NJ Food Council Re-Elects Read as Board Chair

On Feb 11, 2026

The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has elected new officers and Board members, including the re-election of Jason Read as chair.

“I am always inspired by the way our Board and membership meet challenges and advance our mission under the leadership of Board Chair Jason Read of Wawa and Board Vice Chair Mike Styer of Acme,” said NJFC President & CEO Linda Doherty. “As we begin the new year, I am highly optimistic about the future, with new faces on our officer team and a Board strengthened by new voices.”

“As the Board continues to have the confidence in Mike Styers and me, I am encouraged by the continued depth of this organization,” Read said. “The election of new officers to join us and leaders to the Board of Directors brings fresh perspectives and renewed energy that will help guide NJFC in the year ahead.”

The Board:

• Jason Read, Wawa – Chair
• Mike Styer, ACME/Kings – Vice Chair
• Gary Capozzi, Pepsi Beverages Company – Associate Vice Chair
• Ron Murphy, Murphy’s Fresh Markets – Treasurer
• Perry Blatt, Village Supermarkets – Secretary
• Linda Doherty, New Jersey Food Council – President & CEO

Mike Rothwell of Pennington Quality Market was also recognized as he is moving on from treasurer and finance committee chair after nearly two decades of service; he will remain on the NJFC Board. To honor his service, the NJFC is establishing The Michael Rothwell PQM Scholarship, a $5,000 annual scholarship that reflects his dedication to leadership, service and investing in the next generation.

The 2026 NJFC Board of Directors includes:

• Miguel Abreu, Goya
• Ryan Auld, Bimbo Bakeries USA
• Ernest Benson, Liberty Coca-Cola
• Michael Boylen, QuickChek Corporation
• Kyle Bunnenberg, UNFI
• Peter Contino, Weis Markets
• Kevin Cuff, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
• Rich Gingo, Advantage Sales & Marketing
• Rich Goss, Whole Foods Market
• Lawrence R. Inserra III, Inserra Supermarkets
• Andrew Kent, Glass Gardens
• Howard Kent, Krasdale Foods, Inc.
• James J. McCaffrey III, McCaffrey’s Markets
• Catie McCrossan, Kraft Heinz
• Jim Mullen, Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.
• Mariano Preciado, Mission Foods
• Jason Ravitz, Ravitz Family Markets
• Shawn Rinnier, Save Philly Stores
• Michael Rothwell, Pennington Quality Market
• Richard J. Saker, Saker ShopRites, Inc.
• Leonard J. Sitar, ShopRite of Carteret
• Jennifer Sweeney, The Campbell’s Company
• Michael Tarloff, C&S Wholesale Grocers

Looking into 2026, NJFC will continue to collaborate with government partners as policies with unintended consequences can impact food retailers, raise costs, and disrupt operations across the industry, Doherty said.

NJFC will also look at other practical solutions that promote economic stability, operational efficiency, business growth and workforce development, she added.

“By staying ahead of emerging issues and contributing our expertise at the front end of the process, NJFC works to ensure that future policies reflect real-world operations and deliver meaningful benefits for businesses, employees, and the communities we serve,” Doherty said.

Following the election of Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Doherty was named to the Administration’s Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force.

Read added: “It is mission critical that the perspectives of our industry, our members, our workforce, and the communities we serve are part of the conversation as the new administration sets its agenda and begins their work.”

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