John Pappas
Executive Director
Poker Players Alliance 

John Pappas has been engaged in high-level policy
and political consulting in Washington,
D.C., for the last ten
years.  Prior to taking a full-time
position as vice president of government affairs for the Poker Players Alliance
(PPA) he was a public affairs consultant for the Washington PR firm Dittus
Communications.  During his four years at
Dittus, Pappas served as a media and policy advisor for dozens of Fortune 500
companies, start-up firms, trade associations and grassroots organizations like
the PPA.

Pappas cut his teeth in Washington politics straight out of college.  He worked for nearly six years with his
hometown congressman, John Shadegg from Arizona.  Pappas handled policy issues for the congressman,
including e-commerce and homeland security. He also served as the congressman’s
communications director and spokesperson, managing media strategy and press inquiries
in Washington, D.C.,
and Arizona.  In addition to his work on Capitol Hill,
Pappas also worked on several congressional and state-wide political campaigns.

 
As vice president of government affairs for the PPA,
Pappas managed the PPA’s lobbying efforts, grassroots outreach and media
strategy.  In this capacity he educated Members
of Congress and senior Hill staff about online poker, and as a result helped
formulate legislation that ensures that Americans can continue to enjoy the
great game of poker in the venue of their choosing. 

As PPA executive director, he will be responsible
for overall operations management, strategic initiatives, membership communication/engagement
and recruitment.

Pappas enjoys playing Texas Hold’em with friends and
family and is also an avid golfer.  He is
a native of Phoenix, Ariz.,
and a graduate of the University
of Arizona.

Author Contact Info: Poker Players Alliance