WASHINGTON, D.C. -

Autos Drive America, which represents the U.S. operations of international automakers, reinforced its government affairs team to support the association’s growing advocacy efforts.

On Thursday, Autos Drive America announced two new hires, as Rory Heslington has been named vice president of government affairs and Colton Hotary steps into a newly created role as director of government affairs.

“At a time when our industry is the focus on many policy fronts, I am excited to welcome two new members of our government affairs team,” Autos Drive America president and chief executive officer Jennifer Safavian said in a news release.

“Rory and Colton will be instrumental in building and growing our advocacy efforts on important trade, electrification, and workforce development issues for our association,” Safavian continued.

Widely recognized as a trade policy expert, Autos Drive America highlighted that Heslington previously served as international trade policy advisor to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. Joining the Finance Committee in 2015, he advised on international trade policy that included trade agreement negotiations, supply chains, e-commerce, and customs.

Prior to joining the committee, Heslington spent 13 years in the private sector managing market research studies and working for a leadership development training firm.

Autos Drive America mentioned Hotary brings a strong background in legislative and regulatory issues at the domestic and international arenas on various issues involving autonomous driving systems, international trade, and supply chains. 

Previously, Hotary was director for global government affairs at FLIR Systems.  He also spent five years with Public Strategies Washington, handling a portfolio of manufacturing, transportation, international affairs, financial services and trade issues.

Autos Drive America said Heslington and Hotary will spearhead the Association’s legislative and policy agendas.

“Autos Drive America’s mission is to strengthen the U.S. automotive industry by advocating for trade and investment policies that expand jobs, trade and economic growth in America,” the organization said.