NGA Bolsters Public Affairs with New Hires,

The National Grocers Association has hired two new staff members to bolster its government and public affairs outreach and the launch of a new marketing and promotions department.

Hayley McConnell has been hired as the new director of communications. She will have primary responsibility for coordinating NGA’s communications with its membership and the industry along with expanding the association's outreach to the media. She will also work to increase NGA’s social media platform while also focusing on increasing the profile of the independent retail grocer and wholesaler.

McConnell previously was employed at CRC Public Relations where she worked on the current lawsuit at the U.S. Supreme Court against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act brought forth by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). During the past seven years, she has worked on a wide variety of public policy issues, political campaigns, and book promotions.

Also joining NGA is Kailee Tkacz as manager, government affairs. Tkacz will primarily focus on developing and maintaining NGA policy positions, grassroots, communication to members and Members of Congress and supporting NGA’s coalition and lobbying activities. She joins N.G.A. most recently from the American Legislative Exchange Council where she worked as a tax analyst.

"I welcome these two talented individuals to the NGA team,” said Peter J. Larkin, NGA president and CEO. “Hayley's expertise and Kailee's skills will be an asset as N.G.A. continues to increase the profile of the independent grocer in Washington and throughout the country. In addition, with Christine's focus on marketing and promotions, we will ensure that our members and prospective members are fully aware of the exceptional educational and important opportunities available through N.G.A."

Christine Cunnick has been named director of mmarketing and promotions. She has responsibility for all marketing and promotions of NGA and NGA events and meetings including the upcoming NGA Fall Conference, Financial Management Conference, Grocer Care Program, and The NGA Show. She will also continue to oversee NGA’s websites www.nationalgrocers.org and www.thengashow.com. She previously served as the director of communications.

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry.