The American Supply Association (ASA) announced it has hired Stephen Rossi to lead the association’s advocacy efforts in the legislative, political and regulatory areas.

Rossi replaces Catherine Treadwell, who joined the office of Congressman Pete Olson (TX-22). Rossi brings a strong advocacy background at the federal and state levels, including a robust political background.

“I am extremely happy Steve has agreed to lead our efforts in Washington and build our capabilities — in order to engage the industry and transform it into a vigorous, cohesive legislative and political force,” Adelizzi said. “Steve has a strong advocacy and political background after serving for a nationally recognized U.S. senator, an Illinois governor and countless campaigns at the federal, state and local levels. He will continue to strengthen and expand ASA’s advocacy efforts.”

Rossi’s background includes serving as projects director for retired U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald (RIL). As the senator’s point person on appropriations legislation, Rossi advised on the then-$600 billion discretionary federal budget, while building a strong relationship with the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he worked on 13 different appropriations bills annually. This legislation included funding for transportation, housing, defense, health care and agricultural initiatives.

Recently, Rossi served in the administration of former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner as communications director for the Illinois Lottery. In this capacity, he acted as chief spokesperson on behalf of the department, handling all media inquiries, interview requests and news conferences during a transformational period in the state lottery’s growth.

“The association has had excellent representation in Washington where we have been a participant in coalitions, as well as outreach on Capitol Hill,” said ASA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff New of Elkhart, Indiana-based Mid-City Supply. “We look to Steve to continue that strong Hill presence and engage our members and non-members. Being a voice is good, but without engagement our effectiveness is limited.”

Rossi said, “It is an honor to join the American Supply Association, an organization that can leverage the strength of thousands of owners and employees across the United States to advocate for commonsense legislation that helps foster industry growth, while protecting cherished resources such as clean air and water. I am proud to be part of such a significant, national association, and excited to help it move forward.”

Rossi holds a Master of Science in communication from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Loyola University Chicago.