WASHINGTON — America's Community Bankers recently announced two appointments to its government relations staff. Patrick O'Brien joined ACB as director of government relations and COMPAC, the group's political action committee. He has nearly 10 years of experience in Washington, both on Capitol Hill and as a lobbyist. O'Brien previously served as an assistant vice president of Baker & Daniels Consulting, specializing in insurance and financial services. Prior to that he served for three years as director of federal government relations for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc. He also served on Senator Edward Kennedy's (D-Mass.) staff in various positions for five years before that.

Additionally, ACB promoted Jennifer Shaw, who joined the group in 2004, to COMPAC administrator where she will be responsible for many of the COMPAC management and oversight functions.

"We are adding strength and depth to our already highly regarded government relations program, and at the same time we are enhancing our ability to raise PAC contributions to support members of Congress who share our views on community banking," ACB Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Government Relations Robert R. Davis said.