PCA Lays Off Two Staff Members

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA), the premium cigar industry’s most prominent trade group, has laid off two staff members.

Christine Morgan—the association’s membership and industry partner relations director—and Greg Vickers—the retail membership director—have been laid off. Both had been furloughed since mid-July after the organization announced that its entire staff—six people—would be furloughed due to budget shortfalls.

In the end, Scott Pearce—the organization’s executive director—and Joshua Habursky—head of government affairs—were never furloughed, staying on so the organization would be able to have some operations other than that carried out by its volunteer board members. Lisa Cox—senior director of meetings and events—returned in September, and Erin Holland—marketing and communications manager—returned in October. That meant only Morgan and Vickers remained furloughed.

“As we continue to feel the repercussions of COVID, the PCA has been forced to make some terribly difficult decisions and that unfortunately means restructuring is required for PCA to maintain consistent lobbying work at both the State and Federal levels,” said Pearce in a statement to halfwheel. “Greg and Christine have been great team members and have helped the association grow and progress and PCA thanks them for their hard work. While we plan for the 2021 trade show, Lisa Cox will be taking on booth sales and membership responsibilities will be shared between Erin Holland and Scott Pearce for now.”

Vickers was the organization’s longest-tenured employee, Morgan was the organization’s second longest-tenured employee.