NWPCA enhances advocacy efforts; Atagi joins staff

Brent J. McClendon, president and CEO of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association named Patrick S. Atagi as Vice President of Advocacy and External Affairs. Atagi joins NWPCA from NorthStar Policy Navigation, where he most recently served as managing partner of the firm. He starts with NWPCA on August 4, 2014.

Atagi possesses a distinguished career in advocacy that spans more than twenty years in Washington, DC. He brings a unique personal perspective and passion to the position, as he once built wooden packaging containers for use on his family’s 400-acre eastern-Oregon farm. Atagi noted, “While president of our family farm, I developed a very personal connection to the wood packaging industry and clear understanding for the critical role they play for our nation’s economy.”

Atagi’s background includes working for Senator Mark O. Hatfield, (OR) Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, serving as a registered lobbyist for multiple organizations, including the United Fresh Produce Association and as Senior Director, Policy of the American Chemistry Council. He also served internationally as co-chair of advocacy for the World Chlorine Council.

Atagi has an inside-perspective on state and federal agency program development through his time representing the State Departments of Agriculture and serving as a Presidential Appointee working for USDA Secretaries Johannes and Veneman, working directly in the Office of the Secretary. During his time at USDA, he chaired the White House Native American Working Group, “Task Force on Natural Resources and the Environment”, and was project manager during an extensive six-month review of an APHIS program.

“Patrick will be a tremendous asset to the association through his extensive experience, contacts, and knowledge in managing significant agricultural and environmental issues,” McClendon said.

“The NWPCA is a well-respected and effective voice for the wood packaging industry,” Atagi said. “I’m excited to become a part of this industry whose product truly does move the world.”

As vice president of advocacy and external affairs, Atagi will be responsible for developing and delivering association messaging, raising and maintaining a high profile for NWPCA, and cultivating new programs and services to further strengthen the industry.

Patrick Atagi earned a BA in Public Administration and Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the University of Maryland. He currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and two children.