Jeff Farrah has been appointed as the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA)’s inaugural executive director.
In his new role, he will be responsible for leading daily operations and guiding the association’s long-term strategy and growth.
Before joining the AVIA, Farrah was general counsel of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), where he championed public policy to support the American entrepreneurial ecosystem. He also managed the legal and operational aspects of the association. Farrah was also the counsel to the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, where he advised the then-chairman John Thune and members of the committee on technology and telecommunications issues.
Farrah commented, “Autonomous vehicles offer a once-in-a-generation leap in innovation toward a safer, more efficient and more mobile world for those in need. I’m thrilled to be joining this industry and to partner with the many policymakers, like-minded organizations, non-profits and other commercial sectors that recognize the value of the AV industry. I look forward to amplifying the exciting developments that AVs are already fulfilling and to working in the trenches with stakeholders on the policies needed to achieve AVs’ full potential.”
“We are excited to add Jeff’s leadership and expertise to the AV industry,” said David Quinalty, chair of the AVIA board of directors. “Jeff’s appointment as executive director signals how far AVIA and the AV industry have progressed in recent years. The creation of this position is a natural next step in representing the safety, mobility and economic opportunities supported by AVs.
“This new role will be a valuable voice for the technology’s safety and mobility benefits for all road users as well as disabled, aging and disadvantaged communities. His extensive experience with trade associations and on Capitol Hill makes Jeff uniquely suited to navigate public policy issues, build relationships and drive AVIA forward into the future.”
“With road deaths at their highest peak in decades, severe stress on our supply chains and American technological leadership under threat, it is a critical time for policies and initiatives that support AV advancement on our roads,” said Ariel Wolf, general counsel to AVIA. “We’re looking forward to continuing the success of the association under Jeff’s leadership.”
