
Jessica Franken
Director of Government Affairs
Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART)
Jessica Franken, SMART’s Director of Government Affairs, has 25 years of experience in government relations, public policy, and advocacy, with a strong focus on sustainability and circular economy solutions. She has worked on Capitol Hill and represented industries including recycled textiles, nonwoven fabrics, healthcare packaging, and electric vehicles. Jessica has been a leading advocate for sustainability policies, helping organizations advance environmental goals by promoting textile recycling, waste reduction, and circularity.
Her work includes developing position papers, legislative strategies, and government submissions. She has authored over 150 policy articles and successfully testified before state legislatures, securing victories on trade, taxation, manufacturing, and labor policy.
Jessica holds a Master’s in Public Policy from George Mason University, where she earned the Alexis de Tocqueville Award for excellence, and a Bachelor’s in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland. She is also President of The Franken Group, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in strategic advocacy and policy development.