NGA Foundation Disburses Scholarships in 2025
The National Grocers Association Foundation's Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) recently concluded a successful run at Cornell University, providing essential training for rising professionals in the grocery sector. The comprehensive agenda addressed the evolving demands of leadership in the current business environment, equipping participants with skills in strategic leadership, team management, effective communication, and conflict management.
The 2025 ELDP graduates included a diverse group of talented individuals from various grocery companies. Among them were Jonathan Iulo from Allegiance Retail Services, Whitney Parse and Sarah May from Alliance Retail Group, Madisen Gilbert from Associated Food Stores, Roberto Scalia from Associated Supermarket Group, Emily Detwiler and Alatiel Barragen from Associated Wholesale Grocers, Caroline Cuzeau from Big Y Foods Inc, Hillary Uecker from Cahoy’s General Store, Craig Neuens from Certco Inc., Keith “KJ” Harnack from Coborn’s Inc., and a number of other notable participants.
The program received support from industry leaders like PepsiCo, underscoring its significance in accelerating professional growth within the independent grocery industry. Notably, Kevin McCarthy of Fairplay Foods received the PepsiCo Leadership Scholarship for demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusive leadership.
In addition to the ELDP, several companies have launched their own scholarship programs. For instance, SpartanNash has opened its 2025 Our Family Scholarships Program, and Wegmans has awarded college scholarships to over 1,500 new employees.
One of the standout graduates of the ELDP was Trisha Cahoy of Cahoy’s General Store, who received the Women Grocers of America (WGA) Scholarship. Trisha, along with her husband, reopened the community's only grocery store in Bonesteel, SD in 2011, and now handles human resources for more than 115 employees at six retail locations in two states.
The ELDP also offered participants opportunities to evaluate their interpersonal strengths, understand how their behavior shapes workplace dynamics, and receive expert guidance in conflict management. This holistic approach to leadership development is crucial in fostering a productive and harmonious work environment.
Industry professionals like Matt Molinaro from ShopRite Supermarkets Inc., John Carlson from Woodman’s Food Market, James "Jimmy" Bohn from Wakefern Food Corp., Eric Nilsson from Geissler’s Supermarket, Marley Goodloe from Fairplay Foods Inc., and many others also benefited from the program.
The NGA Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the NGA, continues to play a vital role in supporting the growth and development of the grocery industry. Southeastern Grocers has also handed out scholarships to deserving employees, further demonstrating the industry's commitment to nurturing talent.
As the grocery industry continues to evolve, programs like the ELDP are essential in preparing the next generation of leaders. With the right training and support, these professionals will drive growth and innovation, ensuring the health and well-being of communities nationwide.
[1] Source: National Grocers Association Foundation press release, June 2025.
The diverse group of ELDP graduates, such as Jonathan Iulo, Whitney Parse, and Sarah May, are now equipped with skills in education-and-self-development, career-development, and skills-training, thanks to the comprehensive curriculum that included strategic leadership, team management, effective communication, and conflict management. In addition to the ELDP, various companies like SpartanNash, Wegmans, and the NGA Foundation itself, are investing in career-development and education-and-self-development opportunities, fostering a new generation of leaders who will contribute to the growth and innovation of the grocery industry.
