Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association (NGA) today announced the promotions of Stephanie Johnson and Laura Strange to new senior leadership roles, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to advancing its advocacy, communications, and government affairs strategy.
Stephanie Johnson has been named Senior Vice President, Head of Government Affairs, where she will oversee all federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives, as well as the organization’s political action committee (PAC), government affairs committee, and external advocacy partnerships. She will also lead fundraising efforts supporting NGA’s affiliated programs and will serve as a member of the executive leadership team.
Johnson, who has been with NGA for nearly four years, has played a key role in elevating the association’s leadership on critical nutrition and public policy issues, including SNAP and WIC, while strengthening relationships with policymakers and stakeholders. Prior to joining NGA, Johnson worked in the private sector and US Senate.
Laura Strange has been appointed Chief Public Affairs and Advocacy Officer, expanding her previous role as Chief Communications & Engagement Officer and Senior Vice President. In this position, Strange will align NGA’s communications, advocacy, and political strategies to maximize impact. She will also oversee antitrust policy issues and serve as NGA’s liaison to the Main Street Competition Coalition, helping guide strategic outreach efforts that will benefit independent grocers across the country. Laura has worked for NGA for nearly 13 years, having previously worked in the US House of Representatives, US Senate, and private sector.
“Laura and Stephanie are proven leaders with a deep understanding of NGA’s members, our mission, and the policy environment in which we operate. Laura’s strength as a communicator, combined with her keen grasp of the legislative and political process, positions NGA to continue delivering results in our advocacy campaigns,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA President & CEO. “Stephanie’s experience as a seasoned government affairs professional—and as one of the most effective nutrition policy experts—ensures our government relations team continues to move the needle and secure meaningful wins for independent grocers. I’m proud to work alongside these passionate senior leaders as we advance important policy priorities of this nearly 45-year-old organization.”
These leadership changes reflect NGA’s continued investment in strengthening its advocacy capabilities and organizational effectiveness, ensuring it remains a leading voice for independent grocers nationwide.
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About the National Grocers Association
NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers and service suppliers.
