LOUDON, Tenn.—Russell B. Batson has been appointed associate director of the Polyurethane Foam Association.
The PFA announced Batson's appointment May 4, after an extensive search to fill the new position. Batson will work closely with PFA Executive Director Robert Luedeka in anticipation of Luedeka's scheduled retirement at the end of 2018, the association said.
Batson has more than two decades of experience representing furniture and plastics companies in public and regulatory affairs, according to the PFA. His job just prior to joining the PFA was as senior counsel, government relations, Americas for the global plastics and chemicals producer SABIC.
Batson also served for 15 years with the American Home Furnishings Alliance, first as director of congressional and regulatory affairs and later as vice president of government affairs. While at the AHFA, he was instrumental in the development of rulemaking for upholstered furniture flammability, involving complex issues of fire science, chemical safety, product liability and federal pre-emption, according to the PFA.
"The positive effects of his work are still seen in the industry today," the association said.
Batson holds bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Virginia, and is a member of the Virginia bar.