First Solar Inc. of Tempe, Ariz., has named Dennis Fitzgibbons as vice president of federal affairs. In this new position, he is responsible for leading the company’s federal government affairs activities in the US. He will report directly to Mike Ahearn, the company's chief executive officer. Most recently, Fitzgibbons served as chief of staff for the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the US House of Representatives. In this position he has participated in major legislative policy debates and development relating to energy. Prior to this role, Fitzgibbons served as director of public policy for Daimler Chrysler. There he was responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing and communicating the company’s positions on major public policy issues, ensuring consistency across major markets and aligning positions within business strategies.