WASHINGTON, D.C. - Susan K. Neely, president and chief executive officer of the American Beverage Association (ABA), named today Fredericka McGee as vice president of California government affairs and operations for the association.

Most recently, McGee served as the deputy chief of staff and general counsel in the Office of Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, where she oversaw litigation strategy, served as the spokesperson on judiciary and court budget issues, and oversaw major functions of the speaker’s office.

"Our industry has a strong presence in California; Fredericka’s extensive experience in state politics, her long-time service to the Assembly and to five Assembly speakers, and her deep understanding of statewide public policy will be a tremendous asset to the association as well as the communities we serve," Neely said.

As vice president of California government affairs and operations, Fredericka will represent ABA member companies, including California bottlers, before lawmakers and regulatory bodies across California.  California’s non-alcoholic beverage industry directly employs nearly 24,000 people, supports nearly 88,000 more that depend, in part, on beverage sales for their livelihoods, and has a direct economic impact of more than $17 billion.  McGee will begin her role at ABA on February 22.

“I have had a wonderful career in public service and am privileged to now join an iconic and innovative industry that also is focused on giving back to the communities in which its employees live, work and play,” McGee said. 

McGee has served in many different roles in the California state assembly since 1994, including deputy chief of staff and general counsel for Speaker John Perez; general counsel for Speakers Karen Bass, Fabian Nunez and Antonio Villaraigosa; chief consultant for Jobs, Economic Development and Economy Committee Chair Mark Ridley‐Thomas; consultant for Insurance Committee Chair Juanita McDonald; counsel for Public Safety Committee Chair Mark Leno; and chief of staff for Assembly members Marguerite Archie-Hudson and Sarah Reyes.

McGee has been the recipient of the 2015 Sacramento Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business” Award, 2015 California Legislative Caucus’ Burke Award for Outstanding Staff, 2013 Wiley Manuel Bar Association’s Attorney of the Year Award, 2012 The Recorder’s “Women Leaders in the Law” Award and the 2011 California Legislative Black Caucus’ Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Leadership Award.  She is a member of the California State Bar and the California Association of Black Lawyers. She is also a current fellow with the American Leadership Forum --Mountain Valley Chapter.  McGee has served on various Boards, including the Black Youth Leadership Project, Student Reach, Shiloh Community Services Foundation and the California Earthquake Authority.  She is a founding parent at the Westlake Charter School, and a mission team member with the Real Life Church,

McGee holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from California State University at Long Beach and a juris doctor degree from The University of The Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law.  She lives in Sacramento with her daughter.

# # # 

The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

-30-