NAMA’s Emerging Leaders Network Announces New Steering Committee

CHICAGO (August 15, 2017) – NAMA’s Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) recently announced its 2017-2018 Steering Committee. ELN is comprised of NAMA’s young professionals looking to learn and grow in the convenience services industry.

“Since 2014, the ELN Steering Committee has served as an important leadership team, helping to promote and advance the goals of the group and of NAMA overall,” said Pam Gilbert, NAMA Director of Member Communities.

“Over the course of the last year under the leadership of past-Chair Elyssa Allahyar-Steiner, of Cantaloupe Systems, ELN grew in membership and gained greater insights into NAMA goals and priorities,” said CJ Recher, 2017-2018 ELN Chair.

During the last term, four members of ELN attended NAMA’s 2017 Board meeting. “It was an absolute honor to participate in NAMA’s Board of Directors Meeting this spring. I feel that the ELN group brought a new, invigorating perspective and we hope the Board found that to be beneficial in advancing NAMA’s mission.”

For the 2017-2018 term, CJ Recher from Five Star Food Services has stepped into the role of Chair with Amanda Sulc of Accent Food Services serving as Vice Chair. In the coming year the group hopes to focus on growing its member base, educational opportunities, and participation in advocacy initiatives. “I look forward to working with such smart and talented individuals, who will derive from each other’s strengths to create a star-studded team,” Recher said.

Listed below are the members of the 2017-2018 committee:

Coffee Service Liaison:

Jon Snyder – Snyder Food Services, Inc.

Education & Research Liaisons:

Elyssa Steiner – Cantaloupe Systems

Sarah Miller – Vistar

Foundation & Sponsorships Liaisons:

Mike Hoeft – BUNN

Juan Jorquera – Vagabond 

Government Affairs Liaisons:

Devin Smith – All Star Services

Hans Lutkefedder – Vend Natural Holdings

Public Relations Liaison:

Stephanie Kull – Vendors Exchange

Social Media Liaison:

Jen Tonio – 365 Retail Markets

Trade Show Advisory Liaisons:

Ashilyn Sunderman – Smith Vending Co. (Canteen)

Ed Hooper – DropWater 

About NAMA’s Emerging Leaders Network:

ELN's mission is to cultivate NAMA's bright, young talent through fostering education, sharing knowledge and encouraging networking among peers within the convenience services industry. Emerging Leaders are NAMA members (aged 40 or younger) actively pursuing a higher level of professionalism and leadership in the vending industry. To learn more or apply to be a part of the ELN group visit: https://www.namanow.org/about-us/emerging-leaders-network.

Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. convenience services industry. With more than 1,000 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.