National Confectioners Association president & CEO John Downs announced a series of senior leadership promotions that position the organization for continued success and deepen its impact in Washington, D.C.

Brian McKeon has been promoted to executive vice president of public policy & regulatory affairs, and Christopher Gindlesperger has been named executive vice president of public affairs & communications. Both will play an expanded role in advancing NCA's thought leadership agenda related to policy and strategic communications.

The organization also announced:

- Steve McCroddan has been promoted to executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer.
- Sarah Atkinson is now chief of staff and senior vice president of industry engagement.
- Susan Whiteside has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing & communications.
- Jennifer Gardner has been promoted to vice president of state government affairs.

Brian McKeon, executive vice president, public policy & regulatory affairs

McKeon has led NCA's public policy efforts for five years, overseeing federal, state, and regulatory advocacy on behalf of the confectionery industry. As senior vice president, he has been instrumental in strengthening relationships with policymakers and overseeing and executing precision advocacy strategies that deliver high impact results. In his new role, McKeon will expand his portfolio to include oversight of NCA's scientific and regulatory affairs function while continuing to advance the association's policy leadership amid an increasingly complex legislative and regulatory environment.

Christopher Gindlesperger, executive vice president, public affairs & communications

Gindlesperger has spent 11 years leading the association's public affairs and communications strategy. As senior vice president, he worked closely with member companies and brands to enhance the industry's reputation and elevate awareness of NCA's policy priorities through strategic communications, media engagement, consumer education, and several award-winning campaigns. Under his leadership, NCA continues to differentiate chocolate and candy from other foods through the Always A Treat initiative. As Executive Vice President, Gindlesperger will further integrate strategic communications with policy and member company engagement to further unlock organizational efficiencies and industry impact.