News Releases & Statements

Karen Hanretty Joins American Beverage Association As Vice President Of Public Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Susan K. Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association (ABA), has announced that Karen Hanretty has joined ABA as vice president for public affairs for the association.

Hanretty joins ABA after serving as Managing Director for the past three years at Qorvis Communications, one the nation's largest independent communications agencies. There she specialized in corporate and crisis communications to help companies and trade associations build and maintain strong reputations, enhance shareholder value and protect their public policy interests.

"Karen is a strategic and experienced corporate, legislative and political communications executive with a strong track record of success," Neely said. "Her extensive experience with state and national public affairs will be a tremendous asset for our association and members as we build upon our leadership in the public policy arena. We are pleased to have Karen join ABA's senior management team."

Hanretty has extensive experience at both the state and national level, including a broad range of industry issues as well as political campaigns. Before joining Qorvis, she served as communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee and as campaign spokeswoman for former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. She also worked with several California state lawmakers.

ABA is expanding and focusing capabilities in public affairs and public policy development by adding Hanretty and building out a new department under the direction of Kevin Keane, longtime ABA executive and now senior vice president of policy and public affairs. The goal of the new department is to strengthen ABA's communications capability and develop sound health, science and environmental policy that support advocacy efforts in government affairs, public affairs, legal and regulatory affairs.

Hanretty lives in Alexandria, Va. with her husband.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States. For more information on ABA, please visit the association's Web site at www.ameribev.org or call the ABA communications team at (202) 463-6770.

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