ARLINGTON, VA - The National Grocers Association (NGA) Board of Directors has announced the next President and CEO appointment of the NGA. Effective September 1, 2019, Greg Ferrara will take on the reigns following Peter Larkin’s retirement, who will remain on as advisor until his retirement at the end of the year.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead an organization and an industry that I care so passionately about. Independent grocers are the bedrock of thousands of communities across this country and NGA has played an essential role in ensuring that those entrepreneurs have the support they need to grow and be successful. The future is very bright, and I look forward to working closely with our Board of Directors and members to grow NGA’s influence and resources in support of our membership,” said Ferrara.
Ferrera has been with the NGA since November 2005 and brings a wealth of experience in the grocery industry, specifically managing his family’s century-old supermarket in New Orleans before the store was ultimately destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. He has also worked as a Corporate Project Manager for Associated Grocers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; holds a BA in Political Science from Loyola University New Orleans; is a fellow of the prestigious Institute of Politics at Loyola University; a graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management; and is a graduate of the NGA Executive Leadership Program at Cornell University.
“As a former independent grocer, Greg’s passion for our industry is second to none and his leadership over the years as NGA’s Chief Lobbyist, among other roles, has prepared him well to lead this organization into the future. We look forward to working with Greg to support his efforts to buildupon the strong foundation that Peter Larkin has laid for NGA,” said Cheryl Sommer and Mike Stigers, NGA Chair and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, respectively.
The press release states Ferrara currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the NGA. He is responsible for overseeing NGA’s advocacy and lobbying efforts, public relations, industry relations, and retail and wholesale membership. As NGA’s Chief Lobbyist, he is responsible for representing the association and its members before Members of Congress, Federal Agencies, and the Executive Branch on a wide-variety of issues while also overseeing the NGA’s political and grassroots affairs, including the NGA Grocers PAC. Ferrara is also responsible for working closely with and maintaining an excellent relationship between NGA and its state trade association partners.
Considering his extensive background, we at ANUK look forward to his many successes with NGA. Congratulations Greg Ferrara!
