Veteran public affairs leader Bill Meierling joins NAMA staff as senior vice president, external affairs

The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) announced the appointment of veteran public affairs leader Bill Meierling as its senior vice president of external affairs. In this role, Meierling is responsible for an expansive portfolio of NAMA strategies to ensure the convenience services industry is a recognized, valued and essential resource to businesses and consumers. With responsibility for all aspects of external affairs, Meierling spearheads NAMA’s advanced government affairs, advocacy and reputation agenda.

Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA, said in the announcement: “Bill is an accomplished public affairs leader who has driven results for trade associations and nonprofits, as well as B2Bs. His diverse background in state and federal government affairs, campaigns and strategic communications applies directly to NAMA’s goals. I’m thrilled Bill has joined the NAMA team. He brings the ideal talent at the ideal time to NAMA’s bold advocacy efforts.”

Meierling joins NAMA from the International Franchise Association (IFA), where he served as vice president, strategic communications and marketing. During his time at IFA, Meierling led a team focused on expanding awareness and understanding of the franchising industry’s context, value and contributions to economy. 

“Convenience services inspire and enable incredible experiences where people work, live, and play,” Meierling said in the announcement. “The industry is well suited to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers with value and choice wherever they are and whenever they want. I look forward to partnering with the NAMA team and members to promote, protect, and advance the convenience services industry.”

Meierling brings with him nearly 20 years of advocacy, policy and strategic communications experience and has held leadership roles at the American Legislative Exchange Council and United Way Worldwide, among other professional accomplishments. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Political Management from the George Washington University where he also served as an adjunct professor for six years.