As PMA celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, we want you to get to know the people behind the scenes that have contributed to PMA’s success. Each month we will feature a key PMA staff member on our blog.
This month we are highlighting Christie Carmigiano, who will celebrate 26 years with PMA next month! Read on to get to know more about Christie and her role with PMA.
Name, title and time at PMA.
Christie Carmigiano, Government and Communications Director, 26 years on June 27, 2022.
What made you want to work at PMA?
Until the point that I joined the PMA staff, I had always worked in the political field. My degree is in political science, and after college, I began working on the campaign to elect Mike DeWine (Ohio’s current governor) to the U.S. Senate. After he was elected, I briefly joined his staff in Washington, D.C., before returning home to work on a congressional campaign. At that time, I realized that I no longer wanted to work directly in politics. I heard about an opening at PMA for an executive assistant to the government relations director, I interviewed for the position, and started two days later. It seemed like a perfect fit and a way for me to be able to apply my background and interest in political science.
How has PMA changed over the years since you started?
A lot has changed, from how we communicate with members, to the number of benefits and services we offer, to our increased focus on advocacy in D.C., and more.
From the advocacy standpoint, PMA always has recognized the importance of representing the metalforming industry in Washington, D.C., and actively promoted government policies that strengthened manufacturing. In the early 2000s, the Section 201 steel tariffs were imposed and had a dramatic impact on our industry. It was then that we really ramped up our lobbying efforts and realized that we needed a daily presence in our nation’s capital, resulting in the hiring of our D.C.-based lobbying and communications teams who do such important work on our members’ behalf.
Despite many changes throughout the years, some things have remained constant. PMA always has been a tight-knit community of members who are passionate about the industry. And, the PMA team always has been dedicated and committed to providing valuable services to members and the industry.
First event/meeting that you worked on/attended.
A couple of weeks after I started, I attended a meeting of PMA’s government relations committee. It was a great opportunity to meet many members, and some of them are still involved in the association today. It also allowed me to gain a better understanding of the work that they do and how PMA’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., impact their companies and the industry.
Favorite PMA memory?
I have many great memories over the years with PMA staff, members and the D.C. team. One event stands out as being especially memorable, and that was our 2003 rally to end the Section 201 steel tariffs. PMA government relations committee member Jim McGregor arranged for a semi with a flatbed trailer carrying a stamping press to be brought to Washington, D.C., for the event. With the Capitol building in the background, PMA members and members of Congress spoke on a P/A system from the trailer bed, calling attention to the damaging effects of the tariffs on steel consumers. Members of the media also were in attendance and spoke to members following the rally. It definitely was a unique and memorable event!
What does PMA mean to you?
To me, PMA means being part of a community and industry that makes a difference and plays a critical role in our economy.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the people—getting to know and work with an amazing staff team, the PMA members and our D.C. team. I also love how I am able to work in a variety of areas, from PMA’s advocacy work, to the weekly PMA Pulse newsletter, to developing communications to members, to assisting with PMA committees and boards, and more. Every day brings something new.
What has been your biggest achievement/success while at PMA?
My biggest success has been being a part of PMA’s expanded advocacy efforts, which we ramped up in the early 2000s while lobbying to end the steel tariffs. During that time, we brought on board our lobbying and communications team to heighten our presence in D.C. PMA now is widely known by politicians, policymakers and the media as a trusted resource and the voice of the industry. We’ve had many successes throughout the last 20 years, and I’m happy to be a part of the advocacy team and play a role in the important work done on behalf of PMA members and the industry.