WASHINGTON, DC — In efforts to bolster its state affairs portfolio, the American Bakers Association (ABA) has hired William “Bill” Dumais III as state affairs manager.
“Policy actions at the state level can move quickly,” said Rasma Zvaners, VP of government relations at ABA. “ABA is actively building out its state affairs program, allowing us to be agile and responsive on issues having the greatest impact on the commercial baking sector.”
Dumais joins ABA from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), where he served as manager of legislative affairs.
“We’re looking forward to working with ABA’s new state manager, Bill Dumais, as we launch into the 2024 state legislative cycle,” said Craig Pizer, VP and general counsel at Horsham, PA-based Bimbo Bakeries USA and chair of ABA’s State Affairs Working Group.
Prior to his work at ALEC, Dumais worked for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry. This experience is part of what attracted Dumais to the ABA role.
“After earning a B.A. in political science and English and interning on Capitol Hill with former Congressman Jim Langevin, I began my career at the Council for Responsible Nutrition,” he said. “There, I embraced the challenge of advocating for dietary supplement companies, honing skills in representation and industry defense. My experience at CRN, working with diverse products and people, has prepared me well for advancing the mission of ABA, where I aim to bring the same dedication and strategic insight to support our members and industry.”
The state affairs manager role offers Dumais the opportunity to utilize his previous experience in lobbying and state legislator outreach into one role.
“I look forward to fostering connections with ABA members and the State Affairs Working Group to emphasize the significance of a strong presence in state capitals nationwide,” Dumais shared. “In policy and advocacy, the value of relationships is crucial. I’m keen to be the conduit that brings ABA members and state legislators together, highlighting the necessity of a robust state-level presence.”
