MCLEAN, VA—The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) has promoted Amber Thomas to the position of vice president, advocacy.

AMT’s advocacy department promotes public policy to strengthen America’s manufacturing technology industry. The goals are aligned with AMT’s Manufacturing Mandate priorities of boosting R&D and innovation; enhancing global competitiveness; and building a “smartforce” prepared to take on the challenges of today’s manufacturing workplace. AMT strives to work across party lines on the bipartisan objective of building a world-class manufacturing sector. 

Advocacy also helps AMT members build relationships with their members of Congress through the legislative action center on AMTonline; by arranging plant tours and congressional visits; and, new this year, by building a network of AMT members called the “Advocacy Advisors,” which is a group of volunteers who will provide input and data on the policy issues facing the industry.

“Amber brings more than 20 years of experience with AMT and specifically in advocacy (formerly known as government relations) to her new position,” says AMT President Doug Woods. “She has a great understanding of the inner workings of Capitol Hill, as well as the key agencies and departments most impacting our members.  Most importantly she knows our industry and our members so she can actively promote for the critical issues our industry needs.”