The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) announced that Brian Reuwee has been hired as director of communications and marketing for the organization.
Reuwee is in the process of relocating to Washington, D.C., from St. Louis, and will join the ARA staff Nov. 18. He will also be participating in ARA's upcoming annual conference Dec. 3-5 in Doral, Fla. As director of communications and marketing, Reuwee will be responsible for all of ARA's publications, media relations, website, marketing materials and associated issues. He will lead ARA's industry image enhancement efforts and support the communications aspects of ARA's advocacy efforts on behalf of agricultural retailers.
"I'm pleased we've found someone of Brian's caliber and experience to join the ARA team," said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. "We have some significant communication opportunities and needs; I know all of us are looking forward to having access to his talents in the months and years to come."
Reuwee comes to ARA from AMR Management Services, an association management company that provides professional services to nonprofit government, healthcare and agricultural organizations.
He is an association industry veteran. Reuwee started with Drake & Company, an association management firm, in 2002 and held various roles during his tenure including director of marketing and communications and vice president of client services. In 2011, AMR Management Services acquired Drake & Company. Reuwee was retained by AMR to manage the St. Louis office and serve as vice president of sales and marketing.
His work with Drake & Company and with AMR gave him extensive experience in media relations and media strategy, with particular emphasis in the sphere of nonprofit associations. He also has experience as a reporter with a small daily newspaper, giving him a perspective from both sides of the editorial table.
Reuwee holds a Master of Business Administration from the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri.