Ms. Abril has held a variety of trade association and advocacy posts in the Washington, DC, area. For two decades, she has served the broader chemical industry in positions of increasing responsibility. From 2008-2016, she was President of the International Fragrance Association, North America. Under her leadership, the association expanded membership by 30 percent, enhanced its educational offerings, and made significant strategic advancements.

Earlier in her career, Jennifer spent eight years at the American Chemistry Council where she advanced the association’s international regulatory harmonization efforts on product stewardship and public health issues, in addition to developing marketing and business development strategies.

Before joining the chemical industry, Ms. Abril held positions at a Washington, DC-based lobbying firm and a non-profit research and educational foundation.

Ms. Abril earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from The American University and holds a Masters of Science in Management from the University of Maryland, University College. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons.

Helminiak previously served as Vice President of Science and Regulatory Affairs for the Plastics Industry Association, where he worked with government agencies to develop and implement programs and foster partnerships with stakeholders and other groups to benefit the plastics industry. He has also represented the propane industry and the HVAC industry while with the National Propane Gas Association and the Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute.

He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and a law degree from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.

At the American Composites Manufacturers Association, Paul led the membership and strategic partnerships department. In his role, he increased member retention 20 percent to over 90 percent and created a market intelligence program, resulting in additional non-dues revenue by increasing the number of partnership agreements.

At the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Paul held several positions, including leading and managing ACC’s advocacy efforts during international negotiations that developed the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. He also managed Superfund reauthorization advocacy for the association, which included representing the industry before committee members and staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Environment and Public Works Committee, and EPA during reauthorization negotiations. He understands the value and purpose of leveraging key industry coalitions to ensure policy positions and industry objectives are achieved.

Paul is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Political Science and completed certificate programs in Executive International Business and International Finance and Global Markets at Georgetown University.

Wawer served in both staff and Executive Director roles for Chambers of Commerce in Waterbury, CT, Chicopee, MA, and Northern Rhode Island. He also served in regional trade associations, including the Boston Real Estate Board; Lexington, KY Board of Realtors; and the Massachusetts Chemistry Technology Alliance. His national trade association experience includes the American Chemistry Council, Color Pigments Manufacturers Association and SOCMA.

He was also a government relations professional for Ciba-Geigy Corporation, an international chemical, agricultural and pharmaceutical corporation.