Chris Tampio

Chris Tampio serves as Vice President of State Government Affairs for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), where he leads the organization’s state advocacy efforts and works to strengthen WSWA’s influence on behalf of its members across the country. In this role, he focuses on building a strategic, proactive government affairs operation that anticipates emerging policy challenges, advances industry priorities, and delivers measurable results for wine and spirits wholesalers.

Prior to joining WSWA, Tampio served as Vice President of Government Affairs at Heartland Dental, the nation’s largest dental support organization. There, he directed the company’s nationwide public policy strategy, coordinated cross-functional advocacy initiatives, and led engagement with state and federal lawmakers, regulators, and industry associations.

Before joining Heartland Dental, Tampio spent eight years as the American Dental Association’s Director of Congressional Affairs and also served as interim senior vice president of its Washington, D.C., office.

With more than 30 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, and lobbying, Tampio has built an accomplished career representing associations, foundations, corporations, and advocacy organizations at both the federal and state levels. He previously served as a Senior Advisor at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, where he was a member of the firm’s State Attorneys General Group and advised clients on a broad range of issues, including labor, taxation, healthcare, finance, and regulatory policy.

Earlier in his career, Tampio founded the Washington, D.C. office of Parquet Public Affairs, serving as a federal and state lobbyist from 2009 to 2011. In that role, he developed and executed comprehensive government relations strategies for industry associations and Fortune 500 companies. He also served as Senior Director of Government Relations for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) from 2006 to 2009 and has held senior policy and advocacy positions with several other national organizations.

Throughout his career, Tampio has demonstrated commitment to coalition building and public policy leadership. He has co-chaired national coalitions focused on small business fairness and ergonomics issues, contributed to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Safety Management Principles Committee, and participated in numerous political campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels.

In recognition of his leadership and effectiveness in advocacy, Tampio was named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists in Washington, D.C., in December 2024, marking the sixth consecutive year he received that distinction.