News

Dunkin' Brands names new VP, Government Affairs

July 31, 2012

Dunkin' Brands Group Inc., parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, has announced that Cicely D. Simpson has been promoted to the position of vice president, Government Affairs. Simpson joined Dunkin' Brands in 2008 as director, Federal & State Government Affairs.

Reporting directly to Dunkin' Brands' chief communications officer Karen Raskopf, Simpson will continue to work closely with senior management to direct all government affairs activities, promoting and advocating for the interests of the company and its franchisees at all levels of government: Federal, state, local and international.

Leveraging more than 10 years of experience in legislative affairs and public policy, Simpson also will continue to build and maintain Dunkin' Brands' relationships with members of Congress, Congressional staff, regulatory agencies, state and local elected officials and trade associations.

Prior to joining Dunkin' Brands, Simpson served for three years as legislative director for the Honorable Jim Cooper, U.S. House of Representatives (D–TN). Simpson also served in a similar role for the Honorable Lincoln Davis, U.S. House of Representatives (D–TN).

As federal affairs manager for the Tennessee Valley Authority, Simpson managed and supervised legislative issues, educating and informing Senate, House and agency staff about matters affecting the seven states in the Tennessee Valley, while cultivating relationships with key congressional staff and strategic industry partners.

"During her four years with Dunkin' Brands, Cicely has proven herself to have a deep understanding of the complex legislative and regulatory issues facing our industry and a way of helping to find common ground that brings about better public policy," Raskopf said. "Her tireless dedication to advocating for our franchisees, our customers, the company, and the restaurant industry have earned her this promotion."

Simpson received a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University's School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. She also is a graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership's Leadership Development Program.

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