The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) re-elected Jason Read of Wawa as board chair and announced record growth in members and sponsors as it installed its 2026 board of directors.
Mike Styer of ACME/Kings continues as vice chair. The board elected Gary Capozzi of Pepsi Beverages Co. as associate vice chair, Ron Murphy of Murphy’s Fresh Markets as treasurer and Perry Blatt of Village Supermarkets as secretary.
“I am always inspired by the way our Board and membership meet challenges and advance our mission under the leadership of Board Chair Jason Read of Wawa and Board Vice Chair Mike Styer of Acme,” said Linda Doherty, NJFC president and CEO.
“As we begin the new year, I am highly optimistic about the future, with new faces on our officer team and a board strengthened by new voices.”
[RELATED: New Jersey Food Council’s Linda Doherty to Retire]
Scholarship honors outgoing treasurer
Mike Rothwell of Pennington Quality Market was recognized as he transitions from treasurer and finance committee chair after nearly two decades of service. Rothwell will remain on the NJFC board.
To honor his service, NJFC is establishing The Michael Rothwell PQM Scholarship, a $5,000 annual scholarship that reflects his dedication to leadership, service and investing in the next generation.
“As the board continues to have the confidence in Mike Styers and me, I am encouraged by the continued depth of this organization,” Read said. “The election of new officers to join us and leaders to the Board of Directors brings fresh perspectives and renewed energy that will help guide NJFC in the year ahead.”
2026 Board of Directors
The 2026 NJFC Board of Directors includes Miguel Abreu (Goya), Ryan Auld (Bimbo Bakeries USA), Ernest Benson (Liberty Coca-Cola), Michael Boylen (QuickChek Corp.), Kyle Bunnenberg (UNFI), Peter Contino (Weis Markets), Kevin Cuff (Wegmans Food Markets Inc.), Rich Gingo (Advantage Sales and Marketing), Rich Goss (Whole Foods Market), Lawrence R. Inserra III (Inserra Supermarkets), Andrew Kent (Glass Gardens), Howard Kent (Krasdale Foods, Inc.), James J. McCaffrey III (McCaffrey’s Markets), Catie McCrossan (Kraft Heinz), Jim Mullen (Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.), Mariano Preciado (Mission Foods), Jason Ravitz (Ravitz Family Markets), Shawn Rinnier (Save Philly Stores), Michael Rothwell (Pennington Quality Market), Richard J. Saker (Saker ShopRites Inc.), Leonard J. Sitar (ShopRite of Carteret), Jennifer Sweeney (The Campbell’s Co.) and Michael Tarloff (C&S Wholesale Grocers).
Policy and industry advocacy priorities
NJFC will continue collaborating with government partners in 2026 as policies with unintended consequences can impact food retailers, raise costs and disrupt operations across the industry, Doherty said. The organization will also pursue practical solutions that promote economic stability, operational efficiency, business growth and workforce development.
“By staying ahead of emerging issues and contributing our expertise at the front end of the process, NJFC works to ensure that future policies reflect real-world operations and deliver meaningful benefits for businesses, employees, and the communities we serve,” Doherty said.
Following the election of Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Doherty was named to the Administration’s Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force.
“It is mission critical the perspectives of our industry, our members, our workforce, and the communities we serve are part of the conversation as the new Administration sets its agenda and begins their work,” Read added.
Upcoming events
NJFC’s annual Trade Relations Conference is scheduled for April 14 in Atlantic City, with a golf outing the following day. The organization will honor Ken Scher, senior vice president of business development for Associated Supermarket Group, with the Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award.
[RELATED: ASG SVP Scher Receives NJFC’s Trade Relations Award]
On May 20, NJFC will hold its “Night of Distinction” at the Palace in Somerset. Honorees include Anthony Calandra, co-owner of Calandra’s Enterprises; Jim Dorey, president and COO at Inserra Supermarkets; Ron Murphy Sr., president of Murphy’s Fresh Markets; and Colleen Wegman, president and CEO at Wegmans Food Markets.
NJFC will host its annual golf outing on Aug. 17 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe.