J.J. Manser

J.J. Manser serves as NAFO’s Director of Government Relations and State Outreach. J.J. has a proven track record in building strong relationships with federal, state, and local stakeholders to align and achieve favorable policy outcomes for working forests. Prior to joining NAFO, he worked at CMS Energy, where he focused on advancing appropriations, biomass, renewable energy, and environmental policy. During his time at CMS, J.J. mobilized state and local community action agencies to advocate for increased federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

J.J. was born and raised in Michigan, and like all Michiganders, J.J. would be happy to show you where he’s from if you hold up your hand.

J.J. speaks Arabic and has worked and studied in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. He holds a Master’s in Public Policy from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Grand Valley State University.