Motion Picture Association of America chairman and CEO Dan Glickman announced that Michael O’Leary is being promoted to executive VP of government relations, and Greg Frazier will become executive VP and chief policy officer.

In his new capacity, O’Leary will work directly with Glickman to develop and implement the Association’s domestic government policy priorities. O’Leary will also oversee all federal and state legislative and regulatory strategies. He previously served as senior VP for the Association’s federal advocacy department.

“Michael has been integral to many of the MPAA’s legislative and regulatory achievements over the past several years, and in his new, expanded role he will continue to lead our U.S. government affairs team to success in its advocacy efforts,” Glickman said. “In today’s declining economic environment, it is vital to have strong leadership such as Michael’s as we advocate our industry’s key role in the economy before government leaders in Washington and the state capitals.”

Upon joining the MPAA, O’Leary brought more than 12 years of legislative, intellectual-property and enforcement experience. He served at the U.S. Department of Justice as deputy chief in the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs. Prior to the Department of Justice, O’Leary worked as counsel to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for five years, including serving as chief counsel to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. During his time with the Judiciary Committee,
O’Leary was also counsel to Senators Dennis DeConcini, Joseph Biden and Russ Feingold.

In his new capacity, Greg Frazier will be responsible for developing the Association’s annual operating plan and coordinating its implementation across the Association’s departments. He will continue to report directly to Glickman and maintain his responsibilities of managing MPAA’s U.S. trade policy as well as the government affairs activities of its international offices.

“Greg’s experience with all parts of the Association will be invaluable as we continue to develop and execute policies across the organization aimed at ensuring that we are meeting the industry’s challenges. He will continue his work on international affairs, which is increasingly important as the industry relies on foreign markets for growth,” Glickman said.

Before joining MPAA, Frazier was a trade policy consultant to several domestic and international clients. He served six years in the Clinton administration, first as chief of staff at the Department of Agriculture and then as chief agriculture negotiator at USTR, with the rank of ambassador. He previously served 18 years in several staff director roles in the House of Representatives.