GMA Completes Senior Leadership Team

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has completed its leadership team by hiring Bryan Zumwalt and Stacy Papadopoulos.

Zumwalt, who was named EVP of public affairs, will lead all advocacy activities for the association, including government relations, communications, research and ally development. He previously was VP of federal affairs for the American Chemistry Council, where he worked on bipartisan congressional efforts to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act, which makes him uniquely qualified for his role at Washington, D.C.-based GMA.

Bryan Zumwalt, EVP of public affairs for GMA

“Bryan is a tremendous addition to GMA. He is a skilled and tested leader who is up to the challenge of delivering on our promise to rebuild one of Washington’s most venerable trade organizations,” said GMA CEO Geoff Freeman.

Papadopoulos, who was named general counsel and SVP of operations and special initiatives, will oversee GMA’s operations, including SmartLabel. She previously was general counsel and interim CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), the latter after Freeman left AGA as CEO to come on board at GMA. During Papadopoulos’ tenure at AGA, the association grew trade revenue by 50% and launched new initiatives to diversify revenue.

Stacy Papadopoulos, SVP of operations and special initiatives for GMA

“Stacy is an inimitable blend of operational and legal acumen and we are fortunate to bring her into the GMA family,” said Freeman, who joined GMA in 2018. “I am confident that her demonstrated ability to create opportunity and add value will benefit our members and the industry as a whole.”

Rounding out the leadership team are Betsy Booren and Brandon Partridge, who joined the association last fall.