Last year, the Entertainment Software Association continued to ramp up its lobbying efforts in Washington, increasing its yearly spending from $3.6 million in 2007 to $4.2 million in 2008. To aid its goals into the New Year, the ESA said today that it has tapped former Beltway insider Jennifer A. Manner as its new senior vice president for government affairs.

　　Manner's resume includes a stint at the Federal Communications Commission, serving as senior counsel for the federal regulatory body that oversees radio and television broadcasting, as well as wire, satellite, and cable communications. Most recently, Manner served as VP of regulatory affairs for satellite telecom company Skyterra Communications.

　　"The entertainment software industry is faced with a variety of challenges and opportunities at the national level, from protecting intellectual property and preserving First Amendment rights to fostering economic development and technological advancement," commented ESA CEO Michael D. Gallagher. "Jennifer's wealth of policy experience, particularly in the broadband space, will serve the ESA and our members well as we work to create a prosperous environment for the entire computer and video game industry."