Last updated on February 16th, 2020
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) recently announced its five-member class for the 2020 Future Leadership Program, which is dedicated to helping young professionals access networking and professional development opportunities.
“The Future Leadership Program creates incredible opportunities for young people in the confectionery industry,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “Our last class of future leaders was instrumental in laying out a plan for our industry’s collective future, and I am looking forward to seeing the innovative new ideas these young voices will bring to our industry.”
The 2020 class includes:
• Lisa Eustic, senior marketing director, The Promotion In Motion Cos. Inc.;
• Betsy Hritz, regional sales manager–vending, military and special markets, Just Born Quality Confections;
• Liz Miller, senior marketing manager, Divine Chocolate;
• Takuma Oka, director of sales, Morinaga America Inc.; and
• Mathew Rubinstein, VP, Billie-Ann Plastics Packaging Corp.
NCA’s mission is to advance, protect and promote chocolate, candy, gum and mints, as well as the companies that make them.
Launched in 2016, the Future Leadership Program provides support, education, access and opportunity to young professionals who wish to develop leadership skills and grow their careers in the industry.
Future leaders will attend NCA’s State of the Industry Conference, the Sweets & Snacks Expo, NCA’s Summer Board & Leadership Strategy Meeting, the Washington Forum and the Candy Hall of Fame weekend.
In addition to receiving educational and networking opportunities through the Future Leadership Program, participants will be matched with an industry leader who will serve as a mentor.
The application process for the 2021 class will open in the summer. Those interested in applying for the program or learning more about how to get involved as a young professional or as a mentor should click here.
