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NGA announces series of staff promotions

Appointments include government/industry relations, marketing and NGA Foundation

Russell Redman

February 10, 2022

2 Min Read
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Among the promotions, Robert Yeakel has been named as senior director of government relations at the National Grocers Association and Maggie White as senior director of the NGA Foundation.National Grocers Association

The National Grocers Association (NGA) has made a flurry staff promotions and title updates for 2022, including in government and industry relations, marketing, accounts and the NGA Foundation.

Representing the independent grocery retail and wholesale sector, Washington-based NGA said yesterday that Robert Yeakel has been elevated to senior director of government relations. In the post, he will oversee daily management of the department and help devise and execute a strategy to achieve NGA’s legislative and regulatory goals. 

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Pictured from left are Robert Yeakel, Mary Whitehead and Jonathan Downey of the National Grocers Association. (Photos courtesy of NGA)

Mary Whitehead has been promoted to senior manager of marketing. In the expanded role, she will become more involved in the creation and execution of integrated marketing campaigns, according to NGA. Whitehead also will be responsible for managing the production of the association’s marketing assets and tools to bolster brand awareness.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Downey now holds the title of senior vice president of membership and industry relations. With the promotion, he will direct the membership department, with a focus on adding members across NGA’s retailer, wholesaler and associate segments.

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From left to right are Maggie White of the NGA Foundation and NGA's LaKesha Gathers-Flowers and Marvelle Wright. (Photos courtesy of NGA)

At the NGA Foundation, Maggie White has been elevated to senior director after two years as director. NGA noted that she has helped rejuvenate and grow the foundation’s programs and services and boost awareness of the organization, especially amid the pandemic. In her new role, White will lead efforts to expand the base of supporters and identify new opportunities to enhance the foundation’s programs and offerings.

Related:NGA teams with grocers in ‘food as medicine’ video projects

Other appointments by NGA include LaKesha Gathers-Flowers as senior manager for the executive office and board liaison and Marvelle Wright as manager of accounting transactions and member support.

“I congratulate our team members for their accomplishments and thank everyone on our staff for their hard work and dedication toward NGA’s members and mission,” Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO, said in a statement. “The most important part of any organization is its people, and NGA is fortunate to have a best-in-class team that comes to work every day focused on supporting our members. As we kick off a yearlong celebration of NGA’s 40th anniversary, our association is renewing its commitment to helping ensure that communities across the country are able to benefit by being served by local, community-focused businesses.” 

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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