Veteran Public Affairs Strategist to Lead Advocacy Agenda

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Brands Association announced today that Rhonda Bentz will join the organization’s senior leadership team as executive vice president of public affairs.

Rhonda Bentz, Consumer Brands Executive Vice President of Public Affairs

In her role, Bentz will oversee federal and state government affairs and communications and research. Most recently, Bentz served as vice president of paid media and strategic initiatives at the American Petroleum Institute, where she oversaw advocacy campaigns, message research and content development.

“Rhonda’s expertise leading high-impact, issues-based advocacy campaigns positions her as a strong voice for the consumer packaged goods industry, and I am delighted to welcome her to our team,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association. “I am confident that Rhonda’s dynamic approach to public affairs will make a critical difference for the organization and the industry.”

A skilled public affairs and communications leader, Bentz brings more than 20 years of experience working with complex advocacy issues. Prior to API, Bentz was president and CEO of Bentz Strategies where she provided problem solving strategies for corporate, trade association and coalition clients. She also served as vice president of public affairs for Visa USA as well as vice president of issues management for APCO Worldwide. Bentz was also recognized as a “Top 20 In-House Communicator” by PRWeek in 2004.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent some of the nation’s top CPG brands and work with a driven and innovative team at Consumer Brands,” said Bentz. “I look forward to supporting the industry as it navigates challenges, builds on the trust is has earned with consumers and charts a new path emerging from the pandemic.”

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The Consumer Brands Association champions the industry whose products Americans depend on every day, representing nearly 2,000 iconic brands. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting more than 20 million American jobs.