PFMA Hires Director of Gov’t Relations

Alex Baloga joined the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) on Feb. 6 as its director of government relations. In his new role, Baloga will head the association’s government relations efforts at the local, state and federal levels.

“Alex brings a wealth of legislative knowledge and contacts to our government relations team,” said David McCorkle, president and CEO of Camp Hill-based PFMA. “His experience will allow PFMA to continue our effective communication of food industry issues to legislators.”

Baloga's (left) most recent position was deputy finance director for the re-election campaign of Sen. Robert P. “Bob” Casey (D-Pa.), in which capacity he directed fundraising activities in central Pennsylvania. He has extensive contacts from his experience as an associate lobbyist for Greenlee Partners LLC, a government relations firm with offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Additionally, he worked in Casey’s government office as a regional field manager, acting as the senator’s liaison to government, community and constituent groups in central Pennsylvania; monitoring local issues and developments; and representing Casey at civic meetings and community events.

The PFMA’s 1,000 supermarket, grocery store and convenience store members operate more than 4,000 retail food stores in the Keystone State.