Hires Executive with Capitol Hill Experience Complemented with Private Sector Work as Director of Government Affairs for IAC
New York, NY – November 21, 2008 – As part of its continuing effort to engage in public policy related to digital media, the Online Publishers Association (OPA) today announced it has added the position of Vice President of Government Affairs and hired Michael Drobac. Drobac spent years working on Capitol Hill and most recently was Director of Government Affairs for IAC.
The OPA, which represents the world’s leading providers of high quality, premium online content, is committed to being active in policy debates on behalf of its member companies. As digital media has become a vital part of the lives of consumers, policy makers have taken an increasing role in examining the industry. While welcoming the important role of Congress, the FCC and other regulators, the OPA has sought to ensure these groups understand the industry’s economic fundamentals, its efforts at self-regulation and the important services it provides to consumers.
“Michael will play a critical role in making certain the voice of quality online publishers is heard on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington,” said OPA President Pam Horan. “Having both worked in the internet industry and served high profile members of Congress, Michael brings a perfect blend of experience for leading our public affairs efforts.”
Since 2006, Drobac has served as the Director of Government Affairs for IAC/Interactive Corp. He began his public policy work as a legislative aide in the office of Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR), and went on to serve Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) and Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN). Drobac is a graduate of Stanford University, the University of Oregon School of Law and received his Masters of Law from the London School of Economics. Most recently, Drobac served as a volunteer on the presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama (D-IL).
Horan continued, “By following the debates in Washington and working closely with policy makers, we can help ensure the best interests of both consumers and publishers are served. It’s particularly important that legislators and regulators fully understand the essential role of digital media in providing consumers with vital information, unique services and engaging entertainment.”
About the OPA
Founded in June 2001, the Online Publishers Association is an industry trade organization whose mission is to advance the interests of high-quality online publishers before the advertising community, the press, the government and the public. Members of OPA represent the standards in Internet publishing with respect to editorial quality and integrity, credibility and accountability. OPA member sites have a combined, unduplicated reach of 149.3 million visitors, or 79% percent of the total U.S. Internet audience (Source: comScore Media Metrix, August 2008 combined home/work/university data). For more information, go to www.online-publishers.org.
