WASHINGTON, D.C.—Susan K. Neely, president and chief executive officer of the American Beverage Association (ABA), today announced the promotion of Patrice Webb to vice president of social commitment for the association.  

“Patrice’s enthusiasm and skill at building and growing relationships with both national and community organizations has been indispensable to our Balance Calories Initiative, the single largest voluntary effort by an industry to reduce obesity nationally,” Neely said. “Her background and experience make her an ideal fit for this new capability at ABA which is a natural extension of more than a decade of engaging in groundbreaking partnerships to support our consumers, customers and communities to address societal challenges.”

As vice president of social commitment, Webb will foster relationships with elected officials, community leaders and others who believe that the business community is a vital partner for change.

“I am excited to continue my work and the work of this iconic industry to develop strategic and meaningful alliances in the communities where our work will have the biggest impact,” Webb said. 

The non-alcoholic beverage industry employs more than 240,000 people with a direct economic impact of more than $169 billion and helps to support hundreds of thousands more that depend, in part, on beverage sales for their livelihoods.

Prior to this promotion, Webb served at ABA as senior director of partnerships & community outreach. Previously, she was the principal at The Webb + Flow Group, a public affairs and organizational management consulting firm that served nonprofit organizations and held positions with Heineken USA. In addition, she held previous positions at The Free Press, American Civil Liberties Union, Law & Media Group, Pinnacle Strategic Partners Group and The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Webb is affiliated with the Washington Government Relations Group, the Beer Institute, the Odyssey Network and Net Impact. She serves on the Board of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute and Washington Parks and People.

She is an active member of the YMCA and City Dogs Animal Rescue. Webb’s commitment to giving back is exemplified in her volunteer work with Mt. Calvary Women’s Shelter, Martha’s Table and Life Rolls On.   

Webb holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy with a concentration in conflict resolution from Towson University. She earned a master’s degree in organizational management from The George Washington University. 

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.  For more information on ABA, please visit the association’s Web site at www.ameribev.org or call the ABA communications team at (202) 463-6770.