After 23 years of service, Raymond Thomasson is retiring as president and CEO of the Beverage Association of Tennessee. Greg Adkins, a veteran association executive with broad legislative experience, will assume the role of BAT’s President and CEO on Nov. 1. Mr. Thomasson will remain at the association, taking on the role of secretary for the BAT’s Political Action Committee and consulting for BAT.
Mr. Adkins is a former Metro Nashville Councilman and has served as president and CEO Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association since 2010 and has led the organization through a period of growth for the professional trade association that advocates for the hospitality and tourism industries at all levels of government.
“I am honored to have an opportunity to build upon the amazing work that Raymond Thomasson has done at the Beverage Association over the last 23 years and look forward to working with the association’s leadership to represent the interests of members across the state,” Mr. Adkins said.
In his new position, Mr. Adkins will oversee the day-to-day management and operations of the Beverage Association. He will also be responsible for the association’s legislative initiatives and community engagement for the industry.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Greg’s background and experience in association management and government relations to be joining us,” said Martin Williams, vice president and CFO of the Corinth Coca Cola Bottling Company of Jackson and chairman of BAT. “He understands our mission and will be a great asset to our team and to our members.”
Earlier in his career, Mr. Adkins held roles including executive director of the Tennessee Public Transportation Association, legislative services manager for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and research analyst for the state House of Representatives. He has also held leadership and board of directors positions with organizations such as the Tennessee County Services Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, International Society of Hotel Association Executives, Nashville Chamber Business Conditions Council, Metro Nashville Planning Commission, Nashville Business Coalition, and the Music City Bowl.
He received his juris doctorate from the Nashville School of Law and graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Mr. Adkins is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve.
The Beverage Association of Tennessee is the 95-year-old Trade Association for Tennessee’s non-alcoholic refreshment beverage industry which includes, but not limited to, carbonated soft drinks, ready to drink teas and coffees, bottled waters, fruit juices, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks, and represents the common interests of the soft-drink bottlers, manufacturers and distributors in Tennessee.