Mark Ames, AIHA's director of government relations, has been recognized as one of the Advocacy Association's "Top 20 in 2022," a selection of 20 advocacy practitioners employed by non-profit organizations who have been nominated by their peers for professional excellence throughout the year. These advocacy professionals have proven that they are passionately involved in the advocacy community and have advanced the profession through innovation, thought leadership, and mentoring.
Ames was also honored as a top lobbyist for 2022 by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics (NILE). This designation recognizes lobbyists who have taken innovative approaches within their field and demonstrated commitment to giving back to their communities as well as adherence to the highest ethical standards.
"Helping people is what I love most about government relations," said Ames. "At its core, this profession is focused on helping people live better lives."
"In 2022, with the aid of many volunteers and colleagues, we've achieved historic successes, such as increasing AIHA volunteer engagement in government relations by more than 250 percent, and helped build a better world," Ames continued. "I can't wait to see all the progress we'll continue making together in 2023."
"This is exciting news and well-deserved recognition from the Advocacy Association and NILE," said Lawrence Sloan, AIHA's CEO. "These awards come as no surprise to us at AIHA. Mark is an esteemed advocate whose tremendous leadership and public service experience has been of great value to the association."
Prior to joining AIHA in 2016, Ames led the government relations activities of major national and global nonprofit associations representing educators, school leaders, engineers, and other professionals since 2003. He serves as vice-chair of the Government Relations and Advocacy Professionals Advisory Council for the American Society of Association Executives and as a member of the Board of Directors for the [Re]build America's School Infrastructure Coalition. Ames is the author of The 30-Minute Leader: Your Guide to Influence, Power, and Transformation, and his work has been published by USA Today, NBC, and CBS, as well as in multiple trade publications.
------------------------------
Laurie Mutdosch, CAE
Director, Membership & Professional Community
AIHA
Falls Church VA
(703) 846-0735
------------------------------