Richter, long a highly effective spokesman for the surface finishing industry as the chief of NASF’s Government Relations efforts, succeeds John Flatley, who now assumes the role of director of operations.

According to Michael Siegmund, NASF president, Richter’s appointment is part of NASF’s strategy to take “bold steps” to maximize the association’s effectiveness and ensure the needs of NASF members are served. “Christian brings to the role a strategic focus, deep industry knowledge and relationships, and a record of success in educating and advocating for the industry,” Siegmund said.

Many industry members recognize Richter as the lead moderator/presenter at NASF’s annual Washington Forum events. Richter, who will again take the reins as the event’s master of ceremonies, believes the Washington Forum provides industry members with the best opportunity to meet with federal lawmakers on the most critical issues facing their business, and it aims to arm participants with the information they need to navigate through various complex legal and environmental issues.

“Washington continues to push key policy changes that stand to impact the surface finishing industry,” he said. NASF’s role in all this, he noted, is “putting out fires in Washington before they start.”

For more information, please visit the website of the National Association for Surface Finishing.