The National Grocers Association has promoted three senior staff executives.
Jonathan Downey has been named chief operating officer and senior vice president. Downey joined the organization in early 2020 to lead industry relations and business development. Today he is 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. Downey is a long-time trade association executive, having previously worked for the Consumer Brands Association.
Christopher Jones has been appointed chief government relations officer & counsel and SVP. Jones is a six-year veteran of NGA, having joined in 2017 from the U.S. House of Representatives where he served as legislative director for a senior member of congress on the Agriculture Committee. He leads NGA’s government relations, legal, and political operations, ensuring NGA’s member companies have an influential voice before Congress and federal agencies. He also leads the organization’s historic efforts to revive and enforce the Robinson-Patman Act and other antitrust laws.
Laura Strange is now chief communications and engagement officer and SVP. She is a ten-year veteran of NGA, having joined in 2013 from the U.S. House of Representatives where she served as the communications director for a senior member of congress on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Within NGA Strange leads internal departments responsible for all press and public affairs engagement, member communications, marketing, as well as member engagement and retention.
In announcing these promotions, NGA President and CEO, Greg Ferrara said, “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. 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.”
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