ALBANY, N.Y. — Kent Sopris has joined the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) as vice president and will become president of the state association in July when Jim Calvin retires from the post.
Calvin has been leading the group and its legislative agenda for 24 year of the association’s 35 years, wearing “a path marching down to the New York State Capitol … beating my forehead against marble columns, hopelessly expecting a different outcome,” he said.
Over the years, Calvin has advocated for the c-store industry in state matters related to gasoline prices, tobacco regulation and more.
Sopris (pictured above) most recently was director of the Public Transportation Bureau of the New York State Department of Transportation and has experience dealing with government affairs and lobbying on behalf of an organization.
“I am honored to be joining NYACS at an exciting and critical time for the organization,” said Sopris. “I look forward to advocating on behalf of its membership and to educating legislators and the public about the vital services convenience stores provide to communities throughout New York State.”
Retailer Doug Galli, chairman of the NYACS Board of Directors and vice president and general manager of Reid Stores Inc./Crosby’s, said the board’s search committee “was impressed with Kent’s extensive experience in association management and state government affairs. He has the strong leadership, problem-solving and communication skills needed to move our association forward in a challenging business and regulatory environment.”
Sopris previous work history includes the role of director of government affairs for the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York and as a lobbyist with the Albany-based government relations firm Malkin & Ross. In the state legislature, he served on the staffs of Senators Jose Peralta and Craig Johnson, and Assemblymen Richard Brodsky and Darryl Towns. Previously, he worked for New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell in Washington.
Based in Albany, N.Y., NYACS is a private, not-for-profit trade organization representing nearly 8,000 chain and independent convenience stores across the state.
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