The basics:
- Linda Doherty to retire as NJ Food Council CEO in January 2027
- Search committee formed to find successor; transition begins this fall
- NJFC represents nearly 400 companies, 1,200 retail food stores in New Jersey
- Doherty led the council through legislative victories, major industry crises
After more than two decades leading the New Jersey Food Council, Linda Doherty plans to step down from her post.
Ahead of the Doherty’s planned January 2027 retirement, the business trade association has put together a search committee to find her replacement. According to NJFC, it aims to have the president and CEO’s successor in place this fall to begin the transition.
Doherty wrote in a Feb. 17 letter to the NJFC board of directors, “I believe every accomplished leader needs to know when it’s time to appraise success, complete the last chapter and move on to another journey. My time has come.”
Under her leadership, the NJFC has continued to grow and evolve. The group represents almost 400 companies including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in the state. Altogether, New Jersey’s food distribution industry represents more $156 billion in value.
A record of success
Doherty believes NJFC is “at the pinnacle of our success.” She noted “steadfast growth in membership, sponsorships, educational scholarships, member engagement, event participation, PAC impact and our leadership programs.”
“I have met so many remarkable, talented and kind members, leaders and team players throughout this voyage. My heart is full as our triumphs overflow,” said Doherty. “It has been the career of a lifetime to advocate for a lifeline industry, mentor some and call so many my friends.”
As the face of NJFC, Doherty is well known among national food retailers, Trenton’s political circles and communities across the state. During her time with the organization, Doherty has notched many legislative victories. Watermarks include winning gift card litigation that went before the U.S. Supreme Court, overcoming the Superstorm Sandy crisis and preventing a New Jersey bottle bill.
NJBIZ has also recognized Doherty many times by, including on the 2026 Power List.
Passing the torch
NJFC Board Chair Jason Read praised Doherty for her role as a staunch advocate on key issues, as well as her ability to develop strategic partnerships and highlight the value of the state’s food industry.
“We know it will be very difficult to find a leader to follow an individual who has made such an incredibly positive impact within New Jersey’s food retailing industry for more than three decades,” the Wawa director of store operations said. “Linda has always stood bravely at the forefront, setting our agenda and ensuring the New Jersey Food Council has a seat at the table when critical legislative decisions are being made in Trenton.”
“Linda has been with us through countless challenges, such as a lingering pandemic, Organized Retail Crime legislation, and New Jersey’s landmark plastic and paper bag ban, and has always made sure that the food industry, as well as this association and our members, continues to grow stronger each and every year, no matter the obstacle or challenge,” Read added.
Linda has always stood bravely at the forefront, setting our agenda and ensuring the New Jersey Food Council has a seat at the table when critical legislative decisions are being made in Trenton.
– Jason Read, NJFC board chair
Read plans to extend his two-year term as board chair for an additional year to further ease the transition, which is expected to continue into 2027, the organization said.
The search committee is working with an outside facilitator to look nationwide for a new leader.
The post Doherty to step down as New Jersey Food Council CEO appeared first on NJBIZ.
