PCA PROMOTES JOSHUA HABURSKY TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

[JohnS]

JUNE 25, 2024 - CHARLIE MINATO

PCA PROMOTES JOSHUA HABURSKY TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Joshua Habursky has been named the new executive director of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), a cigar industry trade group that focuses on retailers.

Given that Habursky was serving as the deputy executive director as well as head of government affairs, this promotion was seen as the likeliest option. In April, Habursky added a third title: interim executive director. He was named interim executive director after Scott Pearce, the PCA’s former executive director, announced that he was leaving to become the new president of the Cigar Association of America, a different cigar trade group.

Habursky joined PCA in 2019 as the head of federal affairs. A press release says that he “will continue to serve as the organization’s chief lobbyist.”

“For the past five years we have been able to work effectively with Josh to accomplish the goals of the association related to advocacy,” said Scott Regina, president of the PCA, in a press release. “We are confident of his ability to take on the additional responsibility of running the full association moving forward. This internal promotion is a testament to both Josh and the entire PCA staff who have been diligently working with the board to make the association a powerhouse in all departments.”

As executive director, Habursky is the highest-ranking paid staff member for the organization. He will also have a non-voting role on the PCA’s executive committee.

The press release also states that the Premium Cigar Association is working on a new five-year strategic plan that will include new hires for its trade show team. No further details were given. The PCA is best known for its annual trade show—the most recent event took place in late March—which sees hundreds of retailers attend to purchase products from cigar companies. In turn, the cigar companies offer large discounts for the retailers and oftentimes introduce new products during the trade show. For the PCA, the trade show accounts for more than 80 percent of the organization’s revenue.

“I am honored and excited to lead the Premium Cigar Association into its next chapter,” said Habursky. “I am very fortunate to have this opportunity to work alongside a phenomenal staff and experienced board of directors. I will fight tirelessly for specialty tobacco retail and premium cigars by running an organization efficiently, from the trade show to advocacy, so that our members’ interests are asserted and promoted in all that we do. The PCA board of directors affirmed their support of our team, the direction of the organization, and our commitment to being the industry’s advocacy leader in this decision.”

The press release did not say whether the organization plans to fill the deputy executive director role; that position was not used prior to Habursky’s promotion in early 2022.

Source: https://halfwheel.com/pca-promotes-joshua-habursky-to-executive-director/440055/