WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Mining Association (NMA) today announced that Rich Nolan has been elected the Association’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following a detailed search process led by a Search Committee comprised of members of the Association’s Board of Directors’ Executive Committee. With more than 20 years of experience advocating on many natural resources sector issues, Mr. Nolan most recently served NMA for 13 years as Senior Vice President of Government and Political Affairs.
Mr. Nolan succeeds Hal Quinn, who last Spring announced his intention to retire before the end of 2019. Mr. Quinn will remain as an advisor to Mr. Nolan for the remainder of the year to ensure a successful transition.
“For more than a decade, I have worked alongside colleagues at NMA and at our member companies who I believe to be the leading experts in their areas. I am honored and humbled to take the helm of this great organization. Ours is a vital industry that impacts every facet of American life – providing the raw materials and energy necessary for America’s greatest innovations and technologies, national defense, manufacturing and much more. Mining and America’s miners provide the foundation for American prosperity, and I look forward to helping to shape a positive, productive future for this essential industry,” said Mr. Nolan.
Mr. Nolan’s three decades in government affairs and political advocacy have spanned a number of industries including mining, forestry, paper, chemicals and agriculture. His career began on Capitol Hill, where he served as an aide to several members of Congress and worked as an advisor on multiple campaign committees. After his time on the Hill, he held leadership roles at associations and firms focusing on natural resources and environmental issues, including the American Forest & Paper Association, CropLife America and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among others.
“Rich knows our industry and the broad portfolio of issues. As a member of NMA’s executive team, Rich has been critical in delivering successful outcomes for the membership year after year, and shaping the Association’s multi-year strategic plans,” said Phillips S. Baker, Jr., Chairman of the NMA Board and President and Chief Executive Officer of Hecla Mining Company. “The NMA strategy already bears the mark of his innovative thinking. That experience, coupled with his proven leadership, management and advocacy abilities, makes Rich the right leader for the next chapter in NMA’s future.
“Finally, I want to thank Hal for his 34 years of service. His leadership to the NMA and the industry has been unparalleled. While he will be missed, he has built a foundation that will sustain the NMA for years to come,” said Baker.
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