National Confectioners Association (NCA) President and CEO John Downs today announced a series of senior leadership promotions that position the organization for continued success and deepen its impact in Washington, D.C., the org says.

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

Additionally: 

• Steve McCroddan has been promoted to EVP, CFO, and chief administrative officer
• Sarah Atkinson is now chief of staff and SVP of industry engagement
• Susan Whiteside has been promoted to SVP of marketing and communications 
• Jennifer Gardner has been promoted to VP of state government affairs

With these staff promotions, Downs continues to drive a strategic transformation of the organization to meet the rapidly changing business, political, policy, and communications environment, NCA says. He and this senior leadership team have built a strong advocacy brand identity for NCA in Washington, D.C., over the last decade, the org continues. 

“These promotions reflect the strength of NCA’s leadership team and our continued focus on delivering results for a dynamic and growing industry,” Downs says. “With deep expertise across policy, government affairs, communications, marketing, and organizational leadership, Brian, Christopher, Steve, Sarah, Susan, and Jennifer have each played a critical role in shaping the modern NCA, and their collaborative leadership will continue to strengthen our advocacy, elevate our voice, and position NCA for the future.” 

Brian McKeon, EVP, public policy and 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 SVP, 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, EVP, public affairs and communications
Gindlesperger has spent 11 years leading the association’s public affairs and communications strategy. As SVP, 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, it says. As EVP, Gindlesperger will aim to further integrate strategic communications with policy and member company engagement to unlock organizational efficiencies and industry impact. 

Related - Confectionery sales climb to $55 billion in 2025: NCA