The American Bakers Association has reorganized its Government Relations team to position to increase its effectiveness in key legislative and regulatory priorities facing the baking industry, according to ABA president and CEO Robb MacKie.

“ABA will develop even greater depth on key issues such as commodities and human resources, as well as fleet and distribution issues, fulfilling ABA’s strategic goal of being the first choice for policymakers in those key areas,” MacKie says.

Kelly Knowles has been named director of political affairs with responsibility for the American Bakers Political Action Committee (PAC) operations, including fundraising strategy and events, member recognition and Federal Election Commission compliance.

Rasma Zvaners has been promoted to senior federal government relations manager, continuing as a liaison for both the Energy and Environmental Health Committee, as well as the Safety Committee.

New additions include Brian Callahan, who now serves as federal government relations manager and is the ABA staff liaison to the ABA’s Human Resources Committee and the Fleet and Distribution Committee. Previously, Callahan was legislative correspondent for Sen. John E. Sununu’s (R-N.H.) office, where he worked on transportation, energy and environmental issues.

Cory Martin has been named federal government relations manager, serving as the ABA staff liaison to the Commodity Task Force. He also assists Lee Sanders, ABA senior vice president for government relations and public affairs, with the activities of the Food Technical Regulatory Affairs Committee.

Deah Shaw is now executive legislative assistant. She continues to pursue her master’s degree in political science at George Washington University.