KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Western Equipment Dealers Assn. (WEDA) is pleased to announce that Eric Wareham has joined the organization as director of government affairs. In this new position, Wareham will play a major role in expanding and enhancing WEDA’s state advocacy network by working with legislators, governors and their staffs on legislative activities that impact WEDA and its dealer members.

“Eric brings additional public policy expertise and political experience to our growing association,” said John Schmeiser, WEDA CEO. “He will be an invaluable asset to WEDA and our dealer members, ensuring that our dealers’ interests are well represented in our respective states.”

Wareham has extensive state policy experience in both a trade association and the private sector.  Before joining WEDA, he served as in-house counsel for Kerr Contractors, an Oregon-based heavy civil construction company. He served as the director of government relations and General Counsel for the Western Wood Preservers Institute. He has also held numerous staff positions in the Oregon State Legislature, and managed state and national political campaigns in the Northwest.  He is a graduate of the Willamette University College of Law and Augusta State University.

“I am incredibly excited to be taking on this new role with WEDA,” added Wareham. “As WEDA continues to grow in scope and impact, I look forward to the challenge of ensuring that our government affairs and communications efforts enhance the value of WEDA membership.”

Wareham grew up and lives on a farm in rural Oregon, and will work out of WEDA’s regional office in Salem, Oregon.