CRA Executive Team

Our professional staff supports all members of the industry

Mike Copperman

Executive Director & Federal Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Director

With more than 17 years experience as a professional tobacconist and a cigar enthusiast, Mike Copperman is also a noted authority on the healthcare debate surrounding tobacco, and cigars specifically. As the owner of Bethesda Tobacco for a decade, Mike immersed himself in the political issues confronting the cigar industry. He is a former member of the Board of Directors for the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), and former chairman of the Maryland Premium Cigar Retailers Political Action Committee.

CoDy Carden

Government and Regulatory Specialist and Director of Communications

Cody Carden specializes in legislative matters related to international trade, agriculture, tax, and regulatory policy. At Cigar Rights of America (CRA), Cody is focused on legislative and regulatory affairs within the U.S. Congress, the administration, and executive agencies. He also manages all aspects of communications, including digital content, press releases, news alerts, and newsletters for CRA.

Before joining CRA, Cody was an associate at the law firm Schramm, Williams & Associates, where he co-authored a book on international trade, regulatory policy, and agricultural trade programs. He has also worked on the staff of former Senate Majority Leader William Frist (R-TN), Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), and the Republican National Committee. Cody holds a degree in political science from George Washington University.