New 2025 PCA Board Members
by Premium Cigar Association | Jul 23, 2025 | Feature
Why did you run for the board and what do you hope to achieve while serving your term?
Kathleen Kelly, Queensbury Cigar and Pipe,
Queensbury, New York (Second term)
I ran for reelection to the PCA Board of Directors to continue working to represent retailers in the industry. In particular, the single shop owners. I am passionate about advocating for cigars and pipe tobacco and enjoy getting retailers involved in communicating with their representatives whether at the local, state or federal level. In my second term, I am excited to continue to help Women of PCA grow and flourish, to keep building the Best of the Leaf awards program, and to make our association and trade show better than ever. I look forward to my second term and appreciate all the support I have received.
Tony Goins, Capital Cigar Lounge,
Lincoln, Nebraska (Second Term)
I ran again for this board seat because I am still excited about the mission of PCA and our impact within the cigar industry. My goals are to support all retailers in achieving a higher level of service to their customers, which is a lever to drive profitability, and to support the tax caps and a balanced tax policy between online retailers and brick and mortar stores. In addition, community retailers need to drive higher levels of revenue to employ more people at solid wages, which is an economic driver for their state. I intend to continue to drive the value proposition of PCA, which is a lever to increase membership and market share. This will be accomplished through enhancing my relationships with the PCA team and my fellow board members, and by listening to feedback from retailers around the industry. I am honored to serve the culture of our leaf.
Jeff Greiner, Classic Cigars & Lounge,
Tulsa, Oklahoma
I ran for the board because as a manager of a brick-and-mortar cigar bar with more than 20 years of experience in this wonderful industry, I believe I bring knowledge, experience and a different point of view in order to help guide the PCA in the future. I want to be a strong voice for the small mom-and-pop retailers in our association, as well as being a voice to strengthen our partnerships with manufacturers, reps and brokers. My goals are to bring ideas to help the membership grow and provide as much value as possible to member benefits. I look forward to continuing my contributions to both the membership and content committees, as well as now the tradeshow committee. I am always available for anyone to reach out to me with ideas or constructive criticism, so that we may continually improve our association and help retailers with ideas on how to improve their own business.
Michael Herklots, Ferio Tego,
Southington, Connecticut
I’m grateful to have been reelected to the PCA Board of Directors. This industry has given me so much, and I take seriously the responsibility to help protect and preserve it. The last few years have tested all of us—from a global crisis to ongoing regulatory and legislative challenges—but we’ve made real progress. Today’s board reflects a unified, focused and responsive PCA. I’m proud to be part of that, and I remain committed to offering clear perspective, steady leadership and an unwavering focus on the future of premium cigars.
John Higgins, Spring Street Cigars,
Tupelo, Mississippi
I am excited to join the PCA board and help continue the amazing change that is underway. I bring a unique mix of business and board experience, and I look forward to helping the PCA be a strong voice for the industry. Helping to set the direction of such a quality industry is a unique opportunity, and I look forward to the future.
Editor’s Note: George Rico from Gran Habano was announced as a board member following the publication of this article. You can learn more about him here.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 2, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.
