Honda Announces Key Changes To U.S. Government Relations Team

May 8, 2019 by Honda

Ed Cohen, Vice President of Government & Industry Relations for Honda North America, Inc. will retire effective July 1, 2019. He will be succeeded in that post by Jennifer Thomas, who currently serves as Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers in Washington, D.C., a major automotive industry trade association.

Cohen has led Honda's U.S. government and industry relations efforts since September 2000, where he has overseen the company's legislative affairs, advocacy and public policy efforts for state and federal matters, as well as serving as Honda's top liaison to the White House. In addition, he has served as Honda's leading representative to the company's major trade associations, such as Global Automakers and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

'Ed Cohen is a highly respected advocate for Honda's business in the halls of Congress, regulatory agencies, and the Administration. Ed has a reputation for credibility, authenticity and expertise in the public policy community,' said Rick Schostek, executive vice president of Honda North America. 'We will certainly miss Ed's sage guidance, but we are delighted that Jennifer will join the Honda team in this executive leadership position.'

Since joining the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers in 2006, Thomas has served a variety of roles in both state and federal government affairs. In her current position as vice president, Thomas oversees the Federal Government Affairs department's work advocating for policies that have a positive impact on our nation's auto industry and its customers, including environmental and trade policy issues.

A graduate of The George Washington University, Thomas lives in Washington, DC, with her family.