Scott DeFife has left the Plastics Industry Association, where he was vice president of government affairs, to lead the Glass Packaging Institute as its president, beginning Aug. 19.
The Plastics Industry Association hired DeFife in mid-2017. He led efforts at the trade group for federal, state and regulatory affairs. He also worked to advance the plastics industry's sustainability advocacy work.
At the Glass Packaging Institute, DeFife will spearhead the trade association to continue to develop and sharpen its focus on the areas such as marketing, advocacy and sustainability.
Plastics competes with glass in packaging, and plastics have replaced glass in many applications.
"Scott has a terrific mix of experience and expertise in the packaging, food and beverage and government arenas," said Richard Crawford, chairman of board of trustees for GPI, which is based in Arlington, Va. "His collaboration with industry stakeholders and policymakers will provide tremendous benefit to our member companies and the broader glass packaging industry."
DeFife has broad Washington experience at trade associations and working with national politicians. Before joining the Plastics Industry Association, he led policy and government affairs for the National Restaurant Association. Before that, he was senior managing director at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
Prior to his trade association work, DeFife served on the staffs of former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, former Congressman Bart Gordon, former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and former Congressman Mike Andrews.
DeFife said he was eager to start with the Glass Packaging Institute.
"Glass has been recognized through history as one of the best packaging materials for many consumer products, and the glass packaging industry has a tremendous story to tell," he said. "There is an incredible opportunity to help our member companies grow the industry in this era of increased attention to sustainable materials and manufacturing in a circular economy."