Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association (NGA) BB #:163424, the trade association representing the independent community supermarket industry, announces several staff promotions and title updates for 2022.
Maggie White is now the senior director of the NGA Foundation. Over the past two years as director, White has helped rejuvenate and grow the Foundation’s programs and services, while increasing the awareness of the organization, especially during the pandemic. In this new role, White will lead efforts to expand the Foundation’s supporter base and identify new opportunities to enhance its programs and offerings.
Robert Yeakel has been promoted to senior director of government relations, as which he will be overseeing day-to-day management of the department, as well as helping to develop and execute a successful strategy to achieve NGA’s legislative and regulatory goals.
Mary Whitehead is now senior manager of marketing, as which she 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.
LaKesha Gathers-Flowers will now serve as senior manager, executive office and board liaison. She will continue to manage the executive office and take a greater role in supporting NGA Board of Directors operations.
Marvelle Wright, previously specialist, accounts receivable and payable, 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 senior vice president 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).
“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,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “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 year-long 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 NGA
Washington, D.C.-based 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.
