The National Restaurant Association today announced that Katie Laning Niebaum has joined the association as director of advocacy communications. In this position, she will lead messaging efforts to promote a policy environment that can help restaurants thrive and grow.
“Katie’s communications experience from both a Capitol Hill and political campaign perspective makes her a great addition to our communications team,” says Scott DeFife, executive vice president of policy and government affairs for the National Restaurant Association.
“Katie is joining the association at a critical time as we seek to positively influence the public policy debate on front-burner issues, such as debit card swipe fee reform, health care, restaurant depreciation and access to credit for small businesses. We welcome Katie and know that her experience messaging complex legislative issues will be an enormous benefit to us.”
Prior to joining the association, Niebaum served as U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln’s (D-Ark.) top press aide, a role she had held since 2006. In addition to her eight year-tenure in Lincoln’s Senate office, Niebaum served as communications director for Lincoln’s high-profile campaign in 2010.
Niebaum is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and received her bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Virginia.
