GMA Augments Gov’t Affairs Staff
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has added two new directors to its federal affairs staff: Nancy Kohler and David Prestwood.
“They will be invaluable additions to our federal affairs team as we pursue our member-driven federal policy agenda here in Washington,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of GMA. “Both of these individuals possess the ability to develop and execute winning legislative strategies while building collaborative relationships in the corridors of Congress, the regulatory agencies and the executive branch.”
Kohler comes to GMA from the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) where she was assistant director for policy and operations for six years. Among her responsibilities there were coordinating federal government relations activities, including managing CRA’s government relations committee, and guiding several safety and technical programs for member companies. Kohler was an associate with Collins and Co., a government relations firm specializing in appropriations work, before joining CRA. She began her career in the nation’s capital in the office of Rep. Dave Hobson (Ohio-R). At GMA, Kohler will focus primarily on agriculture policy; she begins May 13.
Kohler noted that she relished “the opportunity to continue working on the issues that are central to safe, efficient and effective value chain operations,” as well as “advocating for responsible policy solutions that support the production of safe, nutritious and affordable food for consumers all over the world.”
Before GMA, Prestwood was senior policy advisor to Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.-D). In this role, he managed such issues as commerce, financial services and technology. He also represented Murray in her role as a member of the Senate leadership and headed communications initiatives in support of her policy priorities. Previously, Prestwood worked for Rep. Brad Sherman (Calif.-R) as legislative assistant and counsel, concentrating on health care, homeland security, technology and Judiciary Committee issues. He will have responsibility for GMA’s work on energy policy and chemicals management, starting May 20.
“GMA member companies are known as some of the most innovative companies in the world,” Prestwood said, adding that, along with the association’s staffers and policymakers, he would “advance policies that promote innovation and growth while also assuring the safety, integrity and affordability of products for consumers.”
Both Kohler and Prestwood will report to VP for Federal Affairs Mike Gruber.