Van Ness Feldman LLP, a nationally recognized energy, environmental, and public policy law firm, today announced that former Toyota Motor North America executive Tom Stricker has joined the firm as a Senior Policy Advisor in its Environmental practice. Stricker will help expand the firm's nationally recognized Mobile Source team, advising automobile and engine manufacturers, suppliers, and other clients on Clean Air Act (CAA) implementation, vehicle emissions regulation, fuel economy and greenhouse gas policy, environmental compliance and sustainability, and emerging transportation technologies.
Stricker brings more than three decades of leadership at the intersection of environmental regulation, public policy, and the automotive industry. Most recently, he served as Group Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Environmental Sustainability for Toyota Motor North America, where he led the company's U.S. environmental sustainability strategy and directed regulatory matters involving vehicle emissions, fuel economy, motor vehicle safety, enterprise chemical management, and environmental compliance. In that role, he also advised federal and state policymakers on complex legislative and regulatory initiatives, helping lawmakers and industry leaders understand the technical, operational, and business implications of emerging transportation and environmental policies.
Before joining Toyota, Stricker served as Group Manager in the Office of Transportation and Air Quality at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he helped shape national mobile source emissions policy, and previously worked with the American Petroleum Institute on transportation fuels and environmental issues. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for exceptional public service, receiving the EPA's Bronze Medal for Commendable Service, Gold Medal for Exceptional Service, and a U.S. Department of Justice commendation.
"Tom has spent his career at the forefront of environmental and transportation policy, helping shape some of the most consequential regulatory programs affecting the automotive industry," said Kyle Danish, Co-Chair of Van Ness Feldman. "His unique perspective, from EPA policymaker to senior industry executive, will be an extraordinary asset to our Environmental and Air practice and to clients navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. We are thrilled to welcome him to the firm."
"Tom's experience is virtually unmatched," said Britt Speyer Fleming, Practice Group Leader for Van Ness Feldman's Air Practice. "He has helped shape environmental policy from inside government, led regulatory strategy for one of the world's most innovative automotive manufacturers, and worked closely with policymakers on the legislative issues driving the future of transportation. His ability to translate complex technical and business considerations into practical policy solutions will be invaluable to our clients as they navigate an increasingly dynamic regulatory and legislative landscape."
In addition to his leadership at Toyota, Stricker served as the inaugural Chairman of Auto-ISAC, the automotive industry's cybersecurity information sharing organization, and served on the Executive Committee of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.
"I'm thrilled to join Van Ness Feldman and work alongside a team that has long been recognized as a leader in environmental law and policy," said Stricker. "The transportation and environmental sectors are experiencing unprecedented technological and regulatory change, creating both challenges and opportunities for industry. I look forward to helping clients navigate that evolving landscape with practical, forward-looking advice."
Tom can be reached at tstricker@vnf.com or at 202-390-1687.