The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association has announced changes to leadership positions on its board of directors. The association is a statewide trade association advocating for the interests of grocers, convenience stores, wholesalers, consumer product vendors and other organizations. 
Board Vice Chair Tom Cormier, manager of government affairs at Retail Business Services, a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize USA, was named board chair, a position previously held by Jeff Brown, president and CEO of Brown’s Super Stores Inc. Treasurer Lisa Dell’Alba, president and CEO of Square One Markets, was named board vice chair; board member Justin Evans, director of development finance and government for Giant Eagle Inc., was named treasurer; and board Secretary Gene Cleary, senior director of independent sales at C&S Wholesale Grocers, retained his position.
“Tom, Lisa, Justin and Gene are all successful professionals in the food industry, and we’re confident their experience and diverse set of talents will greatly benefit our organization moving forward,” said PFMA President and CEO Alex Baloga. “At the same time, we want to thank Jeff for his service to the board, his leadership, dedication and tireless advocacy on behalf of retail food establishments. We are sad that he is stepping down but grateful for all he has done for the food industry and excited for what the future holds.”
A retail veteran with more than 36 years of experience, Cormier engages with elected officials at the local, state and national levels on issues and public policy initiatives of interest to Ahold Delhaize USA companies, including The Giant Co. based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Westfield State University, he also serves as a director on the Delaware Food Industry Council, the Howard County (Maryland) Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Retailers Association and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.
“As the voice of grocers, convenience stores, wholesalers and other members of the Commonwealth’s food supply chain, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association plays a critical role in charting the industry’s course for the future,” Cormier said. “Having been a part of the board for several years, I’m honored at the opportunity to serve in this expanded capacity and look forward to working collaboratively with this distinguished group of professionals to drive the long-term success of our industry in Pennsylvania.”
As president of Square One Markets Inc., Dell’Alba runs a nine-store convenience and gasoline retail chain headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She joined the family-operated business 13 years ago and through the years she managed the company’s flagship store, served in all aspects of human resources and ascended to VP of operations, where she worked with her father, Gary Dell’Alba. She took on the president’s responsibilities after he died in 2009.
In addition to her work with PFMA, Dell’Alba serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and Team Pennsylvania.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in dance and psychology from De Sales University, and she most recently earned her brown belt in martial arts.
Evans has served Giant Eagle for 12 years in the areas of sustainability, government and development finance. He is highly regarded for his passion in advancing the organization as a committed champion of renewable energy, alternative fuels and waste diversion.
A key member of the Giant Eagle Sustainability/ Government team, Evans has helped raise the company’s national leadership profile, resulting in recognition for conservation, energy efficiency, environmental excellence and several groundbreaking legislative changes within Pennsylvania.
He earned his associate degree from Penn State University; his bachelor’s degree from Point Park University and his MBA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He serves on many sustainability and government committees, including the Food Marketing Institute and the Retail Industry Leaders Association.
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, a statewide trade association, advocates the views of nearly 800 convenience stores, supermarkets, independent grocers, wholesalers and consumer product vendors. PFMA members operate more than 3,500 stores and employ more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians.
PFMA also recently hired Michael Howells as association services manager. See story, here.
