U.S. Chamber Names Two New Vice Presidents

WASHINGTON, D.C. — United States Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue today announced the promotion of Doug Loon and Bill Miller to vice presidents in the Chamber's Congressional and Public Affairs Division. These promotions continue of Donohue's expansion of the Chamber's policy and lobbying efforts and will provide even greater strength to the organization's political and grassroots programs.

As senior executive director of the Chamber's regional affairs, Doug Loon has led the organization's seven regional offices in the expansion of the Chamber's political activities in targeted congressional races, strengthened regional grassroots outreach, and critical relations with federation partners. As Vice President for Regional Affairs and Advocacy, Loon will play a key role in strengthening the Chamber's voice in the political arena while also continuing to build grassroots and membership development.

As political director, Miller provided the leadership and hands-on management of the Chamber's political program in the 2000 elections. Miller implemented a program that has been characterized by many as being decisive in the congressional elections. Miller's leadership at the Chamber enabled the organization to set new records in PAC fundraising, candidate contributions, candidate events, and federation outreach. As Vice President of Public Affairs, Miller will continue to strengthen the Chamber's political reach and support of pro-business candidates for Congress.

Prior to managing the Chamber's regional offices, Loon served as Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber, lobbying both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on key business issues. Before joining the U.S. Chamber staff in 1995, Loon was the legislative director to Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. His 10 years of Capitol Hill experience also included service as acting staff director for U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, on the Senate Commerce Committee, and for Senator Larry Pressler of South Dakota.

Before joining the Chamber in 1999, Miller served as chief of staff to U.S. Representative Constance A. Morella of Maryland beginning in 1994. In this role, he was responsible for all aspects of the congresswoman's legislative and political operations. In addition, he served as her campaign director and was responsible for raising over $3.5 million in those campaigns. He served in various capacities in both the Dole for President and Bush 92 campaigns in their Maryland operations. Miller has also owned and operated a small entertainment company in the Washington/Baltimore area for nearly seven years.

"Loon and Miller have earned these promotions through their hard work, experience and ability," said Donohue. "The Chamber is taking this step to ensure that we have the political and grassroots clout to back up our policy and lobbying operations."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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