ABA Strengthens Government Relations With Tiana Thomas to Advance Commercial Baking Nutrition Priorities
October 21, 2026 | 2 min to read
As commercial bakers navigate evolving supply chain and nutrition policy challenges, the American Bakers Association (ABA) today announced Tiana Thomas as its new director of government relations.
Thomas joins ABA from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, where she served as congressional affairs manager. In that role, she developed and executed strategic congressional engagement initiatives to highlight the agency’s mission of advancing U.S. infrastructure development abroad through a national economic security lens.
Thomas also brings extensive experience on Capitol Hill, having served as deputy chief of staff and legislative director. Throughout her career, she has managed legislative portfolios, supported congressional committee work and engaged government officials, trade associations and businesses on transportation, workforce, technology and business policy.
With expertise in advocacy strategy, federal appropriations and stakeholder engagement, Thomas will lead ABA’s Global Supply Chain & Logistics Professional Group and contribute to the association’s nutrition policy efforts.
“Tiana brings a strong combination of executive branch and legislative experience, along with the relationship-building and communication skills essential to effective advocacy,” said Rasma Zvaners, vice president of government relations at ABA. “Her expertise will strengthen our efforts to advance members’ supply chain priorities, shape nutrition policy and ensure the commercial baking industry has a strong voice in federal policy discussions.”
To view the ABA professional team, visit the association’s website.
About the American Bakers Association
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the largest and most established trade association for the commercial baking industry in the United States. ABA’s community includes more than 350 baker and allied member companies, representing thousands of commercial baking manufacturing locations across the country.
Since 1897, ABA has served as the voice of the baking industry, offering advocacy, thought leadership and comprehensive research on industry trends. Members also benefit from extensive business services, including premier networking events, knowledge-sharing opportunities, workforce development programs and training resources.
ABA is committed to advancing its mission by growing the category and promoting the industry as a destination workplace. In 2025, ABA earned Great Place To Work® Certification, underscoring its commitment to its Higher Level Impact strategic objective by fostering a strong internal culture that drives excellence across the commercial baking industry.