Leadership Transition at the American Forest & Paper Association
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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced the promotion of Andrew Topps as the next Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective September 1, 2022.
Topps assumes the role following the retirement of Jan Poling, Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
“Jan has been an incredible leader throughout her 15 years of service to AF&PA. We congratulate her on a remarkable career and wish her the very best in this next chapter,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “Andrew is an excellent choice to continue leading AF&PA’s legal team, while we collectively advance our industry’s sustainability story. His skills, experience and leadership make him the person best suited to take on this important role.”
Poling joined AF&PA in 2007 and has been responsible for the association’s legal affairs and governance issues, and guidance in overall direction for the association. Prior to joining AF&PA, she served as Associate General Counsel for Natural Resources in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In his new role, Topps will be responsible for the association’s legal affairs and governance issues and providing overall direction of the association as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Topps joined AF&PA’s legal team in 2010 and currently serves as Deputy General Counsel.
During his time at AF&PA, he has helped formulate and implement AF&PA’s approach to various issues, including antitrust compliance, key environmental issues, employment law, lobbying guidance and corporate compliance. In addition to his legal work, his facilitation of AF&PA’s Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B) Team has enhanced AF&PA’s respectful work environment and strengthened the organization.
Topps’ prior experience includes nine years representing private law firm clients in federal and state agency antitrust investigations and litigation. Early in his legal career, Topps also spent nearly three years with the Federal Trade Commission.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia where he studied Economics and Government and International Relations. Topps received his Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center and is licensed to practice law in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
