Hollywood, FL – The Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) has announced the promotion of Natasha Alexis to Vice President of Operations and Administration.  In this role Natasha will support GAWDA Executive Director John Ospina in the day-to-day management of the association. She will oversee GAWDA operations, committees, technology, and meetings.

Natasha joined GAWDA in June 2010.  Natasha worked with John Ospina to transition GAWDA through an interim association management period at the American Welding Society (AWS), then to a self- managed independent association in January 2015.  Natasha brings extensive historical knowledge of GAWDA and association management to this new role.

GAWDA hires Claudinne Cerveira as the new Director of Meetings and Events. She will be taking over the management GAWDA national meetings.  Claudinne has over 25 years of experience in designing and executing educational and corporate events. Most recently, she served as Conference and Event Manager at Barry University in Miami, FL. At Barry, Claudinne managed multiple high-profile, multi-million-dollar conferences and events for thousands of attendees.  Claudinne brings extensive experience and insight to the meetings role at GAWDA.

“We’re thrilled to announce Natasha’s promotion to Vice President of Operations and Administration. She has always played a key role in the success of GAWDA and will continue to do so in her new role. As we evolve and grow our member benefits, we’ll be right sizing the staff support to ensure that our member experience continues to be, at or above, the level members have come to expect. We’re also happy to have Claudinne as the newest member of our GAWDA team. Claudinne brings a new perspective to the position of Director of Meetings and Events. Please join me in congratulating them both.” writes John Ospina, GAWDA Executive Director

About GAWDA

For over 77 years, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) has been dedicated to promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment supplies. Through its GAWDA Gives Back campaign, association members have donated almost $2 million over the last 17 years to 23 different charitable organizations in 14 communities across the U.S. Since 2013, GAWDA and its members also have provided scholarships totaling $226,000 to 113 young people interested in studies leading to careers in the industry. For more information, visit the association’s website at www.gawda.org.