Linda M. Doherty will retire in January 2027 after 33 years with the New Jersey Food Council, including 23 years as president and CEO, the organization announced Feb. 19.
Doherty submitted a letter to the NJFC Board of Directors on Feb. 17 announcing her intent to retire. A facilitator has been retained to guide the search committee through the process of finding a replacement who would come on board this fall to begin the transition.
“I believe every accomplished leader needs to know when it’s time to appraise success, complete the last chapter and move on to another journey,” Doherty said in her letter to the board. “My time has come.”
Legislative victories and organizational growth
Doherty has been the face of the NJFC, well known among national food retailers, Trenton’s political circles and communities across the state. She achieved legislative victories including winning gift card litigation that went before the U.S. Supreme Court, overcoming the Superstorm Sandy crisis and preventing a New Jersey bottle bill.
Under Doherty’s leadership, the NJFC has grown to represent almost 400 companies including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in the state.
“Today, the [NJFC] is at the pinnacle of our success with steadfast growth in membership, sponsorships, educational scholarships, member engagement, event participation, PAC impact and our leadership programs,” Doherty said.
“I have met so many remarkable, talented and kind members, leaders and team players throughout this voyage. My heart is full as our triumphs overflow.”
NJFC Board Chair Jason Read, director of store operations at Wawa, said Doherty has served as a staunch advocate on legislative and regulatory issues in Trenton, developing strategic partnerships and continually enhancing the value of the food industry in New Jersey.
“We know it will be very difficult to find a leader to follow an individual who has made such an incredibly positive impact within New Jersey’s food retailing industry for more than three decades,” Read said.
“Linda has always stood bravely at the forefront, setting our agenda and ensuring the New Jersey Food Council has a seat at the table when critical legislative decisions are being made in Trenton.”
Succession planning underway
The NJFC will begin a detailed process to find the right fit for the organization’s next leader. Working with the outside facilitator, the executive committee has formed a search committee that will be chaired by Jim McCaffrey III of McCaffrey Markets.
Read said he will extend his two-year term as board chair for an additional year to further ease the transition expected to continue into 2027.
“Linda has been with us through countless challenges, such as a lingering pandemic, Organized Retail Crime legislation, and New Jersey’s landmark plastic and paper bag ban, and has always made sure that the food industry, as well as this association and our members, continues to grow stronger each and every year, no matter the obstacle or challenge,” Read added.
Doherty, who also serves as board chair for the New Jersey Clean Communities Council, continues to be recognized across the state for her work. NJBiz named her to its “Top 100” power list of business leaders in the state this week.
“It has been the career of a lifetime to advocate for a lifeline industry, mentor some and call so many my friends,” she said.
The New Jersey Food Council is the state’s largest alliance of food retailers and their supplier partners, comprising job creators and entrepreneurs who are anchors of the communities they serve.
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