New Director to Enhance IFPA’s Political Influence and Member Engagement through FreshPAC

Mica Hider has joined the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) as the new director of political affairs & action. In her pivotal role, Hider will lead the association’s efforts in political advocacy and action among elected officials, representing the interests of IFPA and its members. This appointment is a strategic move by IFPA to bolster its political influence and ensure the voices of the fresh produce and floral industry are effectively heard in Washington, D.C.

Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA’s Vice President of U.S. Government Relations, highlighted the significance of this new addition, stating, “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.” According to Adcock, Hider’s immediate focus will be on enhancing political engagement, expanding member involvement in political activities, and boosting resources in FreshPAC, IFPA’s political action committee.

Hider’s role will encompass the planning and management of IFPA’s political initiatives in the nation’s capital. She will oversee FreshPAC, which serves as the primary channel for the fresh produce and floral industry to support federal candidates who prioritize these sectors. FreshPAC, established in 1976, is a bipartisan committee dedicated to promoting member company participation in the U.S. political process and supporting candidates whose decisions affect the produce industry.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new position, Hider said, “I am excited to join the International Fresh Produce Association and help boost our political influence in the industry. 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.”

Before joining IFPA, Hider was the senior director of coalitions and PAC at the American Chemistry Council, the largest trade association representing the business of chemistry at various levels. Her extensive background also includes roles in PAC management, fundraising, and political activity leadership at the National Association of REALTORS, the Credit Union National Association, and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America.

Hider is a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she earned her B.A. in political science. She also completed the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for BIPAC and GlobalWIN, further demonstrating her deep involvement in political action and advocacy.

Hider’s appointment is expected to bring a surge of energy to IFPA’s political endeavors. With her vast experience in building political capital, she is well-positioned to enhance the association’s political standing and create more opportunities for member engagement in political activities.

The IFPA continues to emphasize the importance of political action in promoting the interests of the fresh produce and floral industries. Through initiatives like FreshPAC, the association aims to maintain a strong connection with political campaigns of federal candidates who influence and prioritize these sectors. More information about FreshPAC and how industry members can get involved is available on the IFPA’s website.

Hider’s role is crucial for IFPA as the association seeks to amplify its advocacy efforts and ensure that the concerns of the fresh produce and floral industry are addressed by policymakers. Her leadership is anticipated to significantly contribute to the association’s mission of building political influence and supporting industry-related political campaigns.