The American Cider Association (ACA) has named its next CEO.
Monica Cohen, a former executive for Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), has been appointed CEO of the hard cider trade association, taking over less than a month ahead of the ACA’s largest annual industry event, CiderCon (February 4-7).
“I am truly excited to join the American Cider Association at such a pivotal moment for the cider industry,” Cohen said in a press release. “With the rapid growth in consumer interest and the exciting innovation happening within the sector, I look forward to collaborating with cidermakers across the country to advance this vibrant industry and ensure its continued success.”
Former CEO Michelle McGrath announced her departure from the ACA in late October after more than eight years as the group’s executive director and its first CEO. Earlier this month, she started her new position as Columbia Basin program director at Salmon-Safe, an organization that works with farmers, developers and landowners to keep urban and agricultural watershed conditions clean for salmon in the Pacific Northwest.
Cohen has her own experience working with farmers during her more than 16 years at DFA, including nearly four years as executive VP, chief of staff and chief innovation officer. That experience could prove vital in her new role, which includes working with and advocating for all members of the cider industry, including orchard farmers.
Cohen departed DFA in late 2022, and has spent the past few years as a board member of several organizations, including Awesome Ambitions, a group dedicated to helping Black and Brown youth in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Center for Food Integrity, which funds food research and consumer education, according to Cohen’s LinkedIn page. Cohen also started her own consulting and motivational speaking business, Monica Massey Consulting, in 2022.
“Monica’s extensive leadership experience, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to driving growth make her the ideal choice to lead the ACA,” ACA board of directors president Christine Walter said in the release. “We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to her vision for the future of the cider industry.”
As CEO, Cohen will be responsible for advocating for hard cider on the federal and state levels, “driving business development opportunities for cidermakers, and continuing to grow cider’s visibility among consumers,” and expanding “educational initiatives to help cidermakers succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” according to the release.
Further reading:
- Look back at the ACA’s accomplishments under McGrath’s leadership;
- And check out the latest legislative win for hard cider: New standards of fill, including 16 oz. and 19.2 oz. packages.