ACC Names New VP of State Affairs & Political Mobilization

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has named Rebecca McPhail, president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA), the new vice president of State Affairs and Political Mobilization, effective Dec. 18, 2023. She will succeed Rudy Underwood, who is retiring after more than three decades with ACC.

A leader in state policy development and advocacy, McPhail has served as WVMA president since 2013 and brings a track record of building consensus across party lines and industry sectors. Her background includes advocating for legislation to aid in the retention and expansion of the West Virginia chemical manufacturing industry, implementing strategic initiatives for economic competitiveness, and establishing statewide programs such as the WVMA Education Foundation Inc. to support educational opportunities and career paths for students in the state.

“ACC and the chemical industry at large are bringing innovation and solutions to the table when it comes to meeting the needs of modern society,” said McPhail. “I plan to bring to my new role an emphasis on collaboration to meet the demands of communities across the nation, while bringing to light the fact that American success relies on American chemistry. I will help drive ACC’s mission across the country at the state level by advocating for the people, policy, and products of chemistry. I’m excited for the opportunity to support the continued creation of jobs, solutions, and economic prosperity that result in productive outcomes for American manufacturers, workers, and their communities.”

McPhail previously served as the president of statewide economic development organization Vision Shared. Prior to that, she was assistant vice president of Development at Marshall University. Before returning to West Virginia in 2003, she served as Grant Development and Research manager and interim director of Development for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland in Cleveland, OH.

"Rebecca’s greatest forte is that she brings balance and determination to reach across party lines and find common sense solutions to the policy issues we face in states across the nation,” said ACC President and CEO, Chris Jahn. “Her reputation as a collaborative, solutions-focused advocate among state legislators precedes her. She is also a mobilizer that builds consensus and pathways for economic development, safe manufacturing, and community-first engagement in which chemical manufacturers and the communities in which they operate can thrive together.”