Last night at The New York Public Library, Susan Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association, received the Seton Hall University Global Citizen of the Year Award.

The Dean of the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, Ambassador John K. Menzies commented on this great recognition by saying, “Susan Neely is a superb choice for the Whitehead School’s Global Citizen of the Year. Her life is a model of service and dedication. She is a perfect example of the type of servant leadership to which our students aspire.”

Neely’s strong leadership and spirited dedication has also been a model for the transformation of the non-alcoholic beverage industry. She has guided the growth of the beverage industry into a leader in public policy through such initiates as the national School Beverage Guidelines, a partnership with the William J. Clinton Foundation, and with front-of-pack labeling standards Clear on Calories, in support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign. Through Neely’s innovative leadership, the ABA and our member companies have been an integral part of meaningful and lasting solutions to societal challenges.

We here at Sip & Savor congratulate Susan Neely on her superb work and dedication!