DENVER CO (July 5, 2024) – The Greeting Card Association (GCA) announces that Nora Weiser, Executive Director, is departing from her role after almost four years of leadership. Weiser will continue to support GCA in a consulting capacity through October 2024 to ensure a smooth leadership transition and in support of the organization’s *Noted: The Greeting Card Expo.
After an exhaustive nationwide search, the GCA Board of Directors and GCA’s management company, Denver-based Civica Management, selected Sierra Bretz to take over the Executive Director role effective July 8. With a wealth of experience in non-profit management, Philadelphia-based Bretz is poised to continue the association’s track record of membership growth, industry advocacy, and community-building.
In addition, Carlos Llanso of Legacy Publishing will play a pivotal role in advancing the association. When Llanso terms off the Board of Directors at the end of October after an impressive 16 years of volunteer service, he will transition to the newly created role of Director of Strategic Initiatives. In this capacity, he will focus on industry relations, sponsorship, PR, and media, bringing his extensive knowledge and experience to these critical areas.
“We are incredibly grateful for Nora’s dedicated leadership and the significant impact she has had on the GCA,” said Board President Andy Meehan of Designer Greetings. “Her commitment to our mission and her efforts in guiding the association through key initiatives have been invaluable. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Weiser expressed her gratitude for her time with the GCA, stating, “It has been an honor to serve as the Executive Director of such a vibrant organization made up of passionate makers. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident in the association’s future under Sierra’s leadership.”
GCA looks forward to a seamless transition and continued success under Bretz’s guidance. The association remains committed to supporting its members and the broader greeting card industry through meaningful member benefits, timely and relevant education, and its important USPS advocacy work on behalf of the citizen mailer.
GCA members will have the opportunity to meet Bretz at GCA MeetUps during the Atlanta, Las Vegas, and New York summer markets and can connect with Bretz, Llanso, and Weiser at the association’s Annual Workshop & Retreat October 23-25 in Denver, Colorado. Registration for the event is now open at: greetingcard.org/2024-workshop-retreat/.