WASHINGTON D.C., JUNE 9, 2026 – The Canadian American Business Council (CABC) is pleased to welcome James Brandell, Richard de Sam Lazaro, and Andrea Waldock Niethold to its Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to welcome Jim, Richard, and Andrea to our Board of Directors,” said Beth Burke, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council. “Their dedication to strengthening the U.S.-Canada relationship, combined with their impressive professional accomplishments and deep expertise across policy, trade, transportation, financial services, and technology, will be tremendous assets to the CABC community. We look forward to their contributions as we continue advancing a more competitive, integrated, and prosperous North American economy.”
James Brandell | Vice President of Global Government Policy, Manulife John Hancock
Dr. James Brandell is Vice President of Global Government Policy at John Hancock, where he leads the company’s federal and international affairs work in Washington, DC. With more than 20 years of experience in public policy, Dr. Brandell brings a unique blend of state, federal, and international expertise to his role, with a focus on taxation, international trade, and financial services.
He has been recognized by the National Institute of Lobbying and The Hill as one of Washington’s top lobbyists, known for his bipartisan relationships and strategic legislative insight. Prior to joining John Hancock, Dr. Brandell led federal government relations at a major law firm and served as Chief of Staff to former House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp, where he played a central role in advancing major legislative initiatives including and trade agreements.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Brandell served in Michigan state government as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Governor John Engler, and worked overseas for an international NGO, where he opened its Serbia office and managed U.S. government grants supporting democratic development and election monitoring.
Dr. Brandell holds a PhD in public affairs and public administration from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Michigan State University.
Richard de Sam Lazaro | Vice President, Government and Corporate Affairs, Expedia Group
Richard de Sam Lazaro is Expedia Group’s Vice President for Government and Corporate Affairs – managing the Company’s lobbying, policy development, and public affairs engagements across its largest global markets. A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Richard grew up in Olympia, Washington and began his career at the Washington State Legislature, followed by several years as a staffer and advisor to a variety of Federal and State elected officials and candidates before joining Expedia in 2017.
At Expedia, Richard and his team manage a broad and dynamic set of policy issues ranging from digital taxation and trade to e-commerce regulation to real estate and sustainability efforts at the company’s Seattle headquarters. Under Richard’s leadership, Expedia was the first company in the United States to develop and embrace the regulation of the Internet economy by local governments—a now leading-edge practice that has led to policy partnerships between the company and municipal, state, and provincial governments across the continent.
Richard lives in Seattle with his wife and two dogs. An avid traveler, he is often in flight or abroad during the long Seattle winters but takes to the many trails and climbs in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia in the summer months. Richard is an active advocate for sustainable transportation and urban mobility and serves on the boards of Internet.Works, the Travel Technology Association, and Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry.
Andrea Niethold | Head of U.S. Public and Government Affairs, CN
Andrea Waldock Niethold was named Head of U.S. Public and Government Affairs at CN in August 2024, after serving as Director of U.S. Government Affairs since August 2017. In this role, she leads the company’s federal and state government affairs teams and oversees engagement across legislative, regulatory, and public affairs functions.
Based in Washington, D.C., Ms. Waldock Niethold is a trusted strategic advisor and advocate, working closely with policymakers, industry partners, and key stakeholders on issues central to North American economic competitiveness. She is known for her ability to bring together parties with differing perspectives, build durable coalitions, and find pragmatic common ground that advances shared policy objectives. Her portfolio includes advancing policies that strengthen cross-border trade, enhance supply-chain resilience, and support a modern, safe, and efficient freight rail network. She plays a central role in shaping CN’s U.S. policy priorities and positioning the company as a constructive, solutions-oriented partner to lawmakers and regulators.
Prior to joining CN in 2017, Ms. Waldock Niethold spent nearly a decade on Capitol Hill, including serving as Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11). Her congressional experience provides her with a sophisticated understanding of the legislative process, political dynamics, and the importance of credibility and trust in effective advocacy.
Ms. Waldock Niethold holds graduate degrees from The Catholic University of America and a bachelor’s degree from Butler University. She resides on Capitol Hill with her husband and three young sons.
“James, Richard, and Andrea are joining the Board at a pivotal moment for the bilateral partnership. Their experience across policy issues and stakeholder engagement will help the CABC continue to deliver meaningful impact,” says Tom Gannon, Chair of the CABC Board of Directors.
About the CABC: Established in 1987, the Council is the leading non-profit, non-partisan, issues-oriented organization dedicated to fostering dialogue between the public and private sectors in Canada the US. Members are key business leaders and stakeholders from both sides of the border ranging from entrepreneurs to best name brands in the world. Collectively, CABC members employ about over 11.6 million people and have annual revenues of close to $6 trillion. For more information about the CABC and its leadership team, please visit our Who We Are section.
