After 33 years with the New Jersey Food Council – and the last 23 years as president and CEO – Linda M. Doherty is stepping down from her leadership role with the state’s largest alliance of food retailers and their supplier partners.
Doherty submitted a letter to the NJFC Board of Directors on Feb. 17 announcing her intent to retire next January. A facilitator has been retained to guide the NJFC’s search committee through the process of finding a replacement who would come on board this fall to begin the transition. A nationwide search will be conducted to find her replacement.
“I believe every accomplished leader needs to know when it’s time to appraise success, complete the last chapter and move on to another journey,” said Doherty, in her letter to the board. “My time has come. Therefore, it is with grace and gratitude that I announce my retirement by next January, 2027.”
Doherty has been the face of the NJFC, well known among national food retailers, Trenton’s political circles and communities across the state. She has achieved many legislative victories throughout her term, such as winning gift card litigation that went before the U.S. Supreme Court, overcoming the Superstorm Sandy crisis and preventing a New Jersey bottle bill.
Under Doherty’s leadership, the NJFC has continued to grow and evolve, representing almost 400 companies including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in the state.
“Today the Food Council is at the pinnacle of our success with steadfast growth in membership, sponsorships, educational scholarships, member engagement, event participation, PAC impact and our leadership programs,” Doherty said. “I have met so many remarkable, talented and kind members, leaders and team players throughout this voyage. My heart is full as our triumphs overflow.”
NJFC Board Chair Jason Read, director of store operations at Wawa, said Doherty has served as a staunch advocate on legislative and regulatory issues in Trenton, developing strategic partnerships and continually enhancing the value of the “beyond essential” food industry in New Jersey.
“We know it will be very difficult to find a leader to follow an individual who has made such an incredibly positive impact within New Jersey’s food retailing industry for more than three decades,” Read said.
“Linda has been with us through countless challenges, such as a lingering pandemic, Organized Retail Crime legislation, and New Jersey’s landmark plastic and paper bag ban, and has always made sure that the food industry, as well as this association and our members, continues to grow stronger each and every year, no matter the obstacle or challenge.”.
Read said the NJFC will begin a detailed and exhaustive process to find the next next leader. Working with the outside facilitator, the executive committee has formed a search committee that will be chaired by Jim McCaffrey III of McCaffrey Markets.
Also, Read said he will be extending his two-year term as board chair for an additional year to further ease the transition that is expected to continue into 2027.
