Continuing its mission to grow the voice of independent automobile dealers, NIADA announces the addition of Patrick O’Brien as the Director of Government Relations and Compliance.
O’Brien, who has more than 25 years of experience working for Congress, federal agencies and directing government relations for multiple associations, joined NIADA on May 19.
“I couldn’t be more excited about joining NIADA at such an important time in Washington,” O’Brien said. “Small and independently owned businesses drive economic growth. We need to foster a commonsense regulatory framework that reflects that reality.”
O’Brien comes to NIADA after serving as the staff director for the External Affairs Division at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the office that engages stakeholders and the public to promote transparency and accountability for the agency’s work. It was one of O’Brien’s multiple roles in two stints at the CFPB. He served as the acting Assistant Director of the Office of Stakeholder Management. From 2015-17, he was the CFPB’s Deputy Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs, focused on the House of Representatives.
O’Brien held two roles with the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). He served as the Deputy Associate Director of the FinCEN’s Strategic Operations Division, handling stakeholder engagement across the government and private sector. Previously, he managed the bureau’s engagement with Congress as its Chief Congressional Liaison.
O’Brien worked in the Senate for a senior member and directed government relations for America’s Community Bankersand the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Inc.
“I look forward to working with NIADA leadership, its state affiliates, and, most importantly, its members to advocate for smart public policy that advances the interests of independent automotive dealers nationwide,” O’Brien said.
NIADA CEO Jeff Martin announced the hiring of O’Brien to fill the important role of strengthening representation of dealers in Washington, D.C., and building alliances with industry stakeholders.
“O’Brien brings a wealth of experience to represent the interests of independent dealers on regulations and rules with federal agencies, along with working with members to understand compliance challenges,” Martin said. “He also understands the importance of working with and supporting our state affiliates. There is no more important mission to the association as advocating for the industry and growing the voice of our members.”
O’Brien will be speaking during the closing general session at the NIADA Convention and Expo.
