Former State Legislator Pamela Gorman Appointed Executive Director Of Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA), the largest trade group representing and protecting the interests of the vapor industry, today announced that Pamela Gorman will serve as the organization's new executive director, replacing Cynthia Cabrera. In this role, Gorman will lead national and state advocacy and legislative efforts; oversee state chapters; and represent SFATA with regulatory agencies, including at industry events; among other responsibilities.

"Pamela is a perfect fit to lead SFATA against a host of challenges on the national and state levels, with strong experience in policy and advocacy, and as elected official," said Cap O'Rourke, president, board of directors, SFATA. "On behalf of the board, we look forward to working closely with Pamela to fight regressive policies that harm the small businesses that comprise our industry, and stifle the potential vapor products can have on helping reduce the public harm caused by smoking." 

Click here to listen to a podcast interview with Pamela Gorman discussing key legislative and advocacy priorities for the association and the vapor industry or visit http://sfata.org/pamela-gorman-introduction.

Gorman founded U.S. Vapor Inc., a firm providing public affairs consulting to small business owners and advocacy non-profit organizations working in the vapor industry. Prior to that, she was Director of Government Relations for NJOY, Inc., where she built the first government affairs department and program for an independent (not tobacco-owned) manufacturer. She was responsible for budget development, advocacy, issue communications and execution of key business legislative initiatives and issue response.

"I am honored to join the vapor industry's leading trade association and represent the interests of small business owners throughout the country who epitomize the American dream, creating jobs and investment in their communities, providing a significant alternative to smoking," said Gorman. "Building upon the legacy of my predecessor, and leveraging the strength of our organization, I will continue the fight on behalf of these businesses and the consumers they serve, against industry-destroying policies and devastating  taxes currently facing our membership."

Prior, she served as Senior Manager, Legislative Policy and Advocacy for RAI Services Company specializing on policy issue areas related to "tobacco harm reduction" and youth tobacco prevention. Among other responsibilities, she represented the company at conferences, as well as on an industry advisory board (We Card), and in policy discussions with thought leaders and policy makers.

Gorman's in-depth understanding of the political and legislative landscape began when she was elected to serve as a State Representative in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2005-2006 and later as a State Senator in Arizona from 2007-2010. She was part of the Senate Leadership team in her last term, also serving as the Senate Majority Whip.

About SFATA
Founded in 2012, the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) is the largest trade association in the vapor products industry with more than 1,400 members and 28 chapters located across the country, representing online retailers, brick and mortar vendors, distributors, manufacturers, professional service providers, importers and wholesalers. For more information, visit SFATA.org or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter @SFATA. Download a copy of SFATA's "Top 10 Vapor Facts: Demystifying Misconceptions about the Vapor Industry" by visiting http://bit.ly/toptenvaporfacts.

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SOURCE SFATA