NCA Strengthens Executive Team To Step Up Promotion And Advocacy

WASHINGTON -- The National Confectioners Association has hired Elise Fennig for the newly created position of chief of staff. Additionally, the association has promoted Karen Horan to vice-president of global business development and Laura Shumow to vice-president of scientific and regulatory affairs.

"With their expertise and backgrounds," said NCA president and chief executive John Downs, "I'm confident all three will help the association on its path to fulfilling the confectionery industry's vision: that the public understands and appreciates candy's unique role in a happy, balanced lifestyle."

Fennig will oversee special projects and provide oversight for the association's industry affairs, membership, global business development and human resources functions. She was most recently with Kraft Heinz Co., acting as a primary liaison between Kraft Heinz and the company's retail customers and trade association partners.

Horan will continue to foster an international presence for American candy brands and build upon the association's participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Market Access Program. MAP, formerly the Market Promotion Program, is administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service and uses funds from the Commodity Credit Corp. to help producers, exporters, private companies and other trade organizations finance promotional activities for U.S. agricultural products.

Shumow, who has worked at NCA for seven years, will oversee the association's scientific and regulatory agendas. She has created a scientific knowledge base for the confectionery industry that is the foundation of its moderation and responsibility messaging. NCA members often rely on her counsel when it comes to questions regarding food safety and labeling.

NCA EXECUTIVE:Recent NCA appointees, from left, are Elise Fennig, Laura Shumow and Karen Horan.