First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Program
Launched in 2025, NFRA’s First Penguin Leadership Program is designed to provide a unique opportunity to young professionals in the frozen and refrigerated CPG/retail space.
What is a First Penguin?
In The Last Lecture, a book by the late Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch, he describes a “First Penguin Award” he designed to reward students who took great risks in pursuing their goals, even though they met with failure. The concept comes from the notion that when penguins are about to jump into water that might contain predators, somebody’s got to be the first to jump.
Pausch understood that in the process of pushing outside their comfort zones, students were actually raising the bar higher for everyone’s sake – they were testing possibilities and learning to make mistakes while learning from those mistakes. In other words… they were leading.
NFRA’s First Penguin Leadership Program will select up 30 “students” and help to position them for future success within their organization, as well as future leadership with NFRA. The First Penguin mindset resonates with a variety of career challenges, including:
- Advancement in a role
- Leading a team
- Having difficult conversations
- Communicating one’s value
- Advocating for yourself
The program is for individuals who are seeking to:
- Build their industry knowledge
- Develop peer relationships
- Improve project management & leadership skills
Program Details
Participants Will Receive
- Unique professional development opportunities
- Invaluable networking opportunities with frozen & refrigerated industry leaders
- NFRA-developed leadership program toolkit/materials
- Group project work and touchpoints throughout 2026
- Complimentary attendance at the 2026 NFRA Executive Conference, April 12-15, Tempe, AZ including:
- 1.5 day moderated in-person education-intensive workshop, Sat-Sun, April 11-12, Tempe, AZ
- Reception Sunday evening, April 12, Tempe, AZ
- Guided store tour visits Monday, April 13, Tempe, AZ
- Touchpoint during the NFRA Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting, June 4-6, Portland, ME
- Complimentary attendance to the 2026 NFRA Convention, October 17-20, National Harbor, Maryland plus:
- Group presentation at the 2026 NFRA Convention
- Awards/recognition at the 2026 NFRA Convention
- Additional program-exclusive benefits
Who Can Apply
- Young professionals at an NFRA member organization (frozen and/or refrigerated) including any manufacturer, retailer/wholesaler, sales agent, supplier organizations
- Aged 40 and under as of January 1, 2026
- Identified as a rising star/future leader at their company
- Has interest in engaging with NFRA in a leadership capacity
December 1-31, 2025: Submit applications to NFRA
January 16, 2026: Program participants selected; invited to attend virtual meet & greet with NFRA
February-October 2026: Program runs; industry webinars/homework assignments; practice and present case study projects
April 11-15, 2026: Workshop and NFRA Executive Conference, Tempe, AZ
June 4-6, 2026: Touchpoint during NFRA Mid-Year Board of Director’s Meeting, Portland, ME
October 17-20, 2026: Presentations and NFRA Convention, National Harbor, MD
Meet the 2026 Class
Tom Broderick, Senior Customer Manager, Mars Ice Cream
Tom is an Account Manager for Mars Ice Cream and a Salisbury University graduate. Tom lives in Maryland with his wife Kirby and their two children, Ace and Miles. Family, faith, and relationships are central to his life. Tom enjoys running, basketball, football, time on the water, crabbing, and relaxing with family, including their bulldog.
Anthony Carnevale, Divisional Sales Manager, Ajinomoto Foods North America
Anthony is a Divisional Sales Manager at Ajinomoto Foods, where he manages key accounts across the Northeast, Carolinas, and Target. His professional background includes roles at Bimbo Bakeries USA, Nature’s Touch, and Campoverde. Anthony resides in Northern New Jersey with his wife, Whitney, and their son, James. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with his family.
Michael Coleman, National Sales Manager, Jones Dairy Farm
Michael is the National Retail Sales Manager at Jones Dairy Farm, leading the company’s frozen and refrigerated retail business across the U.S. With over a decade in perishable CPG, Michael is known for blending data-driven insight with practical, customer-focused execution. He plays a central role in retail planning and strategy, translating shipment trends, Circana insights, and retailer economics into clear selling stories that shift conversations from item-level selling to total category solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife and three children and stays active in his local community.
Christine Colwell, RMN Operations Supervisor, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG)
Christine is the Supervisor for AWG’s Retail Marketing Network, where she leads a team responsible for facilitating high-value CPG marketing campaigns. She has grown within AWG, beginning as an Intern in 2022, becoming the Marketing Analyst in 2023, a Specialist in February 2025, and promoted to Supervisor in August 2025. During her short tenure in the Specialist role, Christine was able to surpass the prior year’s investments by $500k. She enjoys spending her spare time with her pets and organizing her home.
Ryan DeColli, Customer Executive – East Sales, Bimbo Bakehouse LLC (Bays and Lender’s)
Ryan is a sales professional with extensive experience in the food industry across both broker and manufacturer roles. He earned a double major in Food Marketing and Leadership, Ethics, and Organizational Sustainability from Saint Joseph’s University in 2016. Ryan has spent over six years with Bimbo Bakeries. He currently leads Bays and Lender’s sales across the eastern United States, overseeing key national and regional retailers and wholesalers. His background includes managing in-store bakery, branded bread, and dairy and frozen categories, with a strong focus on driving sustainable growth and customer partnerships. Ryan lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Meg, whom he married in October 2025, and is an avid Philadelphia sports fan.
Kylund Facer, National Business Manager, RecorGroup
Kylund was raised in a small town in Idaho, where he developed a strong appreciation for sports and the outdoors. After graduating high school, he completed a two-year service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tampico, Mexico, an experience that helped shape his values and commitment to service. After returning from Mexico, Kylund met his wife, and they have been happily married for seven years. Following college, they relocated to Phoenix, where they spent several years before deciding to move closer to family. They ultimately settled in Boise, where they have lived for the past few years and enjoy an active lifestyle, travel, and spending time together.
Katherine Fuson, National Sales Manager, Pitaya Foods
Kat is the Retail Sales Manager at Pitaya Foods, driving distribution growth, strong category performance, and mission-driven innovation in frozen. A Business Marketing graduate from SDSU, she’s known for collaborative leadership and building trusted buyer and broker partnerships. Based in San Diego and passionate about travel, Katherine is looking forward to the NFRA First Penguin Program to further develop her leadership and industry impact.
Kali Hill, Senior Sourcing/Product Manager Brands+, UNFI
Kali is a Senior Product Business and Sourcing Manager at UNFI, with deep expertise in procurement, private brand sourcing, merchandising, and contract negotiation. With nearly a decade at UNFI, Kali has held progressive leadership roles across sourcing, merchandising, procurement, and buying. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Kali also mentors sourcing managers and plays an active role in developing future talent. Kali holds a Bachelor of Science in Retail Merchandising and Management from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and is actively involved in industry and leadership organizations focused on growth and inclusion.
Tara Larson, Business Manager North Central Region-Target Lead, JOH
Tara is a Business Manager for the North Central Region and Target Lead, with over 14 years of experience in the grocery industry. She brings deep expertise in the dairy and frozen categories and is known for driving performance through strong cross-functional partnerships and disciplined execution. Tara is recognized for her clear communication, execution management, and practical problem-solving approach, and she is passionate about relationship-building, process improvement, and delivering consistent results.
Abby Lucchesi, Senior Director Customer Capabilities, Amy’s Kitchen
Abby leads the Customer Capabilities organization at Amy’s Kitchen, a purpose‑driven organic food company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over her nearly 13 years with the company, she has played pivotal roles in shaping S&OP processes, developing category strategies, and strengthening sales capabilities. Her proudest achievement is building and integrating the Insights & Analytics Center of Excellence, which now serves as the analytical engine for the entire commercial organization. Outside of work, Abby can usually be found keeping up with her energetic 2‑year‑old, tackling home renovation projects with her husband, or dreaming up elaborate themed parties for her large family.
Melissa Luther, Customer Development Manager, Land O’Lakes
Melissa is a Customer Development Manager at Land O’Lakes, supporting the Albertsons West divisions. In her current role, she leads customer strategy, manages trade budgets, and drives initiatives that deliver profitable growth, Prior to this, Melissa spent three years in category management and analytics at Land O’Lakes, gaining deep expertise in data driven decision making and strategic business planning. Melissa is committed to mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, and she works to advance best practices within the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Outside of work, Melissa volunteers with Southern Oregon ACCESS, supporting data entry and food bank efforts to provide essential services to the local community. She enjoys playing soccer, snowboarding, and hiking, reflecting her active and adventurous spirit.
Paige Moore, Sr. Business Manager, Daymon
Paige is a Senior Business Manager at Daymon, supporting dairy and frozen supplier partners. She brings a strong background in category management and data-driven insights, having previously worked on Daymon’s Category Solutions and Analytics teams to translate complex data into strategies that drive product innovation and growth. Paige is passionate about mentoring future leaders, fostering impactful partnerships, and collaborating across teams to elevate the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Outside of work, Paige stays busy chasing her two boys and traveling with her husband.
Meghan Ozamiz, Director Product Marketing, Rich Products
Meghan is a marketing and brand strategy leader with over 15 years of experience driving growth and innovation in the food and consumer goods industry. As Director of Marketing for Rich Products, she oversees product development and marketing strategies for the Farm Rich brand. Meghan has a proven track record of building cross-functional teams, launching breakthrough innovations, and executing integrated campaigns—including partnerships with Disney and the SEC Network—that have elevated brand visibility and engagement. Beyond her professional achievements, Meghan is deeply committed to community service and advocacy through her support of Safe Harbor and serving on the American Cancer Society Victory Board. A resident of St. Simons Island for nearly a decade, Meghan enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Yuki Palermo, Sr Manager Trade & Insights, InnovAsian Cuisine
Yuki leads the development of consumer and category insights supporting the Frozen and Prepared Foods businesses at InnovAsian Cuisine. He also partners cross-functionally to drive revenue and merchandising goals, optimize trade promotions, and support forecasting. He brings 14 years of CPG industry experience across consumer insights and sales roles at Nielsen, IRI, and KeHE Distributors. Originally from the Chicago area, Yuki now resides in Austin, Texas.
Michael Powis, Director of Marketing – Retail, J&J Snack Foods Corp.
Michael is the Director of Retail Marketing at J&J Snack Foods, overseeing the retail marketing budget, the consumer relations team, and frozen snack brands. Born and raised in Queens, NY, Mike’s early fascination with consumer behavior began while accompanying his grandmother and great aunt on grocery trips, inspiring his pursuit of a Food Marketing degree at St. Joseph’s University. Mike began his career at Pinkberry Ventures, advancing from cashier to general manager before joining J&J in 2015 as a Marketing Coordinator. Over the years, he progressed through roles while leading initiatives across SUPERPRETZEL, Auntie Anne’s, and Whole Fruit, including brand strategy, innovation launches, shopper marketing, and data-driven insights. He was recognized with the company’s Character Award for his integrity and dedication. Outside of work, Mike enjoys exploring grocery stores, hosting dinner parties, playing classical piano, and spending time with his family.
Sam Raggio, Manager, Desserts- Business Unit Sales & Strategy,
Kraft Heinz
Sam leads sales strategy for the total desserts business at Kraft Heinz, managing brands across dry, refrigerated, and frozen temperature state. She leverages her retail experience from Meijer, where she spent 5 years in various buying and planning roles, to drive strategies and solutions across the desserts business at Kraft Heinz since she joined the company in 2023. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan, with a degree in Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband, Joe.
Alek Ramoska, Senior Director Sales, Island Way
Alek Ramoska is a sales leader with over 14 years of experience in the Food CPG industry, specializing in business development, sales management, and category strategy. Alek co-founded HOPE Foods, growing the brand and establishing it as the #1 organic hummus brand in the U.S. Known for his strategic leadership, data-driven decision making, and people development, Alek excels at driving growth, mentoring teams, and building sustainable customer relationships across multiple channels. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology with a Business minor from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Brittney Ratto, Marketing Director, PuraVida Foods
Brittney Ratt is Director of Marketing at PuraVida Foods, where she leads brand and marketing strategy focused on better for-you innovation. Brittney is passionate about improving nutrition for families and challenging outdated perceptions of frozen foods.
Sam Ridenour, Industrial Real Estate Advisor, KBC Advisors
Sam is an Industrial Real Estate Advisor at KBC Advisors, specializing in food-grade industrial facilities and cold storage in the Greater Chicago area. With experience across tenant representation, supply chain, and corporate real estate, Sam has a strong track record of helping clients navigate complex leasing and property decisions. He is a licensed real estate broker with expertise in lease administration, problem-solving, and cross-functional client management. Sam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from DePaul University and brings a strategic, client-focused approach to every transaction in the industrial and food-grade real estate sector.
Sydney Rogers, Regional Business Manager, Chobani
Over Sydney’s 7+ years at Chobani, she held multiple roles on the Retail team, a role on the HQ Category team and, most recently, a sales role. Her deep tenure, cross-functional experience, and involvement in Chobani extracurriculars – such as OneChobani FC and the Health & Wellness ERG – have strengthened her connection to the company. Sydney played soccer for the University of Minnesota – Go Gophers! – and received a BS in Marketing (+ Management Minor) from the Carlson School of Business. She also studied abroad in Florence, Italy during her senior year which fueled her dream of moving to NYC, where she has lived for the last 5 years. Sydney is a proud Minnesotan (with allegiance to their sports teams, for better or for worse). She loves reading, cooking, traveling, and staying active. As an avid foodie & budding wine enthusiast, she rarely turns down a dinner invite!
Lindsey Schickel, Omnichannel Manager – Frozen Foods, Kellanova
Lindsey manages the omni-channel strategy for Frozen Foods at Mars (formerly Kellanova), driving digital commerce initiatives that enhance product discoverability and create seamless cross-channel experiences. She partners with brand teams and retailers to build cohesive digital strategies using data-driven insights. Before this, Lindsey spent five years at Ferrara working across the full portfolio, and spent four years at EY in the Advisory Practice. Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and studied internationally at City University of Hong Kong. Based in Chicago, she lives with her husband, daughter, and two golden doodles.
Daniel Sedgwick, Director, National Sales, The Coca-Cola Company
Daniel is an industry leader with over 15 years experience, having worked for Unilever and The Coca-Cola Company across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. His expertise spans Sales and Category Management in Grocery, Club, Convenience, and Food Service channels. Daniel holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management with a focus on Marketing and Economics from the University of Newcastle, Australia, along with graduate certificates in Management (UNSW) and International Business Management (UCLA). Guided by integrity, trust, and accountability, Daniel has built strong partnerships and earned long-term success. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.
Katherine Shaw, Director of Operations, Chung’s Gourmet Foods
Katherine is a dynamic, results-driven leader with over 14 years of experience, combining culinary artistry with operational strategy in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Trained in Italy, New York, and Dallas, she began her career focused on flavor and texture—an expertise that continues to drive her approach to product innovation. Her background spans culinary development, product commercialization, and contract manufacturing management, allowing her to navigate seamlessly between the test kitchen, boardroom, and production floor. Based in Dallas, Texas, she enjoys spending time in the kitchen with her husband and three children, creating cherished family memories alongside their pet fish, Cookie.
Stephanie Smith, National Account Manager, Kroger & Whole Foods Market, Tru Fru
Stephanie is a results-driven National Account Manager at Tru Fru, specializing in Kroger and Whole Foods. With a strong background from Clif Bar and Alliance Sales & Marketing, she brings comprehensive sales and retail expertise. Stephanie has successfully expanded Tru Fru’s presence in frozen categories, including leading full-door distribution at H-E-B and launching the Greek Yogurt line. Known for data-driven storytelling and broker leadership, she is committed to mentoring future industry leaders. Based in Denver, Colorado, Stephanie lives with her wife, Mel, and their cat, Fern. An avid outdoorswoman, she spends her free time skiing, camping, and enjoying the iconic concert lineup at Red Rocks.
Owen Stehm, Trade Promotion Optimization Analyst, Rosina Food Products
Owen supports Rosina Food Products in evaluating and optimizing trade promotion spend across key retail partners. He began at Rosina as a Customer Engagement intern and, in 2025, transitioned to the Trade Analytics team. He chairs SECURE, a committee focused on strengthening safety, engagement, and communication, and is a member of Rosina’s Business Process Advisory Committee. Owen holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Niagara University and resides in Buffalo, NY.
Ryan Strahs-Lorenc, Customer Account Manager, Nestlé USA
Ryan is an experienced Customer Account Manager specializing in category leadership, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making. He manages the Frozen Meals business, delivering innovative meal solutions that save consumers time, provide value, and drive growth. Ryan leverages advanced analytics and insights from Circana and Numerator to craft compelling strategies that align with retailer expectations and achieve the 4Ps. Passionate about collaboration and talent development, Ryan fosters strong internal partnerships and mentors future analysts, ensuring organizational readiness for long-term success. His expertise spans financial proficiency, promotional planning, and building category-first strategies that position brands as leaders in the marketplace.
Morgan Stulpe, Customer Sales Lead, The Campbell’s Company
Morgan is a Customer Sales Lead with diverse experience across leading consumer goods companies. She has held roles at Meijer, Kraft Heinz and The Campbell’s Company, supporting various retailers along the way. Morgan holds a degree from Michigan State University and is proficient in English, Communications, and Spanish. She has roots in Grand Rapids, MI, and later relocated to San Diego, CA. Outside of work, Morgan is active in community wellness, and enjoys sports and team activities, reflecting her leadership and collaborative spirit.
Jenna Vaccaro, Senior Business Development Manager, Douglas Sales
Jenna Vaccaro is a business development leader with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. As Senior Business Development Manager at Douglas Sales Associates, she manages vendor partnerships and drives brand strategy execution across retail and distribution. Jenna uses data insights to identify growth opportunities and optimize category performance. Her background includes roles in product management, category strategy, and key account management at Sugar Foods, Wakefern, Office Depot, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Known for combining strategic vision with operational excellence, she leverages tools like Circana, Nielsen, and Datassential to inform decisions. Jenna’s leadership focuses on collaboration, adaptability, and innovation. Passionate about the frozen and refrigerated foods industry, she is committed to driving strategic partnerships and long-term value.
Lucas Vaccaro, Key Account Manager II, Advantage Solutions
Lucas is a Key Account Manager II based in Raleigh, NC. With over five years of experience at Advantage Solutions, he specializes in building strategic business plans aligned with retailer initiatives, leveraging data analysis from IRI and Nielsen to identify growth opportunities. Lucas has successfully developed strong relationships with key clients, including Harris Teeter, and led major projects such as the launch of 1 World Sync and a Meijer.com transition involving 700+ items. He holds a B.S. in Food & Consumer Packaged Goods Marketing from Western Michigan University.
Stewart Windham, Category Manager, Houchens Food Group
Stewart Windham is a Category Manager at Houchens Food Group in Kentucky, leading center-store merchandising and category strategy. He collaborates with vendors and wholesalers to shape assortments and promotional plans that emphasize value, freshness, and local relevance. A Western Kentucky University graduate in Marketing and Sales, Stewart applies a data-driven, commercial approach to merchandising. He is a 2024 alumnus of the IGA Institute’s SMC leadership program, enhancing his expertise in independent grocery retail. Active in industry events, Stewart participates in the National Grocers Association’s Store Operations Summit and is recognized internally for supporting trade shows, conventions, and community initiatives aligned with Houchens’ “Local Equals Fresh” promise.
2025 Recap
Our inaugural First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Class completed the program last October at the NFRA Convention in Orlando, FL. Watch the program highlights and meet these rising stars who are reshaping the future of frozen and refrigerated consumer packaged goods and retail in our exclusive showcase below.
Class of 2025 Testimonials
“The NFRA Next Generation Leadership Program had a profound impact on my career. Between the though-provoking case studies, group interactions and exposure to senior leadership it was a very worthwhile experience. Above all else, the exposure that I gained from the experience allowed me to elevate my career and gave me an opportunity to that I would have not had prior.”
Tony Caloroso, Customer Sales Lead, Central, The Campbell’s Company
“The First Penguin program offered a refreshing perspective on our industry through honest conversations and real peer connection. Most impactful was being surrounded by more women, especially those stepping into leadership roles, bringing stronger presence and voice to our industry. That visibility matters, and it continues to influence how I show up and lead forward.”
Jasmine Herazo, Manager, National Accounts, Quirch Foods
“As someone representing the logistics side of the NFRA, I especially valued gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges others in the industry face. The First Penguin program gave me a new appreciation for how my role at US Cold can better support partners and help strengthen the day-to-day operations of the food supply chain.”
Natalie Larson, Senior Manager, Customer Experience and Key Accounts at United States Cold Storage, Inc.
“The First Penguin program has been one of the most impactful experiences of my personal and professional career. Professionally, the program provided invaluable networking opportunities, not only with those peers, but also with C‑suite leaders whom I now consider mentors. Being part of First Penguin gave me the confidence to speak up, present in front of large groups of colleagues, and, most importantly, feel assured that I truly do belong at the table.”
Daniel Menkens, Senior National Business Manager, RecorGroup
“The First Penguin program pushed me to see the industry through new lenses. Between the strong peer connections, open collaboration, and diverse viewpoints, I walked away with insights and relationships I’ll carry forward in my career.”
Alyssa Panzarella, Director of Marketing, Mrs. T’s Pierogies
“The First Penguin program expanded how I think about the industry beyond my own role and day to day work. Learning alongside peers from across the value chain gave me a broader, more strategic perspective, while also challenging me to think outside the box and grow my professional network.”
Jamie Yobbi, Category Merchant, Dairy, Giant Eagle
