WASHINGTON, DC - The leadership team at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) recently welcomed a new member. The association’s Government Relations team has named Mica Hider as the Director of Political Affairs and Action. She fills a critical role, leading political advocacy and action among elected officials, IFPA, and its members.

“I am excited to join the International Fresh Produce Association and help boost our political influence in the industry,” said Hider. “I look forward to working with our members and leaders to strengthen our political influence and build upon IFPA’s success in expanding our political engagement through FreshPAC, ensuring that the voices of our industry are heard and valued in Washington and beyond.”

Hider will now be responsible for leading the planning and management of IFPA’s political activity in Washington, DC, and will manage IPFA’s political action committee, FreshPAC. According to a press release, FreshPAC is one of the fresh produce and floral industry’s main sources of giving and connection with political campaigns of those federal candidates who influence and prioritize fresh produce, floral, and specialty crops.

The new leader most recently served as the Senior Director of Coalitions and PAC at the American Chemistry Council. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for BIPAC and GlobalWIN. Hider’s background also includes PAC management, fundraising, and political activity leadership at the National Associations of REALTORS, the Credit Union National Association, and then Interstate Natural Gas Association of America.

“We hear from our members that one of the most important things we can do as an association is to build our influence to advocate and act on behalf of the industry in a way where individuals and companies cannot,” said Vice President of United States Government Relations, Rebeckah Adcock. “Mica will bring immediate energy to these efforts, focusing on strengthening our political standing, expanding opportunities for members to be engaged in political activity, and increasing resources in FreshPAC. She brings years of experience building associations’ political capital, and I am thrilled that she is bringing her talent to the fresh produce and floral industry.”

Cheers to IFPA’s new Director of Political Affairs and Action!