Kraig R. Naasz is the president and chief executive officer of the American Frozen Food Institute. AFFI represents 500 companies engaged in the production, distribution and marketing of frozen foods. Kraig directs the institute’s public policy efforts before Congress and the administration, and sets its strategic agenda for communications, grassroots mobilization and political outreach. In addition, Kraig oversees the efforts of the Frozen Potato Products Institute, National Frozen Pizza Institute, National Yogurt Association and the Frozen Food Foundation. Kraig is also an active member of several key groups that advocate for business in our nation’s capital, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Association Committee of 100 (C-100), Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Council of Manufacturing Associations. He is also a member of the ASAE Key Industry Associations Committee (KIAC) and the Trade Association Liaison Council (TALC). Prior to joining AFFI, Kraig served as president and CEO of the National Mining Association (NMA) advocating the interests of coal, metal and mineral producers and mining equipment manufacturers with combined annual sales of $200 billion. While working to modernize mining’s image, Kraig spearheaded the first major reform of the nation’s mine safety laws in over 30 years following the Sago Mine tragedy in January 2006. Kraig previously served as president of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) representing fertilizer manufacturers, distributors and equipment manufacturers. During that time, Kraig directed the industry’s efforts to address security concerns stemming from the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11. He also founded the Nutrients for Life Foundation to educate the public about the benefits of fertilizer to society. Kraig also served as president and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) advocating the interests of our nation’s apple growers and processors. Having garnered an unprecedented $550 million in federal assistance for America’s apple growers, Kraig was named “Apple Person of the Year” in 2001 by Vance Publishing Corp. for his “dedication, hard work, ethics and effectiveness.” Prior to USApple, Kraig served as vice president of the Northwest Horticultural Council (NHC). A veteran of several political campaigns, Kraig served as the Washington state executive director of former U.S. Senator Bob Dole’s presidential campaign. He also worked in various staff capacities on Capitol Hill for former U.S. Senators Daniel J. Evans and Slade Gorton, former U.S. Reps. Rod Chandler and Sid Morrison, and the House Committee on Agriculture. Kraig graduated from Washington State University in 1984 and serves on the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees. A native of Yakima, Washington, Kraig, his wife and daughter presently reside in Oakton, Virginia.