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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has picked Ross Eisenberg, its current vice president of federal affairs, to lead the ACC’s Plastics Division, effective Sept. 18. The leadership position has been vacant since June 2023, when Joshua Baca left the ACC.

In a prepared statement, ACC President and CEO Chris Jahn touted Eisenberg’s qualifications to “carry the torch on plastics advocacy and bring us closer to a more circular and sustainable solution for plastics in society.” Jahn also commended Eisenberg’s diplomatic and strategic mindset, a valuable asset for working across party lines and “finding common ground on policies that will maximize the value — and minimize the waste — of one of the most versatile materials on the planet.”

A lawyer by training, Eisenberg joined ACC in early 2020 after nearly eight years leading energy and resources policy with the National Association of Manufacturers. He also served as counsel on environment and energy with the US Chamber of Commerce.

Eisenberg has not gone unnoticed during his career. He nabbed a spot on The Hill’s annual list of top lobbyists and The Washingtonian’s 500 most influential people in Washington, DC. He was also named a leading association lobbyist by Association Trends and CEO Update in 2023 for his work on behalf of the business of chemistry. In total, he brings more than two decades of political, legal, and regulatory experience to ACC’s Plastics Division.

“I’m excited to be taking on this role at a pivotal time for the plastics industry,” Eisenberg said in a prepared statement. “ACC member companies have set ambitious goals on circularity and recyclability, to harness the industry’s innovative spirit and change the way plastic is made, used, and remade. At the same time, there is a tremendous amount of work to be done by all stakeholders — governments, nonprofits, industry — to ensure that the right policy environment exists so that we can meet these goals. I believe this industry is up to the challenge. I’m honored to have this opportunity to advocate on behalf of America’s plastic makers at such a critical time.”

Eisenberg will also assume a new title of president of America’s Plastic Makers and oversee a self-funded group of 19 ACC Plastics Division member companies.

America’s Plastic Makers comprises the ACC’s Plastics Division and its member companies. It advocates for companies that use “chemistry and innovation to make the materials that are vital to modern life.”