The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) has a new vice president of policy, government and regulatory affairs. Elizabeth “Liz” Leoty Craddock has taken on the position and will lead the association’s Washington, D.C., office.

“Liz was staff director of one of the most bipartisan committees on Capitol Hill and the one known for getting things accomplished,” says Taf Powell, IADC executive vice president, policy, regulatory and government affairs. “We are excited to have such a thoughtful leader join our Washington, D.C., office to advocate for sensible legislative and regulatory policy in the U.S.”

Before joining IADC, Craddock served as the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s first female majority staff director. She worked under chairwoman Sen. Mary Landrieu, overseeing the passage of the BLM Permit Processing Improvement Act and more than 80 public lands bills.

“Liz will help IADC ensure that federal and state governments and other stakeholders are aware of the industry’s determination to operate reliably, to protect the environment and human safety, and to continue the impressive achievements of recent years,” Powell says.

Craddock started working with Senator Landrieu in 2006 as legislative director and counsel. In that position, she coordinated Landrieu’s legislative affairs and provided vote recommendations. Prior to joining that office, she worked under U.S. Congresswoman Karen Thurman and Congressman Dale Kildee. In law school she worked for the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

A member of the District of Columbia bar, She holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and public relations from the University of Florida, along with a J.D. from Tulane University Law School.

Founded in 1940, IADC is dedicated to the interests of oil and gas, and geothermal drilling contractors worldwide. Its mission is to improve industry health, safety and environmental practices; advance drilling and completion technology; and champion responsible standards, practices, legislation and regulations that provide for safe, efficient and environmentally sound drilling operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.iadc.org.