NGA Foundation Executive Leadership Development Program Strengthens and Empowers Grocery Industry Leaders

• June 8, 2026

Ithaca, New York - The National Grocers Association Foundation (NGAF), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, recently concluded its Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), held May 31-June 4 at Cornell University and supported by longtime program sponsor PepsiCo.

Designed for emerging and established leaders in the independent grocery industry, the four-day program combines interactive instruction, team-based collaboration, leadership assessments, and real-world business exercises to help participants strengthen their leadership and decision-making capabilities.

"The ELDP Program continues to provide grocery industry professionals with meaningful opportunities to sharpen their leadership skills, expand their perspectives, and build strategies they can immediately apply within their organizations," said Chelsea Matzen, vice president of the NGA Foundation. "We are grateful to PepsiCo for their ongoing partnership and commitment to investing in the future leaders of the independent grocery industry."

ELDP brought together participants from across the country to explore the core principles of effective leadership in today's evolving workplace environment. This year's program featured a leadership panel of past ELDP alumni and PepsiCo that covered the state of the independent grocer, how to create join value through partnerships, and the value of leadership training.

In addition to the program experience, two participants received scholarships to support attendance at this year's ELDP.

Jamie Hofmann of Rosauers Supermarkets was awarded this year's PepsiCo Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, and advancing the independent grocery industry.

Hofmann was selected for her exceptional leadership, adaptability, and contributions across multiple areas of Rosauers Supermarkets, including Human Resources, Public Relations, Project Management, and Ecommerce. Her broad experience and people-focused leadership approach have made her a valuable asset to the organization and a rising leader within the industry.

The Women Grocers of America (WGA) Scholarship was awarded to Marquitrice Mangham of In Her Shoes, Incorporated in recognition of her innovative leadership and commitment to expanding food access in underserved communities.

Mangham has emerged as a transformational leader focused on addressing food insecurity and strengthening local food systems throughout the Mississippi Delta. Since 2022, she has launched four fresh-food grocery markets and developed a mobile market model that directly serves rural and disadvantaged communities historically impacted by limited food access. Her work has created meaningful pathways for underserved populations while supporting local economic development.

Mangham's leadership has also received national recognition through features on The Kelly Clarkson Show and in publications including Women in Ag Tech and Mississippi Today. Her work continues to highlight the importance of equity, sustainability, and inclusive leadership within the food and agriculture industries.

"Marquitrice exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and community-centered leadership that WGA is proud to support," said Kristie Maurer, president of Women Grocers of America. "Her commitment to expanding food access, empowering underserved communities, and creating opportunities for local farmers demonstrates the lasting impact strong leadership can have across the independent grocery industry."

2026 ELDP Graduates:

- Allen Jackson, COO - Hugo's Family Marketplace

- Nick Nelson, Assistant Store Director - Hugo's Family Marketplace

- Lewis Davis, Retail Counselor - Merchants Distributors, LLC.

- John Leone, Pharmacy Manager - Ravitz Family Markets

- Brian Geissel, Operations Manager - Ravitz Family Markets

- Allyson Pelchat, Marketing Manager - Roche Bros. Supermarkets

- Maribeth Grant Bleakney, Director of Operations/ Director of Customer Service/E-Commerce - Roche Bros. Supermarkets

- Kathleen Cellini, Assistant Store Manager-Perishables - McMenamin Family ShopRite, Inc.

- Chris Lamboy, nan - Wakefern Food Corp.

- Ellen Boyer, Manager, Retail Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance - Wakefern Food Corp.

- Mick Van Oosten, nan - Wakefern Food Corp.

- Jenny Ramos Glasser, Bakery Merchandising Manager - ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc. (SRS)

- Gilbert Vallian, Senior Operations Manger - Associated Grocers, Inc.

- Sean Rafferty, Store Manager - ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc. (SRS)

- Rodolfo Salazar, Store Manager - ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc. (SRS)

- Ronald Montague, Store Manager - ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc. (SRS)

- Bryant Hedrick, Director of Retail Promotions and Business Development - Associated Grocers, Inc.

- Lou Baggatta, Assistant Store Manager - ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc. (SRS)

- Mike Michael Koch, District Director - Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.

- Matt Dejong, Store Manager - Woodman's Food Markets, Inc.

- Troy McCarthy, Store Manager - Woodman's Food Markets, Inc.

- Chris Jackman, Merchandising Specialist - Clark's Market, Inc.

- Stu Hockaday, Fresh Meat Director - Pruett's Food, Inc.

- Russell Emory, Director or Grocery Operations - K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. / Food City

- Steven Jones, District Manager - K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. / Food City

- Christian Smith, Director of Operations - Pruett's Food, Inc.

- Christopher Washington, Store Director - Luekens Food Stores, Inc.

- Brynn Padilla, Director of People Support - Harmon City, Inc.

- Candace Henderson, Merchandising & Operations Support Manager - Houchens Food Group, Inc.

- Brady Manning, Director, Merchandising - Associated Wholesale Grocers

- Lane Culver, Vice President, IT - Associated Wholesale Grocers

- Rick Wright, Executive Director, Warehouse - Associated Wholesale Grocers

- Scott Womeldorff, Executive Director, IT - Associated Wholesale Grocers

- Stratton Sigler, Executive Director, Merchandising - Associated Wholesale Grocers

- Brittany Benton, Managing Director of Marketing - ECRS

- Marquitrice Mangham, Executive Director - In Her Shoes, Inc.

- Ariel McLamb, Catagory Manager - Carlie C's

- Dan Clausius, Store Director - Sendik's Food Market

- Jamie Hofmann, Ecommerce & Project Coordinator - Rosauers Supermarkets

- Nolan Crane, Perishable Lead - Certco, Inc.

- Mary Sherwood, Marketing Director - Balls Food Stores

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About the NGA Foundation

The National Grocers Association Foundation is committed to building a stronger independent grocery industry through education, leadership development, workforce initiatives, and scholarship programs.

About NGA

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers' associations, manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.