The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced a significant restructuring of its senior leadership team. President and CEO John Downs confirmed several high-level promotions designed to enhance the organisation’s advocacy brand and deepen its regulatory impact in Washington, D.C.
The move reflects a decade-long strategic transformation aimed at navigating an increasingly complex political and communications environment for the $48 billion U.S. confectionery industry.
Executive Leadership
Central to the restructuring are the promotions of Brian McKeon and Christopher Gindlesperger to Executive Vice President roles. These appointments are intended to further integrate the association's policy, regulatory, and communications functions.
Brian McKeon, Executive Vice President of Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Having led the NCA's policy efforts for five years, McKeon’s portfolio will now expand to include oversight of scientific and regulatory affairs. His role is critical in executing "precision advocacy" strategies that address federal and state-level legislative challenges.
Christopher Gindlesperger, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications
A veteran of 11 years with the association, Gindlesperger will lead the integration of strategic communications with member company engagement. His leadership has been instrumental in the "Always A Treat" initiative, which differentiates chocolate and candy from other food categories in the public eye.
Organisational and Financial Governance
To support the association’s operational scaling and industry engagement, several other key leaders have received expanded mandates:
Steve McCroddan has been elevated to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer.
Sarah Atkinson has been named Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President of Industry Engagement.
Susan Whiteside has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications.
Jennifer Gardner has been named Vice President of State Government Affairs, focusing on localised legislative monitoring and response.
Transformation and Advocacy Brand
John Downs noted that these promotions reflect the strength of a team that has built a robust advocacy identity for the NCA over the last decade. "Brian, Christopher, Steve, Sarah, Susan, and Jennifer have each played a critical role in shaping the modern NCA," Downs stated.
The restructuring is designed to unlock organisational efficiencies by ensuring that the "confectionery voice" is unified across marketing, science, and government relations. For B2B stakeholders, this signals a more aggressive and coordinated approach to defending the industry's interests against rising regulatory pressures and supply chain volatility.
The U.S. confectionery industry is currently navigating significant shifts in consumer health perceptions and ingredient labelling requirements. By elevating leaders who specialise in both regulatory affairs and public perception, the NCA is positioning itself to be a more proactive "thought leader" in Washington.
The integration of scientific and regulatory affairs under a single EVP (McKeon) suggests a move toward more data-backed, technical advocacy. This is particularly relevant as the industry faces scrutiny over sugar content, colour additives, and sustainable sourcing.
Outlook for the NCA
As the NCA moves into the second half of 2026, the newly promoted leadership team is expected to focus on high-impact results that support the long-term growth of chocolate and candy brands. By strengthening its internal infrastructure, the association is ensuring it remains a primary influencer in the food and beverage policy landscape, providing a stable environment for its member companies to innovate and expand.
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