GMA Names VP of State Affairs and Grassroots

Mandy N. Hagan, Esq. has joined the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) as VP of state affairs and grassroots. Reporting to Louis Finkel, the association’s EVP for government affairs, Hagan will manage all state and local policy issues and advocacy activities on behalf of the food, beverage and consumer products industry.

“Her experience and proven leadership as an association public affairs professional will go a long way towards advancing the food, beverage and consumer products industry’s efforts to achieve responsible public policy solutions at all levels of government,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based GMA.

Having worked in associations and government relations for nearly a decade, Hagan was previously director of government relations for health and wellness at Walgreen Co., in which she guided federal, state and local advocacy efforts for the Deerfield, Ill.-based retailer’s health-and-wellness division, including legislative campaigns, regulatory engagement and coalition building.

Before Walgreen, Hagan spent four years as national director of state government relations at the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), where she worked with an extensive network of staff, consultants and political organizations to provide legislative and administration leaders with information on issues affecting the over-the-counter drug manufacturing industry. Her career also includes stints at two other Washington-based trade organizations and a legal clerkship. Hagan started out in the public policy field as a district representative for Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.).

“GMA has a strong reputation as an effective advocacy organization, and I look forward to working with the association’s members and state and local policymakers to develop and promote responsible public policy solutions that best serve consumers,” said Hagan.