando was a vice president at Timmons & Co., a Washington lobbying firm. From 1989-93, Orlando was chief of staff for the House Energy and Commerce Committee and oversaw passage of the 1992 Cable Act. He also directed the Congressional staff of Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich) and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
"John Orlando has repeatedly demonstrated a deft understanding of Capitol Hill and the legislative process," said NAB President Edward O. Fritts. "His extensive contacts in the industry and in Washington, along with his ability to effectively communicate the benefits of free, over-the-air broadcasting, make John the ideal choice for this position."
