Retail executives, loss prevention specialists and law enforcement officials met Nov. 4 at the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference. Topics included organized retail crime, theft of SNAP benefits, cargo theft, gift card fraud, human trafficking and the growing use of artificial intelligence in retail security.
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) hosted the event with the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) and the Delaware Food Industry Council (DFIC) at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, New Jersey. This year’s theme was “The Spectrum of Loss Prevention,” and the event included a sold-out exhibition of security products and services.
“The conference explored the full spectrum of loss prevention, from emerging technologies and investigative practices to collaboration with law enforcement and new security strategies,” said Linda Doherty, president and CEO of NJFC. “We are proud to bring our industry professionals together to explore and advance the tools, knowledge and partnerships that make our businesses and communities safer and stronger.”
McGreevy makes conference debut
The conference also introduced Jim McGreevy, NJFC’s incoming president and CEO. He will succeed Doherty when she retires in January after more than 30 years with the Food Council, including nearly a quarter-century as president and CEO.
“As the challenges facing retailers continue to evolve, so must our approach to loss prevention,” McGreevy said. “No single solution can address every threat, which is why collaboration, innovation and dialogue, like the kind we are having today, are essential. Here, that purpose is clear: protecting our businesses, our employees and the customers and communities we serve.”
State officials address ORC law, EBT security
New Jersey Assistant Attorney General Rebecca Schuman opened the program. She gave an update on the Attorney General’s Office’s work against organized retail crime since New Jersey passed its organized retail crime law in 2025. Marissa Gravel of the New Jersey Department of Human Services spoke on SNAP benefit theft and the state’s move to more secure EBT cards with chip and tap.
Other sessions covered:
- Cargo theft and supply chain vulnerabilities, with Phil Johnson;
- Security lessons from preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with former FIFA intelligence specialist Max Escate;
- New gift card fraud threats, public-private cooperation and legislative responses, with Lisa Rufolo of the Retail Industry Leaders Association;
- How retail and transportation workers can recognize and report human trafficking, with Heather Fry of Truckers Against Trafficking; and
- Practical uses of computer vision and AI to find operational gaps, reduce retail losses and improve store operations, with Alex Siskos of Everseen.
Ed Rohena served as conference chair and master of ceremonies. He is manager of asset protection for Albertsons Mid-Atlantic Division/Acme Markets and vice chair of the NJFC Loss Prevention Committee.
“As we look to the future, this conference is an opportunity to embrace emerging technologies, strengthen industry-law enforcement partnerships and develop innovative strategies that will safeguard businesses and communities across Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey,” Rohena said.
Peluso named loss prevention professional of the year
Derrick Price of Wakefern Food Corp., chair of the NJFC Loss Prevention Committee, led the awards luncheon. NJFC and PFMA jointly gave the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Professional Award to Joe Peluso, director of asset protection and safety at Weis Markets.
Peluso has nearly 20 years of experience in asset protection and oversees programs and teams serving more than 200 Weis Markets stores. Organizers cited his leadership and his active role on both associations’ loss prevention committees.
New award honors Amanda Hobert
The conference paid tribute to Amanda Hobert, a longtime conference co-chair who died in June after a battle with cancer. Hobert was president of METRORCA (Metro Area Organized Retail Crime Alliance), a nonprofit formed in 2016 to fight organized retail crime. Her life partner, John Mosca, and METRORCA board member Carolyn Doran took part in the tribute.
Organizers also created the annual Amanda Hobert Memorial Retail Law Enforcement Achievement Award. It will recognize law enforcement professionals whose work reflects Hobert’s commitment to cooperation and public safety. This year’s recipients are:
- Det. Sgt. Mitch Cowit, who retired from the Jackson Township Police Department after more than 36 years in law enforcement. He was honored for investigating organized retail crime in more than one state and for decades of investigative training.
- Inspector Ray Evers of the Philadelphia Police Department, a 33-year veteran who leads the department’s Citywide Retail Theft Initiative. He was honored for strengthening coordination among police, retailers, prosecutors and other agencies.
From left: Mike Howells, PFMA; Dawn Roller, Brown’s Super Stores; conference chair Ed Rohena, Albertsons; NJFC Law Enforcement Achievement Award honoree Detective Sergeant Mitch Cowit, Jackson Township Police Department; PFMA Law Enforcement Achievement Award honoree Inspector Ray Evers, Philadelphia Police Department; NJFC/PFMA Loss Prevention Professional Award honoree Joe Peluso, Weis Markets; Derrick Price, Wakefern; Linda Doherty; NJ Food Council president and CEO, and Jim McGreevy, incoming NJ Food Council president and CEO.
Related: New Jersey Food Council Selects Coca-Cola’s McGreevy As Next President, CEO