Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth VanDersarl ’95
Vice President of Government Affairs, American Forest & Paper Association
Don’t tell Elizabeth VanDersarl that there are too many lawyers in Washington. The way she sees it, the nation’s capital is full of policy opportunities—and lawyers are there to seize them.
“When I was in law school, I worked at the Department of Justice for two summers and I really fell in love with Washington,” says VanDersarl, a 1995 graduate. “The politics, the energy, the incredible range of opportunities that existed, and the people that were here all made it seem like such a dynamic, interesting place.”
Thirteen years later, VanDersarl has been named vice president of government affairs at the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), the national trade association for the forest, paper, and wood products industry. She was previously executive director of public affairs and director of Congressional affairs at AF&PA. Prior to that, she managed a portfolio of regulatory issues at the Office of Management and Budget, served as counsel to Senator Fred Thompson on the precursor to the Homeland Security Committee, and worked for pollster Frank Luntz.
VanDersarl thrives on the fast pace and variety of her current work, where she oversees AF&PA’s advocacy efforts in the international, state, and federal arenas. On a typical day, she might visit members of Congress and key staff on Capitol Hill or meet with government officials to discuss tax, trade, energy, and environmental issues. She runs staff meetings, develops policies and strategies, and ensures communications and grassroots activities are advancing the association’s objectives. She participates in coalition meetings with organizations that share common cause on issues and when CEOs from member companies fly in to Washington, she may help brief them on activities.
“What I really like about my work is that it is constantly challenging,” she says. “I learn something new every day, if not multiple times a day, and I feel like I’m making a difference in an industry that’s crucial to our economy.”
For people who are passionate about policy work, law school is a good place to start, VanDersarl adds. “Notre Dame does such a good job of ensuring that you come out with a broad-based legal education and that you can do almost anything. Down the road, the education you receive will serve you well no matter what you want to do, and provide you with a lot of flexibility and opportunities.”
