Arlington, VA- The National Grocers Association (NGA) is pleased to announce that Laura Strange has been appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Communications and External Affairs. Laura previously served as Vice President, Industry Relations, Marketing, and Communications. In this expanded role Laura will continue to oversee the industry relations, marketing and communications departments, while taking on new responsibilities within retail and wholesale membership.
“For the past five years Laura has developed the communications and marketing functions within NGA into a well-functioning unit that succeeded in growing numerous events, including The NGA Show, while also significantly increasing the profile of the association and independent supermarket industry within in national and trade industry media. She has also played a key role in helping to advance NGA’s legislative and grassroots priorities, guided by her previous experience as a communications director for a Member of Congress. Her dedication to our industry, along with her communications expertise have prepared her well for this new role at NGA,” said Peter Larkin, President and CEO.
“Laura’s passion and commitment to our members, coupled with her industry knowledge, makes her the perfect person to take on responsibility for overseeing NGA’s continued membership growth. Laura will help NGA continue its strong representation, ensuring the 21,000 independent supermarkets across the country have an advocate looking out for their best interest,” said Greg Ferrara, Executive Vice President.
Laura joined NGA in November 2013 as Director of Communications, having previously worked as a communications director for a Member of Congress and in political affairs for a Fortune 500 company. Laura holds a BA from the University of South Carolina and Masters in Strategic Public Relations from George Washington University.
About NGA
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to one percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.
