The American Advertising Federation has named Anne Kierig vice president of government affairs, tapping the former Amazon public policy executive to lead the organization’s advocacy efforts as longtime industry advocate Clark Rector prepares to retire after 37 years.
Kierig joins the AAF from Amazon, where she most recently served as senior manager of public policy, overseeing issues related to digital advertising, consumer protection, platform accountability, and regulatory affairs. She will be based in Washington, D.C., reporting directly to AAF President and CEO Steve Pacheco.
Her appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the nation’s largest advertising trade organization.
“Anne’s background uniquely prepares her to lead the AAF’s advocacy efforts across local, regional and national levels,” said Pacheco. “Throughout her career, Anne has advocated directly with lawmakers and built coalitions with trade associations and civil society groups to influence regulatory outcomes.”
At Amazon, Kierig served as a key policy expert on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, helping shape the company’s response to legislative proposals affecting online platforms. She also managed policy issues related to digital advertising transparency, targeting standards, and consumer protection.
Prior to Amazon, Kierig held positions including director of U.S. government affairs and policy at BlackBerry, counsel at Venable LLP, and attorney at DLA Piper.
The move comes as advertising organizations face increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators on issues ranging from consumer privacy and artificial intelligence to data collection, ad targeting, and platform accountability.
Kierig succeeds Rector, one of the advertising industry’s most influential government affairs leaders, whose tenure at the AAF spans nearly four decades.
During his 37 years with the organization, Rector helped lead efforts to defeat advertising tax proposals and other legislative measures viewed as threats to the industry. He also served as a key liaison between the advertising community and policymakers, working closely with the AAF’s nationwide network of local advertising federations.
“Clark leaves behind 37 years of extraordinary service on behalf of AAF and our members,” said Pacheco. “Quite simply, he’s helped our 150 local advertising federations across virtually every state while being our most vocal advocate before lawmakers and regulators.”
Rector will remain with the organization through July to assist with the transition.
For the AAF, Kierig’s arrival represents both continuity and evolution as the organization prepares to address a rapidly changing policy landscape increasingly shaped by digital platforms, emerging technologies and new regulatory challenges.
As advertising’s influence continues to intersect with debates around privacy, AI, and consumer protection, the federation is betting that Kierig’s blend of legal, policy, and technology experience will help guide the industry through its next chapter.
Reel 360 News wishes Anne the best of luck in her new role.
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