NGA announces 3 staff promotions

The National Grocers Association has promoted three key senior staff executives.

“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,” NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara said in a news release. “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.”

Jonathan Downey is now chief operating officer and senior vice president, the release said. He is a nearly four-year veteran of NGA, having joined the organization in early 2020 to lead industry relations and business development, the release said.

Downey is now responsible for membership growth, events, administration, and business development, including helping associate member companies achieve their business growth goals by engaging with NGA’s members, the release said. He is a long-time trade association executive, having previously worked for the Consumer Brands Association, a leading trade association representing consumer package goods companies. He also is a Certified Association Executive through the American Society of Association Executives.

Christopher Jones is now chief government relations officer and counsel and senior vice president, the release said. Jones is a six-year veteran of NGA, having joined in 2017 from the House of Representatives, where he served as legislative director for a senior member of Congress on the Agriculture Committee, the release said.

Jones leads NGA’s government relations, legal, and political operations, ensuring NGA’s member companies have a strong and influential voice in before Congress and federal agencies, the association said. He also leads the organization’s historic efforts to revive and enforce the Robinson-Patman Act and other important antitrust laws, key to ensuring Main Street and regional grocers can compete on a level playing field for the benefit of consumers, the release said.

Laura Strange is now chief communications and engagement officer and senior vice president. Strange is a 10-year veteran of NGA, having joined NGA in 2013 from the House of Representatives, where she served as the communications director for a senior member of Congress on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the release said.

Within NGA, Strange leads internal departments responsible for all press and public affairs engagement, member communications and marketing, as well as member engagement and retention, the association said. Strange also leads important 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., according to the release.