WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Mining Association (NMA) announced that Rich Nolan has been elected the association’s new president and chief executive officer following a detailed search process led by a search committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee. With more than 20 years of experience advocating on many natural resources sector issues, Nolan most recently served as NMA senior vice president of government and political affairs for 13 years.
Nolan succeeds Hal Quinn, who announced his intention last Spring to retire before the end of 2019. Quinn will remain as an advisor to Nolan for the remainder of the year.
“I am honored and humbled to take the helm of this great organization,” Nolan said. “Ours is a vital industry that impacts every facet of American life — providing the raw materials and energy necessary for America’s greatest innovations and technologies, national defense, manufacturing and much more. Mining and America’s miners provide the foundation for American prosperity, and I look forward to helping to shape a positive, productive future for this essential industry.”
Nolan’s three decades in government affairs and political advocacy have spanned a number of industries including mining, forestry, paper, chemicals and agriculture. His career began on Capitol Hill, where he served as an aide to several members of Congress and worked as an advisor on multiple campaign committees. After his time on the Hill, he held leadership roles at associations and firms focusing on natural resources and environmental issues, including the American Forest & Paper Association, CropLife America and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among others.
“Rich knows our industry and the broad portfolio of issues,” Chairman of the NMA Board and President and CEO of Hecla Mining Co. Phillips S. Baker Jr. said. “As a member of NMA’s executive team, Rich has been critical in delivering successful outcomes for the membership year after year, and shaping the association’s multiyear strategic plans. The NMA strategy already bears the mark of his innovative thinking. That experience, coupled with his proven leadership, management and advocacy abilities, makes Rich the right leader for the next chapter in NMA’s future.
“Finally, I want to thank Hal for his 34 years of service,” Baker said. “His leadership to the NMA and the industry has been unparalleled. While he will be missed, he has built a foundation that will sustain the NMA for years to come.”
