The National Grocers Association (NGA) has promoted three key senior staff executives: Jonathan Downey to COO and SVP; Christopher Jones to chief government relations officer and counsel and SVP; and Laura Strange to chief communications and engagement officer and SVP.
“NGA is fortunate to have a strong and committed group of senior leaders who bring their experiences and expertise to bear every day for the benefit of our membership,” said President and CEO Greg Ferrara.
“Their unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and invaluable contributions have been instrumental in NGA’s success, and I am confident their continued leadership will help drive this organization to new heights.”
Downey is a nearly four-year veteran of NGA, having joined the organization in 2020 to lead industry relations and business development.
He is responsible today for membership growth, events, administration and business development, including helping associate member companies achieve business growth goals by engaging with NGA’s members.
Downey is a long-time trade association executive, having previously worked for the Consumer Brands Association, a leading trade association representing consumer packaged goods companies. In addition, he is a Certified Association Executive through ASAE.
Jones is a six-year veteran of NGA, having come aboard in 2017 from the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served as legislative director for a senior member of Congress on the Agriculture Committee.
Jones leads NGA’s government relations, legal and political operations. He also heads the organization’s efforts to revive and enforce the Robinson-Patman Act and other antitrust laws.
Strange came to the NGA in 2013 from the U.S. House, where she served as the communications director for a senior member of Congress on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Within NGA, Strange leads internal departments responsible for press and public affairs engagement, member communications and marketing, as well as member engagement and retention.
Strange also leads member programs such as NGA’s share groups, the NGA Creative Choice Awards program sponsored by Kellanova and Unilever and the NGA Best Bagger competition, sponsored by PepsiCo.
About NGA
Washington, D.C.-based National Grocers Association is the national trade organization 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.
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