The Premium Cigar Association has wrapped up its latest round of board elections, bringing fresh perspectives to the organization that's become synonymous with the industry's biggest annual gathering. The voting took place earlier this month, and the results mark a significant shift in the volunteer leadership structure that guides one of retail's most influential trade groups.
Three newcomers earned seats at the table, while two familiar faces secured another term. All five will settle into three-year commitments once the general membership gives the green light in April—a formality that caps off the election process.
The trio joining the board represents different corners of the cigar retail landscape. Paul Copeland brings his experience from Shore Thing Cigars, a Florida Panhandle operation based in Santa Rosa Beach. Michael Frey arrives from CigarBox in Las Vegas, a market known for its tourist traffic and local enthusiast base. Rounding out the new members is Brandon Hayes, who runs Renegade Cigars in Richardson, Texas, a Dallas suburb that's seen steady growth in recent years.
These three will be stepping into spots previously held by Joshua Evarts, Jessica Hutson, and Angela Yue, marking a complete turnover in those board positions.
The two veterans staying on deserve their own recognition. Christian Eiroa, who heads up CLE Cigar Co., has been a fixture in the industry for years and clearly maintains the confidence of his peers. Teresa Wessling, who operates Georgetown Tobacco in the nation's capital, also secured enough support to continue her work on the board. Washington, D.C., presents unique challenges for tobacco retailers, and having someone who navigates those waters daily provides valuable insight.
The election results reflect something worth noting—participation has been climbing. According to Todd Naifeh, who owns ZT Cigars and currently serves as the board's president, the last two years have seen more people throwing their hats in the ring. That's not always the case with volunteer positions in trade associations, where apathy can sometimes be the norm.
"The last two years the association saw increased participation in the Board Elections, and we sincerely appreciate everyone who applied, was nominated, and was ultimately elected to serve," Naifeh said. His comments suggest the organization has managed to convince more members that serving on the board is worth the time investment.
What's particularly interesting is what Naifeh laid out as the road ahead. The association isn't planning to just maintain the status quo. Modernization sits at the top of the agenda—a word that could mean anything from updating technology systems to rethinking how the organization operates in an industry facing regulatory headwinds.
Education initiatives also made Naifeh's list. In a business where knowledge about products, proper storage, and customer service can make or break a retail operation, having the trade association step up its educational game could pay dividends for members. New retailers especially need resources to avoid costly mistakes, and even veterans can benefit from staying sharp on emerging trends and products.
"I look forward to working with the newly elected board members as we tackle an ambitious agenda from modernizing the association to education initiatives, new event programming, and our staple programs of advocacy and trade show," Naifeh explained.
New event programming suggests the PCA is looking beyond its flagship trade show. While that annual gathering remains the association's calling card—bringing together manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for product launches and deal-making—expanding the calendar could strengthen connections throughout the year. Regional events, educational seminars, or networking opportunities might be on the drawing board.
The mention of advocacy deserves attention. Premium cigar retailers operate in a regulatory environment that's been hostile for years. Federal agencies have proposed rules that could devastate the business, from flavor bans to taxation schemes that would price products out of reach for many consumers. State and local governments add their own layers of complexity. Having an organized voice in those fights isn't optional—it's survival.
The trade show itself won't be neglected, according to Naifeh's comments. It remains a staple program, and rightfully so. For an industry built on personal relationships and the tactile experience of products, nothing replaces face-to-face interactions. Retailers scout new brands, negotiate terms, and build connections that sustain their businesses throughout the year. Manufacturers unveil products they've spent months developing. The show floor buzzes with an energy that's hard to replicate virtually.
The board composition matters because these individuals will guide decisions on how membership dollars get spent, which initiatives take priority, and how the association positions itself in policy debates. A board that reflects diverse geographic markets and business models tends to make better decisions than one dominated by a single perspective.
Florida, Nevada, Texas, and Washington, D.C., represent distinctly different markets. Florida's tourism economy and retiree population create certain dynamics. Nevada's Las Vegas market mixes tourists with a substantial local base. Texas, with its business-friendly reputation and growing population, presents opportunities but also competition. Washington, D.C., combines affluent customers with some of the nation's most aggressive tobacco control policies. Having representatives who understand these varied landscapes should inform better policy-making at the association level.
The cigar industry has weathered storms before—regulatory threats, economic downturns, changing consumer preferences. The retailers who thrive tend to be those who stay connected to their peers, keep learning, and adapt to new realities. A trade association that's actively evolving and expanding its services makes that easier.
What happens in April when the general membership votes will almost certainly be a formality. These elections typically generate approval once the candidates have been selected through the nomination and voting process. Barring any surprises, Copeland, Frey, and Hayes will officially join the board, and Eiroa and Wessling will continue their service.
The real work begins after that rubber stamp. How this particular group of individuals meshes, what priorities they collectively emphasize, and how effectively they execute on Naifeh's ambitious agenda will determine whether this election cycle marks a turning point or just another rotation of faces.
For retailers who aren't directly involved in association leadership, the practical implications matter most. Will modernization efforts translate to better member services? Will educational initiatives actually provide useful knowledge they can apply in their shops? Will new event programming justify the time and expense of participation? And critically, will advocacy efforts move the needle in legislative and regulatory battles that threaten the entire industry?
Those questions won't be answered immediately. Board service is measured in years, not months, and the proof will be in the results that members see and feel in their daily operations.
One thing's certain—the increasing participation Naifeh mentioned indicates members are paying attention. When more people want to serve, when more people nominate candidates, and when more people care about the outcome, the organization benefits. Apathy is the enemy of any volunteer-driven group. Engagement, even when it comes with disagreements about direction, keeps things vital.
The Premium Cigar Association now has its marching orders for the next three years, at least for these five board positions. The industry will be watching to see if the ambitions Naifeh outlined translate into tangible benefits for the retailers who depend on the association to amplify their voices and serve their needs.
