The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) introduced the 2025 Leadership Development Class before its members at its recent Annual Meeting.
Jessica Scaduto of Foodtown/Food Circus will serve as chair and Matthew Lipowski of J&J Snack Foods as vice chair of the Leadership Development Program of the New Jersey Food Council.
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.
Scaduto and Lipowski, both graduates of the program, will lead a group of eight:
- Meghan Christine Burton (Mission Foods);
- Liz Cartier (Bimbo Bakeries);
- Christopher Coradini (Wakefern Food Corporation);
- Sean Ervin (Pepsi Beverages);
- Bill Mahoney (Bimbo Bakeries);
- Mikayla Mehalick (Allegiance Retail Services);
- Charles Thompson (JOH);
- Hunter Viscarello (Pepsi Beverages).
NJFC CEO Linda Doherty applauded the announcement.
“We are excited to welcome the 2025 class of the NJFC Leadership Development Program, a group of rising stars in the food business who will help shape the future of our industry,” she said. “Through this program, we remain committed to fostering the next generation of leadership by imparting invaluable insights into the intersection of government and business. This is a unique experience that prepares participants to navigate the always evolving landscape of the New Jersey food industry.”
Scaduto said she is eager to have impact.
“As a graduate of the Leadership Development program, I have a better understanding of NJFC’s vital advocacy work and its influence on the food industry in N.J.,” she said. “The experience is indispensable for future leaders and the proof of its impact is clear, with many graduates now serving on our board and others actively leading our NJFC Committees.”
