NGA Promotes Four Staffers

The Arlington, Va.-based National Grocers Association (NGA) has promoted four members of its staff.

Greg Ferrara was named SVP of Government Relations and Public Affairs. Ferrara, who joined NGA in 2005, will continue to serve as the association’s chief lobbyist and oversee the government relations and communications and marketing departments. He previously managed operations for his family’s supermarket in New Orleans and worked as a corporate project manager for Associated Grocers in Baton Rouge. Ferrara was named one of Association Trends magazine’s Leading Lobbyists in 2015.

Matthew Ott was promoted to COO, and he will continue his current duties managing NGA’s membership, business development, partnership and technology initiatives as well as taking on an expanded role in office operations and administration. Ott was recently recognized by BIZNOW as one of the 2016 Trending 40: Association and Non-Profit Innovators.

The association also named Maggie Lyons senior director of government relations, where she will take on an expanded role in managing NGA’s relationship with Congress and federal agencies to advance the industry’s legislative and regulatory priorities. Lyons previously served as deputy of staff for a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee before joining NGA in 2014.

Laura Strange was promoted to senior director of communications and marketing. She will continue to run the association’s communications and media relations as well as manage the marketing for NGA events and programs. Strange joined NGA in 2013 after serving as communications director for a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“Each of these individuals has extensive experience in their areas of expertise and provides NGA with immense knowledge that expands beyond the food industry,” said Peter Larkin, NGA president and CEO. “They are great assets to this organization and I look forward to working with each as they continue to grow in their roles and work towards NGA’s goal to strengthen the independent supermarket industry.”