Program Provides Participants with Proven Leadership and Decision-Making Strategies They Can Implement in Their Workplaces
Ithaca, New York – The National Grocers Association Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of NGA, has completed its four -day Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) that is generously sponsored by longtime program partner PepsiCo.
Held June 1-5 at Cornell University, the program features a dynamic blend of learning experiences, lectures, and collaborative group activities designed to develop and enhance leadership skills.
“ELDP continues to educate, inspire, and empower talented professionals who are driving growth and innovation in an industry that is vital to the health and well-being of communities across the country,” said Chelsea Matzen, vice president of the NGA Foundation. “The NGA Foundation applauds PepsiCo for their longtime support of this critical program that gives rising professionals a meaningful edge in accelerating their career growth.”
The program, which for the third year in a row is sold-out, provided participants with valuable opportunities to evaluate their interpersonal strengths, understand how their behavior influences workplace dynamics, and gain expert guidance in conflict management. Attendees also explored key management benchmarks and benefited from individualized one-on-one coaching sessions.
The ELDP’s comprehensive agenda addressed the evolving demands of leadership in today’s business environment. Topics included strategic leadership approaches, real-world decision-making case studies, team management, workforce engagement, effective communication, and the creation of personalized leadership development plans.
Two of this year’s participants were recipients of generous scholarships that supported their attendance at the program:
Kevin McCarthy of Fairplay Foods has been honored with the PepsiCo Leadership Scholarship, a prestigious award recognizing high-potential leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive leadership. The scholarship celebrates individuals exhibiting a clear vision for their future impact within their organization and the independent grocery industry.
McCarthy began this journey with Fairplay Foods in 1984, playing an instrumental role in the company’s early growth. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force behind the development of hundreds of team members, leaving a lasting impact on the organization that has shaped its tremendous success. He is well known in the community for providing opportunities to people of various backgrounds and ensuring they can excel and grow.
Since joining the management team in 1990, Kevin has held leadership roles across multiple locations, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence and mentorship. Today he serves as the Store Director at the Oak Lawn, Illinois location – one of the highest-volume stores – where he leads a team of approximately 160 employees.
“PepsiCo is excited to provide this scholarship to Kevin McCarthy for this year’s Executive Leadership Development Program,” said Kent Montgomery, SVP, PepsiCo, Industry Relations North America. “The insights he gained through the program will elevate his already strong leadership capabilities and further position him as a key driver of innovation and growth at Fairplay Foods. We look forward to seeing how this opportunity propels the next chapter of his impressive career.”
Trisha Cahoy, Owner of Cahoy’s General Store in South Dakota, is the recipient of this year’s Women Grocers of America (WGA) Scholarship. Cahoy’s journey began in 2011 when she and her husband, Dan, returned to their hometown of Bonesteel, South Dakota, to reopen the community’s only grocery store that had been closed for two years. She currently oversees Human Resources for more than 115 employees across six retail locations in two states.
Cahoy is deeply committed to supporting rural communities and preserving access to food and essential goods. Of the four grocery stores she has acquired, three had previously been closed, with each being the only store in its respective town. Her determination to revive and sustain these businesses has made a meaningful impact on the communities she serves.
“Trisha exemplifies outstanding leadership, and WGA is proud to award this scholarship to support her continued growth in the independent grocery industry,” said Kristin Popp, WGA president. “Her unwavering dedication to rural communities and ensuring access to essential services highlights the true impact of her work, making this scholarship not only well-deserved, but deeply meaningful.”
Here is a complete list of 2025 ELDP graduates:
– Jonathan Iulo, Allegiance Retail Services
– Whitney Parse, Alliance Retail Group
– Sarah May, Alliance Retail Group/iPro Systems
– Madisen Gilbert, Associated Food Stores
– Roberto Scalia, Associated Supermarket Group
– Emily Detwiler, Associated Wholesale Grocers
– Alatiel Barragen, Associated Wholesale Grocers
– Caroline Cuzeau, Big Y Foods, Inc
– Trisha Cahoy, Cahoy’s General Store
– Hillary Uecker, Cahoy’s General Store
– Craig Neuens, Certco, Inc.
– Ketih “KJ” Harnack, Coborn’s Inc.
– Chad Nellis, Coborn’s Inc.
– Joseph Cummings, Delaware Supermarkets
– William Mahan, Delaware Supermarkets
– Hamdy Shalabi, El Rio Grande
– Kevin McCarthy, Fairplay Foods Inc
– Marley Goodloe, Fairplay Foods Inc
– Eric Nilsson, Geissler’s Supermarket
– Ryan Nilsson, Geissler’s Supermarket
– Megan Kilroy, Gelson’s Markets
– Fernando Gomez, Gelson’s Markets
– Nathan Nelson, Kleins ShopRite
– Chris Masoner, KVAT Foods/ Food City
– Jason Hendrickson, KVAT Foods/ Food City
– Brent Vaughan, Merchants Distributors, LLC (MDI)
– Stephanie Johnson, National Grocers Association
– Mark Jerome, Price Rite Marketplace
– Antoinette Byrd, Price Rite Marketplace
– Marc Quartironi, ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc.
– Elizabeth Stubbs, ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc.
– Matt Molinaro, ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc.
– Steve Gida, ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc.
– Steve Salarno, Wakefern Food Corp.
– Amber Stigliano, Wakefern Food Corp.
– James “Jimmy” Bohn, Wakefern Food Corp.
– Ronnie Allan, Woodman’s Food Market
– John Carlson, Woodman’s Food Market
Click here to learn more about the Executive Leadership Development Program and join the wait list for next year’s program.
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About the National Grocers Association Foundation
The NGA Foundation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, dedicated to cultivating and strengthening the independent grocery industry’s workforce. Through education, leadership development, and scholarships, the Foundation empowers the next generation of grocery professionals while supporting current industry leaders. By investing in talent, fostering innovation, promoting career growth, and offering targeted support to help grocers operate various government assistance programs, the NGA Foundation ensures that independent grocers remain vital pillars of the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.ngafoundation.org.
About NGA
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. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.
