
PFMA Association Services Manager
Michael Thomas joined the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) on May 14 as association services manager. He is responsible for leading the association’s legislative and regulatory issues research, committee meeting schedules and conference and webinar agenda development.
He will also serve as the industry’s liaison to communicate emergency planning issues and provide government and regulatory coverage for the newsletter and e-newsletters.
Thomas spent more than 13 years as a legislative staff member with both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including as a Senate legislative director and as executive director of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Prior to his public service, he worked as a VA laborer, a literary researcher, and as a mascot for a professional baseball team and two radio stations.
His introduction to the food industry came as a young child through his uncle’s produce business.
“We are excited to welcome Michael to the PFMA team,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “His experience working with the General Assembly will be valuable as he helps our members navigate legislative and regulatory issues and assists with planning relevant content for committee meetings.”
Originally from Luzerne County, Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in English from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Thomas serves on the Advocacy Committee of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and as the local membership officer for the central Pennsylvania chapter of American Mensa.
He will also serve as the industry’s liaison to communicate emergency planning issues and provide government and regulatory coverage for the newsletter and e-newsletters.
Thomas spent more than 13 years as a legislative staff member with both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including as a Senate legislative director and as executive director of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Prior to his public service, he worked as a VA laborer, a literary researcher, and as a mascot for a professional baseball team and two radio stations.
His introduction to the food industry came as a young child through his uncle’s produce business.
“We are excited to welcome Michael to the PFMA team,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “His experience working with the General Assembly will be valuable as he helps our members navigate legislative and regulatory issues and assists with planning relevant content for committee meetings.”
Originally from Luzerne County, Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in English from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Thomas serves on the Advocacy Committee of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and as the local membership officer for the central Pennsylvania chapter of American Mensa.