The National Confectioners Association has promoted Paul Kissin to VP of marketing and technology, elevating a more than 10-year veteran of the association to its senior staff with an expanded mandate covering emerging technologies, data and AI.
Kissin, who previously served as senior director of marketing and web technology, will oversee marketing operations and lead the Washington, D.C.-based association’s approach to new technologies, driving innovations intended to improve efficiency and strengthen engagement with NCA member companies and industry audiences.
“For more than a decade, Paul has played an important role in advancing how NCA uses cutting-edge technology to support our member companies and the broader confectionery industry,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “Paul is a trusted and valued member of our team, and his forward-looking approach will continue to strengthen our organization and the value we deliver to the industry.”
The promotion formalizes a technology posture NCA has been leaning into all year. The association relaunched its website with new data tools in March, and its Sweet Land of Liberty campaign included what NCA billed as the first original advocacy anthem produced by a trade group using AI-powered tools.
Kissin’s elevation also continues a season of leadership investment at the association, which promoted Brian McKeon and Christopher Gindlesperger to EVP roles in March and named Carrie Abbott VP of membership and business development in May.
NCA is the voice of the U.S. confectionery industry, whose member companies drive $55 billion in retail sales of chocolate, candy, gum and mints.