John H. Downs Jr. has been appointed as the successor to Larry Graham as National Confectioners Association president.
In his new role, Downs will be responsible for managing both strategic direction and daily operations of the Association.
“NCA member companies have an impact on consumers around the world, and the Association helps make that possible,” he says. “I look forward to working with the outstanding staff, members and Board to ensure continued success and increase the reach of the NCA.”
Downs began his career in government relations as a legislative assistant to the Speaker of the House in Maryland before joining the Glass Packaging Institute and then the American Beverage Association, both D.C.-based trade groups.
He also has extensive experience in the private sector, having held a number of executive roles with The Coca-Cola Co., including senior advisor to the president of Coca-Cola Americas, where he was focused on strategic stakeholder engagement, government relations and public affairs for North and Latin America.
In addition, he served that company as vice-president of global government, diplomatic and stakeholder relations, senior vice-president of public affairs and communications.
NCA Chairman Bob Simpson, of Jelly Belly Candy Co., says: “His public affairs background in the consumer product goods arena, coupled with his business acumen and experience with member-driven trade associations, provide him with a solid foundation for understanding the needs and capably serving the small, medium and large companies the NCA represents.”
In honor of Larry Graham’s exceptional management of the National Confectioners Association for the past two decades, The Confectionery Foundation has created The Lawrence T. Graham Leadership Fund for research, education and internships.