The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has launched its First Penguin Leadership Program, a leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry.
Alongside this milestone, NFRA has unveiled its inaugural class of industry rising stars, a group of professionals poised to shape the future of the categories.
Named after the “First Penguin” concept – coined by Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch to recognize those who take bold risks in pursuit of progress – this exclusive program is designed to empower leaders with critical industry knowledge, leadership acumen and cross-functional collaboration skills.
“The First Penguin Leadership Program represents NFRA’s deep commitment to fostering innovation and leadership within the frozen and refrigerated foods industry,” said Tricia Greyshock, president and CEO of NFRA.
“This initiative will help build a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring that our categories remain at the forefront of retail and consumer trends.”
The First Penguin Leadership Program is a yearlong, immersive experience that blends leadership development with deep industry insights. Participants will gain access to executive mentorship, guided industry learning and hands-on case study projects, culminating in a high-profile group presentation at the 2025 NFRA Convention in Orlando, Florida.
First Penguin Inaugural Class
The 2025 First Penguin Leadership Class is composed of a select group of exceptional rising stars, representing bright future leaders from across NFRA member organizations.
The individuals were chosen for their leadership potential, industry expertise and commitment to driving innovation in frozen and refrigerated foods.
2025 First Penguin Leadership Class:
- Samantha Beam – commercial development manager, Nestlé USA;
- Cody Besgrove – senior analyst, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG);
- Eddy Birth – broker manager – large outlet west, Mars Ice Cream;
- Navi Bola – senior manager, product development, Own Brands, Albertsons Companies Inc.;
- Stevie Bryk – senior market research development snalyst, Schneider National;
- Ryan Busse – account executive, Palermo Villa Inc.;
- Tony D. Caloroso – business development manager, Schraad Sales & Marketing;
- Conor Carpenter – senior brand manager, Kellanova;
- Paula Colatriano – account executive, JOH;
- Michael Crawford – national account manager, Rich Products;
- Grace Donnelly – business manager, Acosta Sales and Marketing;
- Jeremiah Freeman – dairy manager/assistant store manager, Babbs Supermarket;
- Peter Fulton – senior sales manager, Lactalis Retail Dairy;
- Armin Hadziomerovic – category manager, Houchens Food Group;
- Tyler Harvey – regional sales manager, Dairy Farmers of America;
- Lisa Heard – brand manager, InnovAsian Cuisine;
- Jasmine Herazo – account executive, Quirch Foods;
- Alexis Herbert – business manager, Daymon Worldwide;
- Casey Hom – director of business planning, The Coca-Cola Company;
- Sandra Horn – director of sales development – perishables, CA Ferolie;
- Peggy Jackson – director of brand marketing, Simek’s;
- Shane Jacobson – senior category manager – frozen, Associated Food Stores;
- Natalie Larson – manager of strategic partnerships, United States Cold Storage;
- Kim Larsson – director of sales, Painterland Sisters;
- Daniel Menkens – senior director of sales – Albertsons team, Alliance Sales and Marketing;
- Anne Wallis Nelson – associate marketing manager – digital, The Pictsweet Company;
- Kristin Niles – senior manager – business unit sales and strategy – frozen meals and frozen Mexican foods, The Kraft Heinz Company;
- Alyssa Panzarella – director of marketing, Mrs. T’s Pierogies;
- Isabelle Steiner – regulatory manager, Rosina Food Products; and
- Jamie Yobbi – category manager – dairy, Giant Eagle.
The launch of the First Penguin Leadership Program aligns with NFRA’s broader mission to support the industry’s growth and cultivate the next generation of executives, innovators and change makers. By equipping emerging leaders with the insights and skills necessary to navigate today’s complex retail and supply chain landscape, NFRA is investing in the future success of the frozen and refrigerated categories.
Industry leaders and organizations interested in supporting the First Penguin Leadership Program are encouraged to contact NFRA for sponsorship and mentorship opportunities. Applications for the 2026 class will open in December.