Federal Government Taps Plumbing Industry Leader to Help Shape Global Trade Policy
Washington, Friday, 11 September 2026.
Dain Hansen’s appointment to the U.S. Industry Trade Advisory Committee gives water infrastructure standards direct influence over federal trade policies and international negotiations through 2030.
Federal Appointment Announced
On September 10, 2026, the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the appointment of Dain Hansen to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC) [1]. Hansen, serving as the executive vice president of government relations at the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), will bring infrastructure sector perspectives to federal international trade policy [1]. This appointment integrates key plumbing manufacturing and standards viewpoints directly into non-tariff barrier negotiations [1]. The announcement marks a significant intersection of industry expertise and federal trade strategy as of September 2026 [1].
Committee Mandate and Scope
The ITAC is designed to advise the U.S. government on trade policy, objectives, and negotiation strategies [1]. Hansen’s role involves providing advice on trade barriers and the implementation of existing agreements [1]. Global trade is cited as vital to competitiveness and innovation, with the committee focusing on expanding access to international markets [1]. The committee’s guidance directly influences how conformity assessment programs and trade agreement implementations are handled by the federal government [1].
Industry Experience and Tenure
Dain Hansen has led IAPMO Government Relations since joining the organization in 2010 [1]. By the time of this 2026 appointment, Hansen’s tenure with the organization spans 16 years of advocacy work [1]. This long-standing position has allowed for the cultivation of relationships across government and industry sectors [1]. The appointment recognizes over a decade of building policies that strengthen public health and economic opportunity [1].
Recognition of Export Efforts
IAPMO previously received the President’s “E” Award for Export Service in 2019 [1]. Subsequently, the organization was awarded the “E Star” Award in 2024 for export expansion [1]. The U.S. Department of Commerce specifically cited work on plumbing standards and a testing facility in Indonesia for this recognition [1]. These awards highlight the organization’s historical success in advancing interests around the world [1].
International Cooperation History
In 2025, Hansen represented IAPMO at an APEC summit in South Korea [1]. During this event, collaboration occurred with the USTR and stakeholders from 11 APEC economies regarding plumbing standardization [1]. This prior engagement demonstrates existing cooperation with stakeholders to align standards and regulatory frameworks [1]. Such international coordination sets a precedent for the work expected during the ITAC charter term [1].
Term Duration and Future Policy
The current ITAC charter term runs from July 2026 through July 2030 [1]. This four-year period covers critical timelines for trade barrier negotiations and agreement implementations [1]. Hansen expressed honor in being appointed by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to this role [1]. The appointment ensures industry perspective remains part of the federal trade-policy process through 2030 [1].