Lochlin Partners Fills Senior Post for the Entertainment Software Association
November 4, 2025 – Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Jason Mahler as senior vice president of government affairs of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in Washington, D.C. Reporting to president and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis, Mr. Mahler will lead the ESA’s federal and state legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts on behalf of the U.S. video game industry.
“Jason’s extensive experience in the legislative arena, particularly in technology, communications, and intellectual property policy, presents an exciting and powerful addition to ESA’s advocacy capabilities,” Mr. Pierre-Louis said. “The interactive entertainment industry is an economic powerhouse that continues to innovate and evolve, and Jason’s expertise strengthens ESA’s ability to demonstrate the positive impacts of our industry to policymakers.”
Mr. Mahler has three decades of experience spanning time on Capitol Hill, with trade associations, and in senior corporate leadership roles. He started his career in public service as a legislative fellow in the office of U.S. senator Frank Lautenberg, followed by work as legislative counsel to congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee. Mr. Mahler later served as chief of staff to congresswoman Anna Eshoo, a prominent member of the house energy & commerce and intelligence committees.
Mr. Mahler also served as vice president and general counsel for the Computer & Communications Industry Association, where he spearheaded policy matters for the information and communications technology industries. More recently, he spent more than a decade at Oracle Corporation as vice president, government affairs, where, in addition to his government advocacy work, he served as a company representative and board member for several of its trade associations. While at Oracle, Mr. Mahler also helped establish and strengthen the company’s state government affairs practice and relations.
“As the video game industry has expanded and advanced over the past three decades, so have ESA’s efforts to protect the creativity and innovation required to support an industry of its caliber,” Mr. Mahler said. “As the industry continues to redefine what is possible in entertainment, I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join in those efforts and to work with policymakers and regulators to ensure the industry remains a leading economic and cultural force for decades to come.”
The Entertainment Software Association is the trade association that represents the U.S. video game industry. Founded in 1994, the ESA serves as the voice of game publishers, developers, and distributors, advocating for their interests in areas such as intellectual property protection, public policy, and global market access. The organization also conducts research on the economic and cultural impact of video games, helping to highlight the industry’s contributions to innovation, job creation, and entertainment.
Serving the Government and Corporate Affairs Sectors
Lochlin Partners conducts searches for board and executive-level positions within government and corporate affairs, government contracting, technology and services, higher education, the public sector, financial services, and healthcare. The firm is led by managing partners Liza Wright, and Pat Friel. Each of the managing partners has been in the search business for 20 or more years and has been a partner in one of the four large international firms—and in most cases has run a major office or practice at those firms.
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After a nationwide search, Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of James Weaver as president and CEO of Music for All in Indianapolis, IN. “As a board, we were attracted by James’ experience and understanding of the musical ecosphere,” said Doug Pileri, chairman of the board of directors. “But we were equally impressed by the respect he’s earned along the way. Those who’ve worked with him and for him, as well as those he’s worked for, applaud his leadership ability combined with his collaborative approach. He’s a pragmatic visionary who sets high expectations but involves others in getting things done.”
For more than 25 years, Mr. Friel has provided executive search and leadership advisory services to a broad range of clients. He works extensively with clients in government, financial services, technology and professional services organizations, trade and membership associations, and non-profits, helping these clients build world-class management teams. Mr. Friel provides particular expertise in recruiting senior executives in the areas of general management (CEOs and general managers), financial management (CFOs, controllers, tax and audit leadership) and business management functions including marketing, business development, legal and human resources.
Ms. Wright has over 25 years of experience in the executive search industry. Prior to co-founding Lochlin Partners, she served at the highest levels of government, working at the White House as the assistant to the President and director of Presidential Personnel. As the senior personnel advisor to former President George W. Bush, she met with the President regularly to recommend individuals to fill critical presidential appointments, including Cabinet Secretaries, ambassadors and other key positions in cabinet-level departments and U.S. regulatory agencies.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
