The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Board of Directors announced yesterday the promotion and hiring of Joshua Habursky to the role of PCA Executive Director, effective immediately. Habursky’s tenure at PCA includes outside government affairs consultant (2018), Director of Federal Affairs, Head of Government Affairs, and Deputy Executive Director (2019-present). Since May 2024, Habursky has served as interim executive director of the PCA following Scott Pearce’s departure.
“For the past five years we have been able to work effectively with Josh to accomplish the goals of the association related to advocacy. We are confident of his ability to take on the additional responsibility of running the full association moving forward. This internal promotion is a testament to both Josh and the entire PCA staff who have been diligently working with the board to make the association a powerhouse in all departments,” says Scott Regina, president of the PCA Board of Directors.
Habursky will continue to serve as the organization’s chief lobbyist but will work with internal staff and consultants to identify new priorities and responsibilities. The PCA will implement a new five-year Strategic Plan and is expected to announce additional positive changes in the coming months, including new hires to support the trade show team.
“Josh has the support of the staff, board of directors, industry partners, and key government stakeholders to lead the Premium Cigar Association. I have worked with Josh and can attest to his passion for premium cigars and the association. He has spent his entire tenure at PCA learning the ins and outs of the organization and industry, but most importantly developing relationships that will help him in this new leadership role,” adds Todd Naifeh, Vice President of the PCA Board of Directors.
“I am honored and excited to lead the Premium Cigar Association into its next chapter. I am very fortunate to have this opportunity to work alongside a phenomenal staff and experienced board of directors. I will fight tirelessly for specialty tobacco retail and premium cigars by running an organization efficiently, from the trade show to advocacy, so that our members’ interests are asserted and promoted in all that we do. The PCA board of directors affirmed their support of our team, the direction of the organization, and our commitment to being the industry’s advocacy leader in this decision,” commented Joshua Habursky.
Habursky has spent over a decade working in government affairs roles in trade and membership associations, including the American Motorcyclist Association, American Diabetes Association, and Independent Community Bankers of America. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washington & Jefferson College and a Masters in American Government from Georgetown University, along with Executive Certificates from Harvard, LSE, Penn, and pursuing one in Non-Profit Financial Management from Cornell University. Habursky also serves as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management and owns several small hospitality businesses in Northern Virginia.
Habursky has signed a contract to serve as PCA Executive Director through 2028.
