OAAA hired Mike Hershey as EVP/government affairs to replace Ken Klein, who retires at the end of the year. Mike started at OAAA on September 7. Insider caught up with Mike, to learn more about him
Mike, tell us about your background, and how it connects to out of home.
I’ve worked at a federal agency, for another trade association, and on Capitol Hill as congressional staff.
For the past four years, I led the legislative team at the Small Business Administration (SBA). Working with both parties in Congress, we launched the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses in the pandemic. Many out of home companies received forgivable PPP loans. My SBA experience helped me better understand the everyday challenges that many businesses face and to appreciate their entrepreneurial spirit and success.
I’ve also worked for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. This combined experience taught me how to advocate, to build coalitions, and importantly, how to work with both parties.
Does the broadcasters’ group have small and large-company members, just like the out of home industry?
Yes, there are many similarities. My trade association experience underscores to me the importance of industry representation, commonality of purpose, and the complementary role of small and large companies.
How was your start at OAAA, and what’s on tap?
On my third day, Ken Klein and I hit the road to learn things you can’t learn in the office. We visited the Clear Channel Outdoor plant in Laurel, MD, to meet people directly, to touch the vinyl, to see the back shop, and more.
Up next . . . I plan to attend the IBOUSA gathering in Pittsburgh later this month, along with Anna Bager and Ken Klein. Ken and I will overlap for several months, to make introductions and transfer knowledge.
Mike, what are your other interests, and what part of the country are you from?
I’m from central Pennsylvania, and went to Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. My wife is from Louisiana, a proud Cajun and LSU alum. Two of our children are LSU Tigers, and one a Clemson Tiger.
I am also a high school football referee and lead our officiating organization in northern Virginia. It is a community service, a way of giving back. And in many respects, being a referee is good training for government affairs and politics.
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