WASHINGTON – The National Confectioners Association announced today that Kelly O’Donnell has joined NCA’s Public Policy & Government Affairs team as PAC director. In this role, she will support NCA’s political efforts and manage NCA’s CandyPAC, the confectionery industry’s political action committee and one of the top food & beverage PACs.

“Kelly brings extensive political and fundraising experience to NCA and will play a key role in advocating on policy issues that impact the confectionery industry,” Brian M. McKeon, NCA senior vice president of public policy, said.  “With Kelly’s expertise, the CandyPAC will continue to be a strong voice for the nearly 700,000 Americans whose jobs are tied to the confectionery industry.”

O’Donnell joins the Public Policy & Government Affairs team with a decade of experience grounded in advocacy and fundraising.  Before joining the National Confectioners Association, she served as the PAC director for various organizations, including the National Association of REALTORS©, TriNet, and the Farm Credit Council. She holds a B.A. in Politics & Government from Ohio Wesleyan University and resides in Washington, D.C.

The CandyPAC is the confectionery industry’s political action committee managed by NCA. The CandyPAC contributes to current and prospective members of Congress who support the confectionery industry. With more than $37 billion in retail sales each year and more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states, the confectionery industry is a powerful driver of the economy. Learn more about the confectionery industry’s economic impact at PowerOfSweet.com.

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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.