NGA’s Ott Named 'Young & Aspiring' Professional

Matthew R. Ott, VP of membership and IT for the National Grocers Association (NGA), was recognized as a "Young & Aspiring Association Professional" at the TRENDS 2014 Salute to Association Excellence awards ceremony, held Feb. 20 in Washington, D.C.

Now in its 35th year, the ceremony honors present and future personnel within association management. Honorees are nominated by senior executives and peers, for their contributions and leadership, and selected by a nomination committee.

"NGA applauds the success Matt has achieved within our organization and as a professional throughout the years," said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO, NGA. "Matt has gone above and beyond to enhance his professional and association management leadership skills to better serve our members. I congratulate him on this distinguished award."

While at NGA, Ott has increased paid membership by 30 percent and improved retention rates by 9 percent. Under his leadership, multiple member programs have been created and or improved including an industry-specific online training and education platform. He has also created numerous in-person and online tools allowing members to interact with the association 365 days a year.

Association TRENDS is the national newspaper for association executives and suppliers, with a focus on the latest news, information and trends in association management for association professionals.

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