Joshua Habursky, Premium Cigar Association’s (PCA) Deputy Executive Director and Head of Government Affairs, has been recognized by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics with the 2023 Top Lobbyist distinction. The award is given to lobbyists who exemplify the “highest standards of integrity, ethics, and excellence” and is selected among peers in the lobbying community. Habursky will be honored with fellow recipients at the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell U.S. Senate Building on November 16, 2023.

Since joining the PCA, Josh Habursky has consistently been recognized by The Hill (a Capitol Hill news publication) as a top lobbyist. This list will be released in late November and has racked up professional awards from various associations and advocacy outlets.

“I greatly appreciate the awards and especially the peer recognition among other lobbyists, but this isn’t really about me, but the PCA Government Affairs program that punches way above our weight class. None of these awards would be possible without the leadership of Scott Pearce, the counsel of Patrick Anderson, direction from our board of directors, and Glynn Loope working in the state trenches,” says Habursky.

“It is great that the association has a nationally recognized lobbyist leading our government affairs team who continues to prove the association’s effectiveness across policy issues. Awards like this are great recognition for the time, effort, and strategy that go into the many legislative/regulatory victories that we have achieved this year and is a testament to the strength of the association moving forward,” says Scott Pearce, Executive Director of the PCA.

In addition to being recognized for his work with the Premium Cigar Association, Josh is an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management where he teaches other aspiring or current lobbyists through courses on Grassroots Engagement, State Lobbying, and Interest Group Politics.

About the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics: The National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) is a national organization representing lobbying, public policy, and government affairs professionals. The mission is to promote professionalism, competence, and high ethical standards through education. NILE works to provide a unified voice for the profession and the Constitution’s First Amendment right to petition the government.

About the Premium Cigar Association: The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is the leading authority and advocate for the premium cigar and pipe retailer industry. The PCA is dedicated to brick-and-mortar premium tobacconists’ current and future success. Founded in 1933 as the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America (RTDA), the PCA is the largest, most active, longest-running trade association representing specialty tobacco retailers and supporting manufacturers and partners in the industry. For additional information, visit premiumcigars.org.