CDA is pleased to announce the addition of Emily Smith to its staff in the newly created position of manager, sales and member engagement. Emily brings more than eight years of experience in association management, strategic partnerships, member engagement, sponsorships, advertising and events. She has built and managed corporate relationships, supported non-dues revenue growth and worked across teams to strengthen engagement and deliver value. Emily is a graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

Emily will lead efforts to grow and deepen CDA’s relationships with members, prospective members, sponsors, and industry partners. Her role includes driving membership growth and retention, expanding sponsorship and advertising opportunities, supporting event participation and revenue, and identifying new ways for members and partners to engage with CDA. She will also work closely with the team to strengthen outreach, track engagement and sales opportunities, and ensure CDA continues to deliver meaningful value to its members and partners.

CDA also welcomes J.P. Dowd, vice president at Van Scoyoc Associates, as CDA policy advisor, taking over for Kathee Facciano, who recently left the organization. J.P. began his career working as a military legislative assistant for Senator Leahy and rose through the ranks to become projects director, legislative director, and ultimately chief of staff for the last 10 years. J.P. then joined Van Scoyoc Associates as vice president in 2023. Originally from Washington, DC, J.P. received his B.A. from the University of Vermont and his M.B.A. from Georgetown University.

J.P. will help lead CDA’s government affairs and advocacy efforts, representing the interests of convenience distributors on key legislative and regulatory issues at the federal level. He will work closely with CDA leadership, members, and industry partners to help shape policy priorities, monitor emerging issues, and strengthen relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders. J.P. will also serve as a key liaison to CDA’s Government Affairs Committee and support member advocacy and engagement through programs including Day on the Hill and the State Association Executives Summit.