The Greeting Card Association (GCA) has welcomed Sierra Bretz as its new executive director. Bretz, who took office on July 8, succeeds Nora Weiser, who left her position in early July after nearly four years with the association.
“Philadelphia-based Bretz is poised to continue the association’s track record of membership growth, industry representation and community building,” the association wrote in a press release announcing Bretz’s hiring.
After a nationwide search, the GCA board and GCA’s management company, Denver-based Civica Management, selected Bretz for her “extensive experience in nonprofit management.” Weiser will continue to serve the GCA in an advisory capacity through October 2024 to “ensure a smooth leadership transition and support the organization’s *Note: The Greeting Card Expo.”
“It has been an honor to serve as executive director of such a vibrant organization comprised of passionate doers,” Weiser said in a GCA statement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident about the future of the association under Sierra’s leadership.”
At the time of Bretz’s hiring, the GCA also announced that Legacy Publishing’s Carlos Llansó will take on a newly created position later this year. He will join the association as director of strategic initiatives after retiring from the GCA board in late October following 16 years of volunteer service. In his new role, Llansó will focus on industry relations, sponsorship, press relations and media, bringing his “extensive knowledge and experience in these important areas.”
“We are incredibly grateful for Nora’s dedicated leadership and the significant impact she has had on the GCA,” said Andy Meehan, GCA Board Chair. “Her commitment to our mission and efforts to lead the association through important initiatives have been invaluable. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
GCA members had the opportunity to meet Bretz at GCA MeetUps during the summer markets in Atlanta, Las Vegas and New York and will have additional opportunities to connect with Bretz, Llansó and Weiser at the association’s Annual Workshop & Retreat in Denver October 23-25. Registration for the event is now open online.
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