WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Beverage Association (ABA) announced today the election of new Officers and Members to its Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors voted to elect Bill O’Brien, chief executive officer, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, as its Chair. O’Brien succeeds Matthew Dent, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Rock Company, who was elected Chair in 2020.

“I am honored to help lead our industry at this pivotal moment, as we build on the innovative and impactful work that makes a real difference for our customers, consumers and communities,” said ABA Board Chair Bill O’Brien. “There are myriad issues before us, we will address them with meaningful solutions and innovative opportunities that lift our communities and position our industry for a strong future.”

Other Officers of the Association elected include: Kevin Keane, president and CEO, American Beverage, as president; and Ralph Crowley, president and chief executive officer, Polar Beverages, as treasurer. 

“We appreciate Bill stepping up to lead our Board of Directors during an exciting, though challenging, time for our industry and the communities our companies serve across America,” Keane said. “We are also thankful for Matthew’s leadership as Chair, which helped steer our industry toward solutions to be proud of and ones that will position us well now and in the future.”

Those elected to serve an additional term on the Board of Directors were: Ralph D. Crowley, president and chief executive officer, Polar Beverages; Matthew Dent, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Rock Company; J. Frank Harrison, III, chairman and chief executive officer, Coca-Cola Consolidated; Jennifer Mann, president, North America Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company; William “Bill” O’Brien, chief executive officer, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling; Andrew Springate, chief marketing and concentrate officer, Keurig Dr Pepper; Todd Squarek, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, PepsiCo Beverages North America; and Timothy “Tim” Trant, chief executive officer, G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc.

Members of ABA’s Board of Directors participate in semi-annual meetings that help shape association programs, policies and initiatives. Officers are elected annually.