3 Promoted at N.G.A.

The National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) has promoted three staff members: Greg Ferrara, Jessica Harper and Debbie Etter.

“This group of individuals is indicative of the depth and breadth of talent in the next generation of leaders here at N.G.A.,” said Peter Larkin, president and CEO of the Arlington, Va.-based trade group. “In various capacities, these individuals have distinguished themselves in their dedication and quality of service to N.G.A., our members and the independent grocery industry as a whole. These promotions acknowledge and reward their hard work and past successes and look forward to their future contributions in these new roles.”

Ferrara has been promoted to VP, government affairs. In his expanded role, he will establish, develop and maintain effective working relationships with members of Congress and their staffs, key executive branch and federal agency officials, state/trade associations and industry coalitions. Ferrara first joined N.G.A. in November 2005 with extensive experience in the grocery industry: he had grown up working in his family’s century-old supermarket in New Orleans before the store was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. He left N.G.A. in June 2007, joining Associated Grocers Inc. in Baton Rouge, La., as corporate projects manager. Ferrara returned to the trade organization in December 2008 as director of government affairs, in which capacity he advocated for the nation’s independent retailer grocers and wholesalers.

Harper has been promoted to director, industry affairs. In her new role, she will take charge of N.G.A.’s industry relations efforts, broadening the relationship between the industry and the independent grocery retail sector. Harper will also continue to foster and expand meaningful collaborative opportunities through trading partner initiatives, engagement opportunities, operational programs and services, and technology standards development. Before joining N.G.A., Harper spent three-and-a-half years with the Grocery Manufacturers Association in the membership and meeting services departments. Prior to GMA, she worked in government affairs and campaign communications.

An N.G.A. for more than 10 years, Etter is now manager, expo sales, in which role she will continue to manage sales and activities related to the expo floor at the N.G.A. Show, as well as assist with membership and sponsorship/advertising opportunities. Etter will additionally grow exhibit sales and expand the trade show floor for future N.G.A. Shows. She will also continue to cultivate relationships with current and potential exhibitors, while collecting and maintaining content for the N.G.A. mobile app and printed Buyers’ Guide.