Premium Cigar Association Appoints Lesley Nickus as Marketing & Communications Manager

The Premium Cigar Association has appointed Lesley Nickus as Marketing & Communications Manager. She steps into the role on January 5, 2026, bringing more than a decade of experience in strategic communications and digital marketing.

Strengthening PCA’s Marketing and Communications

The Premium Cigar Association continues to invest in its communications team. Lesley Nickus now joins PCA in a senior marketing role. She will oversee marketing, media relations, and digital communications.

Nickus will manage content across several platforms. These include the PCA website, email campaigns, and social media. She will also contribute to PCA publications.

Her role focuses on improving member engagement. She will support PCA’s broader mission. That mission centres on protecting and promoting premium cigars. Nickus will report directly to Antoine Reid. Reid serves as Senior Director of Marketing and Communications.

Professional Background and Experience

Nickus brings extensive experience to PCA. Her career spans nonprofits, media, and mission-driven organisations.

Scary Plants Media and Consulting Work

Before joining PCA, Nickus founded Scary Plants Media. The consultancy supports small businesses and nonprofits.
Its work covers digital content and campaign planning. Brand strategy forms a core part of its services.

Media and Editorial Roles

Nickus also built experience in journalism. She worked in marketing and editorial roles. Her background includes the Los Angeles Times. She also contributed to the Illinois News Network.

Across these roles, she focused on storytelling. She led membership communication initiatives. She supported event promotion and audience growth.

Education

Nickus holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She earned her degree from California State University, Long Beach.

Leadership Perspectives

Antoine Reid highlighted the value of the appointment. He praised Nickus’s strategic communications background. He also noted her strength in content development.

Reid emphasised alignment with PCA’s mission. He pointed to her experience in media and advocacy. Brand storytelling remains a priority for PCA.

Nickus expressed enthusiasm about her new role. She referenced the heritage of premium cigars. She also highlighted the importance of community.

Her focus includes retailers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts. She aims to help tell the industry’s stories.

Focus Areas Within PCA

Nickus will support several key initiatives. These include PCA trade show campaigns. Membership programmes also fall under her remit. Advocacy initiatives remain a central responsibility.

She joins PCA at a critical time. Clear communication remains essential for the industry.