Jessica Scaduto of Foodtown/Food Circus and Matthew Lipowski of Bimbo Bakeries USA were given top positions for the 2024 Leadership Development Program at the New Jersey Food Council, the group recently announced.
Scaduto will serve as chair while Lipowski will serve as vice chair of a program that took a pause during the pandemic. Both are graduates of the program.
Launched in 2014, the Food Council Leadership Development Program provides training for future leaders who have a passion for working in the food industry, possess an interest in the dynamics and trends of government and want to make a difference in the direction of the industry.
NJFC CEO Linda Doherty applauded the announcement.
“We eagerly anticipate mentoring this upcoming group of rising stars in the food industry and are confident in their role in shaping the future of NJFC,” she said. “Despite a program pause during the pandemic, we are thrilled to kick-start it again, with a commitment to providing a unique experience and insight into government and business partnership and enhancing the public policy perspective of future leaders in the New Jersey food industry.”
Other members of Leadership Development Program include:
- James Bischoff: Bimbo Bakeries USA;
- Orela DeCurtis: Bimbo Bakeries USA;
- James Gleason: Stop & Shop Supermarkets;
- Katie Murphy: C&S Wholesale Grocers;
- Juan Salinas: Perfect Life Nutrition;
- Zachry Veltri: Wawa;
- Michelle Vitale: Liberty Coca-Cola;
- Daniel Wolk: Stop & Shop Supermarkets.
NJFC Chair Andrew Kent of Glass Gardens ShopRite said the program has impact.
“As a graduate of the inaugural class, the Food Council Leadership Program was my launchpad,” he said. “It’s the driving force behind my current leadership position on the board, and I’m thrilled to witness and support the incredible impact future leaders will make, inspired by the same transformative journey.”
