The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has chosen officers and its board of directors for 2026.
Jason Read, Linda Doherty, and Michael Styer are all retaining their same roles as chair, president and vice chair, respectively.
The new members of the board officers team Ron Murphy as treasurer and Perry Blatt as secretary.
NJFC represents food retailers, wholesalers and suppliers across the state, advocating for sound public policy, promoting industry best practices and fostering collaboration.
“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 and 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.”
The board members are 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; and Linda Doherty, New Jersey Food Council – president and CEO.
“As the board continues to have 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 New Jersey Food Council was formed in 1969, at a time when the supermarket industry was fractured and did not have a common voice. A small group of New Jersey grocers representing mostly small and independent food stores joined many of the large food retailers with a vision to bring together common goals and strengthen the industry under a unified state association.
