AFFI Names EVP of Public Affairs

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has hired Joe Clayton as its new EVP of public affairs.

"Joe's extensive communications, public affairs and management experience will enable AFFI to further strengthen our efforts to engage consumers, key opinion leaders and public policy makers in support of the frozen food and beverage category," noted Kraig R. Naasz, president and CEO of the McLean, Va.-based trade organization.

In his new role, Clayton, who has more than 30 years of experience spanning the agency, corporate, government and nonprofit arenas, will help direct the institute's public affairs program and oversee day-to-day management of its $90 million "Frozen. How Fresh Stays Fresh." national consumer-facing campaign, which rolled out last month with the aim of positively influencing how shoppers think and feel about frozen foods

He was previously the public affairs practice leader at the public relations agency Golin. Before joining Golin, Clayton was the founding partner of Outreach Strategies, president and CEO of Widmeyer Communications, and legislative assistant to former U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon (D-Ill.).