Gregory Conley, a longtime advocate for the vaping industry and founder of the American Vaping Association (AVA), is joining the American Vapor Manufacturers Association (AVM) as its director of Legislative and External Affairs.
“Over the last decade-plus, myself and millions of American adults have given up cigarettes because of vaping,” said Conley. “During that time, I have been proud to advocate for vaping from the perspective of a consumer and harm reductionist. In this new role at AVM, I will continue to push for appropriate regulations to ensure that American businesses are not replaced with a multibillion-dollar illicit market. I look forward to helping grow AVM alongside Amanda and her board.”
His role with the AVM will be to advance public policy supporting the American vaping product industry in its fight for survival, according to press release. Conley, who has led the AVA as its president since 2014, will focus his efforts on government and media relations under the direction of AVM President Amanda Wheeler.
“Gregory is a critical voice for vaping and understands adult smokers and ex-smokers face dire circumstances because of the FDA,” said Wheeler. “One billionaire is pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into campaigns designed to end the vaping industry. The stakes have never been greater and I am thrilled to have him aboard to work towards a unified industry.”
Conley has a long history of advocacy for vaping products and tobacco harm reduction, dating back to 2010. While receiving a la and business degree from Rutgers University, Conley served as the pro bono legislative director for the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association.
Conley then founded the AVA, and during his time there he testified before dozens of state legislative bodies, appeared on numerous news networks, and participated in a White House listening session with then-President Donald Trump. Conley plans to continue working with AVA as it charts a new path forward focusing on voter education and outreach.