Michael Pantelides

About Michael Pantelides

Mike Pantelides is an accomplished leader with a diverse background in both the government and private sector. As the Director of Plastic Sustainability Policy for the American Chemistry Council, he advocates for federal and state policy to create a sustainable and circular economy for plastic. He previously served as the Mayor of Annapolis, Maryland, where he spearheaded several successful initiatives to grow the community. After his time as mayor, he was appointed by the Governor to lead the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance at the Department of Labor. His office was the liaison between businesses, economic development organizations, communities, and federal, state, and local governments. He brings a unique perspective to government relations and public policy, having served in roles such as federal lobbyist, mayor, president of a community association, and as statewide liaison during the COVID-19 pandemic for Maryland’s 157 municipalities. He has experience networking and presenting information at the highest levels of government and corporate America. The ability to work in high-stress situations and a history of achieving results. Career highlights: Led the state\'s coronavirus pandemic response for municipal governments in Maryland, coordinating weekly calls with all 157 municipalities and State Cabinet Secretaries. Spearheaded a project as Mayor of Annapolis that transformed a closed landfill into a solar panel Renewable Energy Park, creating green jobs and generating $4M in revenue for the city. Testified in front of congressional hearings as Mayor on legislative impact and prepared fiscal notes as a state employee on legislation. Sold software to manage congressional databases, grassroots advocacy, bill tracking, and PAC software modules, concentrating on government affairs and political action committees (PACs). Successfully lobbied on behalf of all cities before the Maryland legislature as a member of the Maryland Municipal League legislative committee. As a community leader, Mike has volunteered his time and expertise to numerous boards and commissions. He was appointed to serve on Governor Larry Hogan’s Workforce Development Board and has served as a board member of the 21st Century Education Foundation, the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Visitors Bureau, the County Executive’s Heroin Task Force, and the Legislative Committee for the Maryland Municipal League. He is also the past Vice Chair of the Baltimore Regional Transit board.

Experience

1. Director, Plastics Sustainability Policy

   American Chemistry Council

   May 2023 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Supports federal plastics policy development and coordinates American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) federal advocacy workstreams within the Plastics division by working closely with the ACC federal lobbying team. Responsible for advancing a pro-active policy and advocacy agenda that benefits an integrated plastics value chain. Lead the planning and execution of key initiatives with internal and external stakeholders, engaging regularly with company government and public affairs representatives and supporting applicable subject matter experts. •Supports and leads development of federal policy initiatives that impact the plastics value chain in Congress and the Executive branch. •Collaborates across the Plastics division and other ACC key stakeholders to advance, support and develop public policy initiatives. •Closely coordinates and supports lobbying activities with in-house lobbying teams and external consultants. •Drafts correspondence, testimony, and regulatory comments in close coordination with in-house experts. •Develops systems to track, monitor and alert developments in Congress or at the regulatory level. •Represents ACC before key stakeholders, partners and other organizations. •Plans and coordinates activities with in-house committees that foster engagement from company government and public affairs representatives. •Develops strategies to advance key workstreams in packaging, sustainability, and durable markets.•Works closely with the Communications and Public Affairs team within the Plastics division to execute public affairs activities.•Collaborates with the Political Mobilization department on grassroots activities. •Assists in the development of technical and environmental reports on plastics in key markets and applications.

Education

• West Virginia University

  Bachelor of Art, Philosophy