WASHINGTON, D.C., 09/28/2026 – Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) today announces that Christopher M. Tampio has joined the association as Vice President, State Affairs. Reporting to Dawson Hobbs, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Chris will lead WSWA's state legislative advocacy.
Chris brings extensive government affairs and association leadership experience to WSWA. He's represented the National Restaurant Association, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), and the American Dental Association (ADA). At NACS, he represented convenience and fuel retailers before federal and state governments, and he expanded the association's state government affairs and grassroots programs.
Most recently, as Vice President, Government Affairs at Heartland Dental, he directed state government affairs across a 40-state footprint, including work with state licensing boards and associations. As a partner at Parquet Public Affairs, he directed 50-state issue campaigns for industry associations and Fortune 500 companies. He also built relationships with the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, and the National Association of Attorneys General.
At the federal level, Chris led ADA’s Washington office as Interim Senior Vice President. He previously served as its Director of Congressional Affairs for eight years.
At WSWA, Chris will work closely with state wholesaler associations and member companies on the legislative and regulatory issues that shape the wine and spirits distribution tier and the American, family-owned businesses at its center.
“Chris has spent his career inside trade association, and he knows how to turn members’ priorities into results in state capitols and before regulators,” said Hobbs. “His multistate experience will strengthen our partnerships with state associations and help us support wholesaler members across the country. We’re excited to have him on our team and look forward to the impact he will make.”
“State policy decisions shape how wine and spirits reach consumers safely and responsibly. I’m looking forward to working with WSWA’s members and state association partners to make sure policymakers hear directly from the family-owned businesses that keep the three-tier system working,” said Chris.
About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.
To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook or X.
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