The CGA Adds Senior VP, Goverment Relations and Public Policy

The California Grocers Association has named Keri Askew Bailey as Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Policy, effectively immediately. In this newly created position, Bailey will assume responsibility for creating and managing an aggressive public policy program through the development and facilitation of coalitions with CGA membership, ally associations, chambers of commerce and other interested parties. She will be responsible for industry issues management, aggressive grass-roots member outreach and a strong political program including fund raising, and will direct research to render “white paper” position statements, seminal industry articles, political initiative campaigns and effectively communicate complicated issues to disparate audiences and constituencies. “In the four years Keri has been with CGA, she has proven to be a tremendous asset in growing our advocacy program,” says Ron Fong, CGA President and CEO. “As a veteran lobbyist with extensive experience in the State Capitol, Keri’s expertise has allowed CGA to strengthen relationships, as well as create new alliances, in a very business-challenged environment.” Along with expanding CGA’s public policy program, Bailey will assist in implementing and administrating the Association’s biennial strategic plan. “This new position reflects the Association’s ongoing commitment to expanding its membership offerings such as creating an effective public policy program and bringing greater value to our members,” says Fong. In addition to her new responsibilities, Bailey will continue to administer the overall government relations program, manage the government relations staff and outside public policy firms and consultants, oversee the dissemination of key legislative and regulatory issues to CGA members and develop advocacy articles for publication. She will continue to report to the President/CEO.