SEMA's Public and Government Affairs Office also works to develop and maintain a strong, positive relationship with representatives in the state legislatures and on Capitol Hill. The Association has helped establish state and federal automotive caucuses consisting of elected officials who are committed to supporting our industry and automotive hobbyists. Congressional visits are often arranged so that SEMA members can meet with their representatives and voice their concerns first-hand.
Our Team
Senior Vice President, Public and Government Affairs - (202) 796-0850
Karen Bailey-Chapmon is SEMA's Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, where she oversees all government affairs efforts for SEMA and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and leads programs related to legislation, regulations, and government policies on issues affecting emission regulations, consumer choice, business opportunities, and more. Karen is passionate about leading advocacy, public policy, and government affairs strategies across local, state, and federal jurisdictions. She has dedicated her career to creating and delivering unique and effective initiatives spanning multiple specializations and industries. Over the course of her career, she has worked for leading political advocacy organizations like Americans for Tax Reform and served as a public affairs executive with casino gaming company Penn National Gaming (now Penn Entertainment) and the American Beverage Association.
Senior Director, Federal Government Affairs - (202) 792-7793
Eric Snyder is SEMA's Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs, where he oversees the association's Congressional and Executive Branch advocacy. Previously, Eric Snyder served in the administrations of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and President George W. Bush and worked statewide and presidential campaigns.
Senior Director, State Government Affairs & SEMA PAC - (202) 794-8279
Christian Robinson is SEMA's Senior Director of State Government Affairs and Grassroots and has two decades of political campaign and advocacy experience. In his current role, he oversees SEMA's state government affairs program, grassroots advocacy, and political action committee.
Director, SEMA Action Network (SAN) - (909) 978-6721
Colby Martin is the Director of the SEMA Action Network, where he manages and directs the association's grassroots network and oversees its outreach strategies to the hobbyist community and the media. He began his time at SEMA as a SEMA scholarship applicant and intern and went on to work in both the Membership and Marketing Departments.
Political Director, SEMA - (202)935-5650
Will Townsend is SEMA’s Political Director, where he leads the organization’s grassroots and grasstops efforts to support SEMA’s advocacy and communications efforts in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country. Will joined SEMA from the American Petroleum Institute, where he oversaw Carbon Management Campaigns and established and oversaw the organization’s first nationwide field organizing effort.
Director of Communications, SEMA Government Affairs - (202)792-4446
Matt Daigle is Director of Communications for SEMA’s Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C., bringing more than 20 years of experience and leadership in advocacy and member communications on Capitol Hill and for multiple professional associations. He supports the development and execution of strategic communications that help shape the views of voters and opinion leaders about the automotive aftermarket industry.
PAC Manager, SEMA – (202) 796-2252
Alicia Steger is SEMA's Political Action Committee Manager. She administers all aspects of the SEMA PRI PAC including strategy, events, fundraising, marketing and solicitation campaigns. Most recently she managed the Office of the President and CEO at American Beverage Association.
Manager, State Government Affairs - (202) 770-0147
Kiley Chapley is the State Government Affairs Manager at SEMA, where she identifies, analyzes, and monitors state legislation and regulation that could have an impact on the automotive industry and advances the association's legislative interests.
Executive Assistant
Hadar Pridan reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs as Executive Assistant for the Washington, D.C., office, where she provides administrative support. Previously, Hadar worked in human resources for a chain of hardware stores. Hadar reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, Karen Bailey-Chapman.