WASHINGTON – Kevin Keane, president and chief executive officer of American Beverage, announced today the appointment of veteran government affairs leader Christine Burgeson as the association’s new Executive Vice President, Government and Public Affairs. 

“Christine brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, along with a proven track record of high-impact advocacy,” Keane said. “She will be a tremendous asset to American Beverage and the local bottlers and manufacturers we represent nationwide. Christine is an exceptional, proven leader to guide our team, deliver results for our members and champion our great American industry.” 

In this role, Burgeson will lead American Beverage’s government relations, public affairs and public policy portfolio for an association representing more than 170 members across the non-alcoholic beverage industry. She will oversee the team responsible for all aspects of advocacy and communications, as well as the organization’s environmental and health initiatives.

“I am honored to take on this role representing such an iconic American industry known for its product innovation and strong community partnerships,” Burgeson said. “I look forward to working with this talented team to advance American Beverage’s legislative, policy and public affairs priorities.” 

She joins American Beverage from Airlines for America, where she served as senior vice president of global government affairs for the national trade association representing the largest U.S. passenger and cargo airlines. 

Prior to her work for the airlines, Burgeson was vice president for federal government affairs at Citi and served as the lead Senate lobbyist in the DC office. A significant part of her career was spent in government, having served in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs and the Office of Management and Budget for President George W. Bush. Christine also worked in the Senate for former Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss.

Christine grew up in McComb, Miss., and graduated from the University of Mississippi, Oxford, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising with a concentration in business administration.

She and her husband, Eric, live in Arlington, Va., with their two daughters, Caroline and Olivia.

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