Officers and Directors
The Cigar Rights of America (CRA) Board of Directors consists of some of the most respected figures in the premium cigar industry. Serving in a volunteer capacity, these leaders bring an unparalleled dedication and commitment to their roles. Their devotion to the craft, coupled with their extensive expertise, shapes CRA's mission to protect the rights of cigar enthusiasts. Their leadership, guidance, and steadfast financial support are crucial in ensuring the continued growth and vitality of the industry, embodying a true passion for preserving the rich tradition of premium cigars.
Robert Levin
Chairman Emeritus
Owner, Ashton Distributors
Robert Levin, the President of Holt’s Cigar Holdings, has a 50-year career in the cigar industry, spanning both retail and wholesale. His journey began by sweeping the floors of his father’s landmark cigar store in Philadelphia, Holts. In the 1970s, Robert took over the family business and led a significant transformation in the 1980s by introducing the iconic Ashton brand. Founded in 1985, Ashton Distributors, Inc., a family-owned company headquartered in Philadelphia, embodies the tradition of the premium cigar industry with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Cory Bappert
Vice President
CEO, Oliva Cigar Company
With over 16 years in the cigar industry, Cory Bappert is the CEO of Oliva Cigars, a leading global premium and cigar manufacturer. Cory joined Oliva Cigars in 2006 as Vice President of Sales and has driven the company's growth, expanding its market presence and reputation for quality.
Drew Newman
Secretary
Owner, J.C. Newman Cigar Company
Drew Newman continues the tradition started by his great-grandfather in 1895 as a fourth-generation leader of J.C. Newman Cigar Company, America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar manufacturer. Before fully joining the family business, Drew worked as Chief of Staff for a national nonprofit and as Legislative Director at the Council of the District of Columbia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Williams College and a Master of Public Policy from Princeton University, positioning him well to lead J.C. Newman Cigar Company into the future.
Gary Pesh
President & Treasurer
Owner, Old Virginia Tobacco Company
Gary Pesh has over 40 years in the tobacco business, starting in 1980 at the family business, Tobacco Barns. He expanded the business from three stores to seven and rebranded it as Old Virginia Tobacco Co., where he now serves as president. A former city councilman in Roundhill, VA, Gary has served on multiple boards, including IPCPR (now the Premium Cigar Association), where he became president. Since 2009, Gary has been an active member of the Cigar Rights of America board, advocating for the rights of cigar enthusiasts and the industry. Throughout his career, Gary has exemplified dedication, leadership, and a passion for the cigar industry. His contributions have not only strengthened his own business but have also had a lasting impact on the broader cigar community.
Carlito Fuente
Owner, A. Fuente Cigars
Carlos "Carlito" P. Fuente, Jr. is a third-generation cigar artisan and the Chairman of A. Fuente & Company. The company, founded in 1912 by his grandfather, started with cigars crafted in the family's home. Today, A. Fuente & Company produces and distributes millions of cigars annually. Carlito, along with his father, transformed A. Fuente & Company from its beginnings in Ybor City, Florida, into a globally recognized manufacturer of premium hand-rolled cigars. Carlito co-founded, along with Newman family, the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, recognized by the United Nations for its community impact in the Dominican Republic, which includes a K-12 school, community kitchen, medical and dental clinics, sports facilities, an organic farm, and infrastructure enhancements.
Pete Johnson
Owner, Tatuaje Cigars Inc | Havana Cellars
Pete Johnson entered the tobacco industry in 1993, starting in retail in Los Angeles, California. In 1997, he became the Director of Retail for Grand Havana Enterprises. Pete's passion for cigars led him to start his own line, Tatuaje, in 2003, collaborating with Jose "Pepin" Garcia of My Father Cigars. Tatuaje quickly gained popularity, establishing Pete and his brand as significant players for the next generation of cigar industry leaders.
Jorge Padrón
Owner, Padrón Cigar Company
Jorge Padrón is a key figure in the premium cigar world, representing Padron Cigars. Raised in a family dedicated to tobacco cultivation and cigar craftsmanship, Jorge learned the intricacies of cigar production from his father, Jose Orlando Padron. Under his leadership, Padron Cigars expanded globally, maintaining a commitment to quality and authenticity. Jorge's work has earned Padron Cigars numerous accolades and a devoted following. His dedication ensures the Padron name remains synonymous with high-quality cigars.
Sathya Levin
CEO, ASHTON Distributors
Sathya Levin is the second generation leader of Ashton Cigars with his father, Robert Levin. Ashton Cigars, founded in 1985, is known for producing premium cigars of high quality. Throughout his career, Sathya has been instrumental in driving the growth and success of Ashton Cigars. His leadership has ensured that the company remains at the forefront of the industry, known for its innovation, quality, and integrity. Sathya's deep knowledge of the cigar business, combined with his strategic vision, has helped Ashton Cigars maintain its position as a leader in the market.
Rocky Patel
Owner, Rocky Patel Cigars
Rocky Patel is a prominent figure in the cigar industry, known for his dedication to perfection. Introduced to cigars in the early 1990s while practicing law in Los Angeles, Rocky developed a deep interest in cigars. He ventured into cigar manufacturing during the boom, finding success with Indian Tabac cigars rolled in Honduras. In 2003, he rebranded his company to Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. Known for his hard work, Rocky's mission is to share his passion for exceptional cigars with enthusiasts worldwide.
Tony Gomez
La Flor Dominicana
Tony Gomez is the newest addition to CRA's board and we are proud to have La Flor Dominicana represented on our board once again. Tony brings a literal lifetime of experience with him, having watched his father Litto, and his business partner and spouse Inez, grow La Flor Dominicana from the ground up during Tony's childhood. We value the enthusiasm, experience, and intellect that Tony brings to the CRA board.
Directors Emeriti
Carlos Fuente, Sr. (1935-2016)
President (Former) of Arturo Fuente Cigars and Founding Manufacturer Member of CRA
From a humble beginning in Ybor City, Florida, making cigars from his parents' home, Fuente Sr. built Fuente into an international powerhouse, with its cigars known and revered the world over. His company today makes more than 30 million cigars a year in Santiago, Dominican Republic, all of them by hand. Carlos was in the cigar business his entire life. Together with his son, Carlito, he managed all aspects of the worldwide Fuente cigar manufacturing businesses.
Jeff Borysiewicz
President and Founder, Corona Cigar Co. & Florida Sungrown, LLC and Founding Retailer Member of CRA
Jeff Borysiewicz is the founder and CEO of Corona Cigar Company and Florida Sungrown, LLC. In 2008, following a hard-fought legislative battle, Jeff, along with Keith Park, founder & CEO of Prometheus International, realized that the premium cigar industry lacked a true advocate in Washington, DC. This led to the creation of Cigar Rights of America (CRA). From 2008 to 2014, Jeff served as chairman of CRA. During his leadership, CRA grew from a small operation to an industry leader in tobacco policy. Today, CRA is the most prominent voice for premium cigar advocacy in Washington, DC.
Keith Park
Founder and CEO of Prometheus International and God of Fire Cigars and Founding Manufacturer Member of CRA
Keith Park started out working in his family's lighter importation business in California in the 1980's. In 1992, Keith launched the now-famous luxury lighter brand Prometheus. After the success of the Prometheus brand's expansion into collectible humidors, Keith found himself in discussions with Carlito Fuente in 2002, which lead to the creation of the God of Fire line of cigars. In 2008, Keith worked tirelessly to ward of a new round of tax legislation with Jeff Borysiewicz and other manufacturers, when they both realized the need for an advocacy group dedicated to premium cigars, and they helped found CRA.
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