FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leslie Lake, 571-378-6757 [email protected]

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association today announced four senior-level hires as part of the organization’s ongoing transformation under the new leadership of President and CEO Geoff Freeman.

“GMA’s best days are ahead,” President and CEO Geoff Freeman said. “We’re bringing together a highly effective, results-driven team with proven association experience to shepherd the organization into its next chapter.”

Betsy Booren, PhD., will join the organization in late November as senior vice president of science and technology. Brandon Partridge will join in mid-November as senior vice president of member engagement. And Katie McBreen joined as vice president of communications and research and Katie Denis as senior director of industry narrative on October 24.

“This is just the beginning of a new GMA led by experienced professionals that will build a strong, contemporary advocacy organization,” Freeman said. “The new GMA will communicate the industry’s remarkable story, nimbly adapt to changes in the marketplace and concentrate its advocacy on reducing frictions for consumers and industry alike.”

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Booren currently serves as a senior policy advisor on regulatory compliance, food safety, nutrition and related topics at Olsson Frank Weeda. Previously, she was vice president of scientific affairs at the North American Meat Institute and president of the Foundation of Meat and Poultry Research and Education.

Partridge, an experienced food industry strategist and association executive, currently serves as senior vice president, industry development at the American Frozen Food Institute. Previously, Partridge held roles at Nestlé USA, The Tipton Group, the Cheese Importers Association of America and founded his own organic drinkable yogurts company, Skyland Foods.

McBreen joined GMA from the National Retail Federation where she led strategic campaigns around NRF’s industry and advocacy priorities – including the defeat of the border adjustment tax. She also managed the organization’s strategic and executive positioning, crisis communications, advertising and media relations efforts. Previously McBreen held roles at the U.S Chamber of Commerce, Gallatin Public Affairs and the White House.

Denis joined GMA from the U.S. Travel Association where she led “Project: Time Off,” a multi-year initiative to promote the value of travel and drive increased vacation usage. She previously held roles at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Vehr Communications, and in the U.S. House and Senate.

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Note: GMA will become the Consumer Brands Association, effective January 2020.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association represents the world’s leading consumer packaged goods companies. The CPG industry plays a unique role as the single largest U.S. manufacturing employment sector, delivering products vital to the well being of people’s lives every day. GMA’s mission is to empower the industry to grow and thrive.