WASHINGTON, June 15, 2004 . . . William M. Himpler is the American Financial Services Association's (AFSA) new senior vice president for federal government affairs, the association announced today.

Himpler, whose appointment is effective today, previously was deputy assistant secretary for congressional relations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Prior to joining HUD in 2002, Himpler was director of legislative affairs for Barbour Griffith & Rogers, Inc. and was tax counsel/legislative director for Rep. Jerry Weller (R-IL). He has also served as a senior legislative assistant with Rep. Charles Canady (R-FL) and was a policy analyst and press secretary for the House Republican Study Committee. Himpler holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Steubenville, a master's degree from Dominican House of Studies and a law degree from Catholic University.

"Bill brings a combination of regulatory, legislative and private-sector experience that will augment our presence on Capitol Hill and with the Administration," said AFSA president and chief executive officer Randy Lively. "Under Bill's direction, AFSA's federal government affairs operation will continue to work on a wide range of issues while striving for a legislative environment that allows our member companies to operate on a level playing field."

In addition to Himpler's appointment, AFSA announced two promotions within its government affairs department. George McElwee, formerly manager, federal government affairs becomes director, federal government affairs. McElwee, who joined AFSA in 2000, previously worked for Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA). He holds a bachelor's degree from Shippensburg University and is currently pursuing a master's degree at the George Washington University.

Beth Frank, a government affairs representative for AFSA since 2002, moves up to assume McElwee's role as manager, federal government affairs. Frank holds a bachelor's degree from Tulane University.

Founded in 1916 and based in Washington, D.C., AFSA is a national trade association for market-funded financial services firms that provide credit to consumers and small businesses. Its more than 400 active, associate and affiliate members include auto finance lenders, consumer and commercial finance companies, credit card issuers and diversified firms.