Tom Ridge, the former Governor of Pennsylvania and America’s first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, will greet NASF attendees and deliver remarks at NASF’s annual Washington Forum, Monday, April 15.

The creation of the country’s 15th Cabinet Department marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration.  During his tenure at the Dept. of Homeland Security, Secretary Ridge worked with 180,000+ employees from 22 government agencies to create an entity that facilitated the flow of people and goods, instituted layered security at air, land and seaports, developed a unified national response and recovery plan, protected critical infrastructure, and improved information sharing worldwide.  Prior to the events of September 11th, Tom Ridge was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania and served six terms as a member of the US House of Representatives.  

Mr. Ridge serves on the boards of the Institute for Defense Analyses and the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.  He is Chairman of Ridge Global, LLC, Chairman of the Ridge Global Cybersecurity Institute and a Partner of Ridge Policy Group, LLC, which provides solutions to cybersecurity, international security and risk management issues.  

NASF’s Washington Forum, held each spring, gives participants valuable insights on developments and challenges that impact the surface finishing industry. Forum participants gain insight from industry experts during formal sessions, and share their views directly with Senators, Representatives, and Congressional Staff.

This event is one of the most impactful things the finishing industry does to foster positive working relationships with regulatory officials.  

NASF ▪ 1800 M Street, Suite 400 S. Washington, DC 20036 ▪ Ph: (202) 457-8404