Erik Milito is president of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), representing the offshore oil and gas, wind, critical minerals, and carbon sequestration industries. Erik serves as the leader, voice and advocate for over 140 member companies, and represents the U.S. offshore energy industry before Congress, the Executive Branch and the media. Erik and the organization focus on strategic outcomes that serve to promote the nation’s offshore industry as an innovator, problem-solver, and preferred investment choice. Erik has led efforts to secure a multitude of favorable public policy outcomes in Washington for the industry to continue to invest with certainty in domestic energy projects. Erik arrived at NOIA in November 2019 after serving for 17 years at the American Petroleum Institute (API), including roles as Vice President, Upstream Policy and Managing Counsel. From 2000 to 2002, Milito served as an attorney in the Solicitor’s Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army as a JAG from 1995 to 2000 and in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2000-2004, before resigning at the rank of Major. Erik received the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medals for his service. He holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Erik has been named a top lobbyist by The Hill and one of Washington’s most influential people by Washingtonian magazine. Erik is originally from Natrona, Pennsylvania, and he and his wife Beth now live in Alexandria, VA with their four children, Will, Helen, Evie, and Jake.