PPA Hires New Lobbyist

[Jestocost]

POKER PLAYER. Lobbyists should know the issues and the political landscape when they head to Capitol Hill. For John Pappas, the new vice president of government relations for the Poker Players Alliance, being able to play the game helps, too. "I wouldn't say I am the most skilled player," says Pappas of his poker abilities. "But I can hold my own."

Pappas will focus on coordinating lobbying and grassroots efforts to establish licensed and regulated poker in the United States for online and offline players. The alliance, a nonprofit composed of poker players and enthusiasts, is relatively young, but boasts former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-N.Y., as its board chairman. The group, headquartered in San Francisco, is poised to reach the 500,000-member mark soon.

Pappas, most recently an assistant vice president at Dittus Communications, came to Washington almost a decade ago. A native of Phoenix, his first job out of college was as a staff assistant for Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz., and he eventually became his communications director.

A University of Arizona graduate, Pappas roots for the Wildcats during March Madness. "My senior year [1997] was the year they won the national basketball championship, which was a sweet exit from college," he says. "I watch every year with the hopes that they will return to their glory."