ARLINGTON, Va. — Vonnie Hampel has been named as the new director of federal government affairs at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

Vonnie Hampel

NACDS said Wednesday that Hampel most recently served as senior legislative assistant and press secretary to U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D., Iowa). She managed health policy issues for Loebsack, who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Hampel reports to Tom O’Donnell, vice president of federal government affairs, in NACDS’ Government Affairs and Public Policy Department, led by Carol Kelly, senior vice president of government affairs and public policy.

“Vonnie brings the policy, politics and press trifecta to NACDS, with impressive experience earned on Capitol Hill and on federal and state campaign teams,” NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson said in a statement. “She will contribute to NACDS’ all-branches and all-levels of government approach to health care advocacy, which includes issue expertise, grassroots empowerment and proactive communications. Her attentiveness to serving constituents while working for Congressman Loebsack will translate well to NACDS’ member-centric focus.”

Before starting with Loebsack in May 2012, Hampel was legislative assistant and press secretary for former Rep. Dan Boren (D., Okla.). Prior to that, she served in positions of increasing responsibility for former Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D., Fla.) and as finance assistant and field organizer for Chuck Caputo for Delegate, a state legislative campaign in Virginia.

“We are particularly pleased that Vonnie has joined the NACDS staff team prior to NACDS RxImpact Day on Capitol Hill, March 16 and 17,” Anderson added. “We look forward to introducing her to the NACDS membership.”