In early January, the American Vapor Manufacturers Association announced that AVM co-founder and president Amanda Wheeler had stepped down from her position with the trade organization to accept a government affairs position at Philip Morris International, which is now entering the U.S. market. Wheeler will continue to advise AVM, which she and Cloud 9 Vapor Shop owner Char Owen founded together in 2020.
Following Wheeler’s departure, Owen has moved from vice president to president of the trade group, and Allison Boughner will take over the VP chair. Boughner is the marketing and communications director for South Carolina e-liquid manufacturer and vape shop chain Ecig Charleston, and also holds positions in other regional and national industry advocacy groups.
Gregory Conley, who also serves as president of the American Vaping Association, joined AVM last summer as director of legislative and external affairs.
Jim McDonald
Vaping for: 13 years
Favorite products:
Favorite flavors: RY4-style tobaccos, fruits
Expertise in: Political and legal challenges, tobacco control haters, moral panics
Jim McDonald
Smokers created vaping without help from the tobacco industry or anti-smoking crusaders, and I believe vapers have the right to continue innovating to help themselves. My goal is to provide clear, honest information about the challenges vaping faces from lawmakers, regulators, and brokers of disinformation. I’m a member of the CASAA board, but my opinions aren’t necessarily CASAA’s, and vice versa. You can find me on Twitter @whycherrywhy