2024 Person of the Year

Prime Time Awards 2024: Person of the Year – Joshua Habursky

Joshua Habursky, Executive Director for the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), is the winner of the Prime Time Award for 2024 Person of the Year. This award looks at the individual who had the most significant contributions to the cigar industry during the year.

For the past ten years, the winner of the Cigar Coop Person of the Year has been someone associated with the manufacturing or brand side of the cigar industry. Habursky becomes the first winner of this award who does not come from that side of the industry. As Executive Director of the PCA, he runs one of the key trade associations representing tobacco retailers and closely supporting manufacturers and partners.

Habursky was named the full-time Executive Director in 2024, succeeding Scott Pearce, who moved on to the Cigar Association of America (CAA). Habursky has been with the PCA for several years. He first joined as a consultant before being named Director of Legislative Affairs in 2019. In 2022, he was promoted to Deputy Executive Director. Prior to joining PCA, Habursky brought an impressive lobbying track record to the organization. Throughout his time, he has grown to learn all aspects of the trade organization. No exhaustive search was needed when it came time to fill the Executive Director position. Habursky was ready to assume the challenge.

Our panel noted Habursky’s ability to seamlessly step into the executive director role and continue to grow. Scott Pearce, his predecessor, left some big shoes to fill. Our panel also noted Habursky’s gift for communications. His ability to work with the board of directors, staff, members, and partners impressed us.

The PCA established key initiatives this year, including the PCA Alliance, a partnership with Quartz Business Event for a trade show in Dubai, and an educational initiative with The Cigar Academy. Meanwhile, Habursky continued to lead Legislative Affairs as he had done all year. He’s worked to respond to challenges promptly and swiftly when necessary. Our voting happened before the FDA Appeal ruled in favor of the cigar industry and before TMTP, Flavor Bans, and Nicotine Limits were tabled. Habursky’s leadership was undoubtedly a contributing factor to these key victories.

Habursky has led by example. Perhaps that’s one of the strongest qualities to look for in a Person of the Year. Finally, let’s not forget – Habursky loves cigars.

For more details on our selection process, click here.

The full vote results appear here.