NFRA Launches First Penguin Leadership Program, Announces Inaugural Class of Rising Stars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kate Landis
717-657-8601
[email protected]

Harrisburg, PA (February 10, 2025) – The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking First Penguin Leadership Program, an elite leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Alongside this milestone, NFRA is thrilled to unveil its inaugural class of industry rising stars, a distinguished group of professionals poised to shape the future of the categories.

Named after the “First Penguin” concept—coined by Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch to recognize those who take bold risks in pursuit of progress—this exclusive program is designed to empower high-potential leaders with critical industry knowledge, leadership acumen, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

“The First Penguin Leadership Program represents NFRA’s deep commitment to fostering innovation and leadership within the frozen and refrigerated foods industry,” said Tricia Greyshock, President & CEO of NFRA. “This initiative will help build a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring that our categories remain at the forefront of retail and consumer trends.”

A Transformative Leadership Experience
The First Penguin Leadership Program is a yearlong, immersive experience that blends leadership development with deep industry insights. Participants will gain unparalleled access to executive mentorship, guided industry learning, and hands-on case study projects, culminating in a high-profile group presentation at the 2025 NFRA Convention in Orlando, FL.

The program will feature:

• Exclusive Leadership Workshops – Featuring top industry executives, leadership topics, and business strategists
• Retail & Supply Chain Immersion – Guided store visits and discussions on category management, shopper insights, and merchandising strategies
• High-Impact Networking – Connections with industry veterans, NFRA board members, and peers across manufacturers, retailers, and sales agents
• Executive-Level Recognition – Graduation and recognition at NFRA’s flagship event, the NFRA Convention

Introducing the First Penguin Inaugural Class
The 2025 First Penguin Leadership Class is composed of a select group of exceptional rising stars, representing the brightest future leaders from across NFRA member organizations. These individuals were chosen for their leadership potential, industry expertise, and commitment to driving innovation in frozen and refrigerated foods.

2025 First Penguin Leadership Class:

1. Samantha Beam – Commercial Development Manager, Nestlé USA
2. Cody Besgrove – Senior Analyst, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG)
3. Eddy Birth – Broker Manager – Large Outlet West, Mars Ice Cream
4. Navi Bola – Sr. Manager, Product Development, Own Brands, Albertsons Companies Inc.
5. Stevie Bryk – Sr. Market Research Development Analyst, Schneider National
6. Ryan Busse – Account Executive, Palermo Villa Inc.
7. Tony D. Caloroso – Business Development Manager, Schraad Sales & Marketing
8. Conor Carpenter – Senior Brand Manager, Kellanova
9. Paula Colatriano – Account Executive, JOH
10. Michael Crawford – National Account Manager, Rich Products
11. Grace Donnelly – Business Manager, Acosta Sales & Marketing
12. Jeremiah Freeman – Dairy Manager/Assistant Store Manager, Babbs Supermarket
13. Peter Fulton – Senior Sales Manager, Lactalis Retail Dairy
14. Armin Hadziomerovic – Category Manager, Houchens Food Group
15. Tyler Harvey – Regional Sales Manager, Dairy Farmers of America
16. Lisa Heard – Brand Manager, InnovAsian Cuisine
17. Jasmine Herazo – Account Executive, Quirch Foods
18. Alexis Herbert – Business Manager, Daymon Worldwide
19. Casey Hom – Director, Business Planning, The Coca-Cola Company
20. Sandra Horn – Director of Sales Development – Perishables, CA Ferolie
21. Peggy Jackson – Director of Brand Marketing, Simek’s
22. Shane Jacobson – Sr. Category Manager – Frozen, Associated Food Stores
23. Natalie Larson – Manager, Strategic Partnerships, United States Cold Storage
24. Kim Larsson – Director of Sales, Painterland Sisters
25. Daniel Menkens – Sr. Director of Sales – Albertsons Team, Alliance Sales and Marketing
26. Anne Wallis Nelson – Associate Marketing Manager – Digital, The Pictsweet Company
27. Kristin Niles – Sr. Manager – Business Unit Sales & Strategy – Frozen Meals & Frozen Mexican Foods, The Kraft Heinz Company
28. Alyssa Panzarella – Director of Marketing, Mrs. T’s Pierogies
29. Isabelle Steiner – Regulatory Manager, Rosina Food Products
30. Jamie Yobbi – Category Manager – Dairy, Giant Eagle

NFRA’s Continued Commitment to Leadership Development
The launch of the First Penguin Leadership Program aligns with NFRA’s broader mission to support the industry’s growth and cultivate the next generation of executives, innovators, and changemakers. By equipping emerging leaders with the insights and skills necessary to navigate today’s complex retail and supply chain landscape, NFRA is investing in the future success of the frozen and refrigerated categories.

Join the Movement
Industry leaders and organizations interested in supporting the First Penguin Leadership Program are encouraged to contact NFRA for sponsorship and mentorship opportunities. Applications for the 2026 class will open in December 2025.

For more information, visit www.nfraweb.org or contact Tricia Greyshock at [email protected].

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About National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA)
NFRA is a non-profit trade association representing all segments of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. NFRA sponsors national promotions ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen (January), March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties (June/July); and provides consumer information such as food safety guidelines, meal preparation tips, recipes and sweepstakes opportunities through its Easy Home Meals consumer website and social media properties.