NGA Reveals Staff Promotions, Title Updates

The National Grocers Association (NGA) recently announced the following staff promotions and title updates for 2022.

NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara congratulated the team members “for their accomplishments and thank everyone on our staff for their hard work and dedication toward NGA’s members and mission. 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.”

The trade association, representing the independent community supermarket industry, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and Ferrara said “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.”

Key personnel changes include the promotion of Maggie White to senior director of the NGA Foundation from director.I n this new role, White will lead efforts to expand the foundation’s supporter base and enhance its programs and offerings. “White has helped rejuvenate and grow the foundation’s programs and services, while increasing the awareness of the organization, especially during the pandemic,” according to an NGA statement. 

Maggie White

Robert Yeakel has been promoted to senior director of government relations, as which he will be overseeing day-to-day management of the department. Yeakel will also help to develop and execute a “successful strategy to achieve NGA’s legislative and regulatory goals,” according to an NGA statement.

Mary Whitehead has been promoted to senior manager of marketing and will take on an expanded role in the creation and execution of integrated marketing campaigns to drive growth across NGA’s programs and initiatives. Whitehead also will be responsible for managing the production of NGA’s marketing assets and tools that “elevate a cohesive brand awareness for the association,” the association said.

LaKesha Gathers-Flowers will now be senior manager, executive office, and board liaison. She will continue to manage the executive office, and NGA said she will take a greater role in supporting its board of directors’ operations.

Previously a specialist in accounts receivable and payable, Marvelle Wright will now have the new role of manager, accounting transactions and member support. In her new capacity, Wright will take on a greater role in members support for the organization.

With an updated title of SVP of membership and industry relations, Jonathan Downey will now oversee the membership department with a focus on growing membership across all three of NGA’s membership categories: retailer, wholesaler and associate.

Jonathan Downey

Recently, NGA in partnership with BRdata launched a new cloud-based data analytics solution designed for independent grocers. Its 2022 NGA Show is scheduled for Feb. 27- March 1 at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas.