Jennifer Diggins

About Jennifer Diggins

Over 15 years in public affairs and government relations, I’ve helped companies in manufacturing, energy, and technology navigate complex, changing regulations and turn them into opportunities for long-term success. My work has ranged from Fortune 100 boardrooms to early-stage startups, always focused on building trust and strategy that stands up to scrutiny. I’ve worked on Capitol Hill, across industry associations, and around the world. I\'ve sat across the table from every U.S. President since Bill Clinton, and that experience showed me that policy isn’t abstract. It’s personal. The decisions made in those rooms have real consequences for businesses, workers, and communities.Whether advising executives on geopolitical risk, guiding policy advocacy, or engaging communities, I’ve seen that the best outcomes start with showing up early, listening carefully, and earning a seat at the table.Throughout my career, I’ve helped companies protect market access for emerging technologies in the EU, secure federal recognition for breakthrough carbon capture solutions, and gain community support for major projects – including achieving full permitting with zero opposition for one of the world’s largest lithium processing facilities.I hold a Women’s Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University and am active with Raleigh Women Leaders, focused on developing clear-eyed, effective leadership that brings people with you rather than pushing them aside. Additionally, I support organizations like Dress for Success and Habitat for Humanity.

Experience

1. Senior Director Government Relations

   Smurfit Westrock

   Sep 2025 — Present · Atlanta, GA, US

   I joined this leading paper and packaging manufacturer to build and lead a modern, business-integrated government relations function focused on protecting mill competitiveness, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and shaping policy that enables sustainable growth across North America.Working closely with executive leadership, operations, sustainability, and commercial teams, I translate complex legislative and regulatory risks into clear business strategy — ensuring our voice is heard on packaging policy, recycling, forestry, trade, energy, and environmental regulation.TOP ACHIEVEMENTS SPAN: Set and execute North American federal and state advocacy strategy aligned to mill operations, capital investment priorities, and long-term growth objectives Advise senior leadership on policy risk and opportunity across packaging EPR laws, recycled content mandates, air/water regulation, tax, trade, and energy markets Lead direct engagement with Congress, Administration officials, governors, and key regulators to protect manufacturing jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains Build coalitions with industry associations, customers, and peer manufacturers to advance pragmatic, pro-manufacturing outcomes and defend the competitiveness of paper-based packaging Partner cross-functionally with sustainability, legal, tax, trade and commercial teams to align public policy with ESG commitments and customer expectations Elevate company visibility as an industry leader through strategic stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and targeted thought leadership

Education

• The George Washington University

  MA, Political Management

• Eastern Connecticut State University

  Bachelors of Arts, Political Science