Jessica Carter is a highly respected government affairs executive and a nationally recognized leader in transportation policy and federal advocacy. She currently serves as the Head of Federal Government Affairs for Ford Motor Company, where she joined in 2023 to lead the company’s federal political strategy. In this role, she ensures Ford’s voice is heard on critical issues, while aligning legislative outcomes with the transition to a “smart vehicle, smart world” mobility environment.

With nearly three decades of experience navigating the legislative process, Carter has been instrumental in shaping public discourse around electrification and advanced energy technologies. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes has solidified her reputation as a “Top Lobbyist” by The Hill and one of the “Most Powerful Women in Washington” by Washingtonian.

A veteran of the legislative branch, her expertise is rooted in an extensive career on Capitol Hill. She previously served as Chief of Staff and in senior leadership roles for five Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Most notably, she led the office of Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) during the expansion of the Western Caucus into the second-largest Republican caucus in the House.

She has served as a Board Member of the Capitol Hill Club since 2001 and is the Secretary of the Board of Directors for National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind.

Carter holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Business Administration in International Relations from the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University.

She resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Brad, and their two children. In her limited spare time, she is an automotive enthusiast and enjoys driving her classic 1973 Ford Bronco.