Elevating the New Jersey Food Council: A Transformative Shift in Leadership

As the New Jersey Food Council prepares for an even brighter future, with event participation at record highs, six highly regarded professional candidates were selected to fill recently vacated positions on the Board of Directors. This strategic move aims to infuse the organization with a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to driving the state's food retailing industry forward.

Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Welcoming the New Board Members

The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has welcomed a diverse and accomplished group of individuals to its Board of Directors. These new board members, all of whom have been unanimously approved, have undergone a comprehensive orientation program over the summer. During this process, CEO Linda Doherty provided them with a detailed overview of the state's trade association for food retailers, as well as its strategic plan for the coming years, as membership and sponsorship numbers reach unprecedented levels."Our new board members have outstanding backgrounds; the New Jersey Food Council is eager to welcome the next generation of Board members as we continue to grow and thrive," Doherty said. "They all possess a wealth of industry knowledge and experience that will benefit our association's goals and strengthen our strategic activities."

Steady Leadership: The Key to NJFC's Success

Andrew Kent, chair of the NJFC Board and executive vice president of Glass Gardens ShopRite, emphasized the importance of steady leadership in the organization's success and impact in New Jersey. Over the decades of service to the state's food retailing industry, the NJFC has relied on dedicated volunteers who have eagerly taken on leadership positions and leveraged their vast experience to provide guidance to the NJFC staff.Jason Read, who was elected vice chair of NJFC in January, echoed these sentiments, expressing his enthusiasm for the new board members and their potential to elevate the organization to new heights."We are eager to welcome these engaged and visionary board members, who are ready to take this next, important step in their careers," he said. "Being a leader of the NJFC shows enormous commitment to the food retailing industry, and I very much look forward to tapping the enthusiasm and experience of our new Board members to further elevate the New Jersey Food Council."

The Preeminent Trade Association in the Garden State

The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State's preeminent trade association, representing almost 400 companies, including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing, and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in New Jersey. This expansive network of industry players underscores the NJFC's pivotal role in shaping the future of the state's food retailing landscape.

Introducing the New Board Members

The new board members bring a wealth of diverse experience and expertise to the NJFC, poised to drive the organization's strategic initiatives and strengthen its position as a leading voice in the industry.Ryan Auld, a senior customer executive with Bimbo Bakeries USA, began his food industry career with Mondelez International as a merchandiser in the Baltimore/Washington DC Area. In 2017, he joined BIMBO Bakeries USA as a market sales leader, bringing a deep understanding of the bakery industry and a proven track record of success.Perry Blatt, the director of e-commerce and business development for Village Supermarkets, oversees all corporate giving and community outreach programs, in addition to serving as the president of the Sumas Family Foundation. He has held various supervisory positions within the company, including roles in operations, merchandising, marketing, and corporate communications, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on the industry.Kevin Cuff, a store operations district manager and VP of Wegmans Food Markets, boasts an impressive 27 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Wegmans as a high school cashier in Syracuse, New York, and has since taken on several roles in store operations, including opening the first Wegmans location in New York City as a store manager.Rich Gingo, a sales team leader of Advantage Solutions, has more than 31 years of experience in the industry. He started his career at Revlon, working a summer job, and then transitioned to the broker side, gaining valuable experience with various companies, including ABD Sales, Food Enterprises, Marketing Specialists, and Acosta. For the past 13 years, he has been with Advantage Solutions, where he now serves as the Sales Team Leader for the perishables division.Jim Gunning, the manager of business development for UNFI, is responsible for activities across 11 distribution centers, spanning nine states and the District of Columbia. Gunning is proud to have spent his entire career in the food industry and has previously served as a board member of the Mid-Atlantic Frozen Food Association.Jim Mullen, the VP of operations at Stop & Shop Supermarkets, began his food industry career with Acme Markets in Philadelphia and has held leadership roles in operations, merchandising, and e-commerce. Mullen also served four years in the United States Marine Corps, where he was promoted to sergeant while serving in Operation Desert Storm and received the Navy Achievement Medal. He is a former president and board member for the Mid-Atlantic Food Trades Organization.These new board members, with their diverse backgrounds and extensive industry experience, are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the New Jersey Food Council and driving the state's food retailing industry to new heights.