NFRA STAFF

Tricia is NFRA’s President and CEO, who works with all departments and the Board of Directors to ensure the association’s mission is achieved. She oversees the association’s membership, meetings and marketing functions, operational policies, and objectives to ensure the long-term success of the organization. Prior to this role, Tricia held the role of Executive Vice President and COO, as well as Vice President of Meetings and Industry Relations when she first joined NFRA in 2019. Prior to NFRA, she held roles including VP, Association Services, at a statewide non-profit, responsible for the planning and execution of various national events while also overseeing membership services and communications efforts; as well as previous roles in sales, new business development, global congress program management and experiential marketing . Tricia graduated summa cum laude from Lycoming College with a bachelor’s degree in international business and Spanish and a minor in economics. Outside of work, she enjoys entertaining, hiking, boxing and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Jessica is the Vice President of Finance who works closely with the President & CEO to keep a sharp eye on the Association’s finances. She is responsible for providing leadership over accounting, budgeting, financial reporting and human resources within the Association. Some of her duties include preparing monthly financial statements, bi-weekly payroll, submitting quarterly payroll tax returns, cash flow management and benefits administration. In her free time she enjoys running, reading and spending time with her family, including her two daughters who keep her busy.

Pat recently joined NFRA as VP, Association Services and is responsible for developing and maintaining key important industry relationships, managing promotional marketing programs, and directing the meeting planning activities of the Association. Prior to this role, Pat spent 23 years working at Hershey Resorts, the past 15 years specifically in the role of Convention Services Manager to successfully execute 140+ programs on an annual basis, ranging from 10-4,000 attendees; as well as Resorts Sales Manager, working with a large portfolio of new and returning customers and creating unique and memorable experiences for resort groups. Pat graduated from YTI Career Institute with a major in travel & tourism. Outside of work, he enjoys entertaining, outdoor sports and spending time with his son.

Kate joined NFRA as Director of Membership, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the membership process including recruitment, ongoing member support, and retention efforts. She was recently promoted to Senior Director of Marketing, overseeing the association’s marketing and communications projects and initiatives. Prior to NFRA, Kate was the events manager for WITF and PA Post as well as the manager of meetings and member services at the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. She resides in Millersburg with her partner and dog, Quincy, is an avid camper and enjoys gardening, cooking and spending time with her family.

As Director of Membership, Melissa is responsible for managing all activities related to membership recruitment, retention, and member support services, including renewal, acquisition, onboarding, and development. She also serves as staff liaison to the NFRA Membership Committee. Melissa brings 20+ years of marketing and business development experience from both for- and non-profit organizations. She has managed marketing campaigns for Fortune 100 companies such as Dell and HP, helping to grow their business within the IT distribution channel, and has also assisted with recruitment efforts and member services for the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Melissa graduated from Shippensburg University with a degree in Marketing. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs, as well as cooking, entertaining, and cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.

Natalie is the Senior Manager of Marketing, managing the association website and event websites. She provides graphic design for print and digital projects including newsletters, brochures, event signage, social media content and membership materials. She oversees advertising for the association, helps with the NFRA Convention mobile app, and creates content for NFRA’s industry-facing social channels and the Easy Home Meals consumer channels. She also assists with the planning and promotion of NFRA’s consumer annual promotions and PR campaigns. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking, autocrossing her Mazda with her husband Jake and spending time with their cat Holly.

Sarah is the Senior Manager of Association Services who manages the administration of the NFRA Convention, including registration, hotel coordination, and sponsorships. She also manages the registration and hotel coordination for the Executive Conference and assists with the annual Midyear Board of Directors meeting. Sarah is the NFRA staff liaison for the Supply Chain Forum and also oversees other association services, including the Golden Penguin Awards competition, the association’s management software, and point-of-sale materials. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, checking out local wineries and breweries and traveling.

Tracy is the Office Manager/Communications Assistant who works to ensure the entire staff has everything they need to keep NFRA running smoothly. She manages the Association’s POS materials, mailings and incoming phone calls and assists the Communications Department with various projects. In her spare time, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, participating in craft shows, going to the local dirt track races and is an avid NASCAR fan. Tracy recently celebrated 35 years with NFRA.

Ellie Weaver is the Digital Media Manager, responsible for overseeing NFRA’s consumer-facing brand, Easy Home Meals. Ellie manages and creates content for the Easy Home Meals website, social media, and other marketing and digital channels and initiatives. She also implements digital marketing strategies to grow Easy Home Meals’ visibility and consumer engagement. Prior to NFRA, Ellie has previous experience in senior living and healthcare sales and marketing. In her free time, you can find her cozied up with a good book, cooking a new recipe, playing with her dog Rocky, or spending time with her family.