ESA Names Government Relations Head

The Entertainment Software Association has named Jennifer Manner its SVP for government affairs.

Manner will be responsible for heading the ESA’s federal and state government relations team, which works directly with elected officials and regulatory agencies on behalf of the video game industry.

"The entertainment software industry is faced with a variety of challenges and opportunities at the national level from protecting intellectual property and preserving First Amendment rights to fostering economic development and technological advancement," said ESA CEO Michael Gallagher. "Jennifer's wealth of policy experience, particularly in the broadband space, will serve the ESA and our members well as we work to create a prosperous environment for the entire computer and video game industry."

Manner is a long-time Democrat with expertise in working with both parties, the ESA said. Most recently, Manner was vice president of regulatory affairs at Skyterra Communications, where she was responsible for developing and implementing regulatory and policy strategy for the major hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications company. Prior to joining Skyterra, Manner was senior counsel to Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy. While at the FCC, she advised the commissioner on technology, wireless, consumer and international affairs issues.