The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) launched First Penguin Leadership Program, 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."

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, Florida.

The 2025 First Penguin Leadership Class is composed of a select group of exceptional rising stars, representing bright 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 Class:
Samantha Beam – Commercial Development Manager, Nestlé USA
Cody Besgrove – Senior Analyst, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG)
Eddy Birth – Broker Manager - Large Outlet West, Mars Ice Cream
Navi Bola – Sr. Manager, Product Development, Own Brands, Albertsons Companies Inc.
Stevie Bryk – Sr. Market Research Development Analyst, Schneider National
Ryan Busse – Account Executive, Palermo Villa Inc.
Tony D. Caloroso – Business Development Manager, Schraad Sales & Marketing
Conor Carpenter – Senior Brand Manager, Kellanova
Paula Colatriano – Account Executive, JOH
Michael Crawford – National Account Manager, Rich Products
Grace Donnelly – Business Manager, Acosta Sales & Marketing
Jeremiah Freeman – Dairy Manager/Assistant Store Manager, Babbs Supermarket
Peter Fulton – Senior Sales Manager, Lactalis Retail Dairy
Armin Hadziomerovic – Category Manager, Houchens Food Group
Tyler Harvey – Regional Sales Manager, Dairy Farmers of America
Lisa Heard – Brand Manager, InnovAsian Cuisine
Jasmine Herazo – Account Executive, Quirch Foods
Alexis Herbert – Business Manager, Daymon Worldwide
Casey Hom – Director, Business Planning, The Coca-Cola Company
Sandra Horn – Director of Sales Development - Perishables, CA Ferolie
Peggy Jackson – Director of Brand Marketing, Simek's
Shane Jacobson – Sr. Category Manager - Frozen, Associated Food Stores
Natalie Larson – Manager, Strategic Partnerships, United States Cold Storage
Kim Larsson – Director of Sales, Painterland Sisters
Daniel Menkens – Sr. Director of Sales - Albertsons Team, Alliance Sales and Marketing
Anne Wallis Nelson – Associate Marketing Manager - Digital, The Pictsweet Company
Kristin Niles – Sr. Manager - Business Unit Sales & Strategy - Frozen Meals & Frozen Mexican Foods, The Kraft Heinz Company
Alyssa Panzarella – Director of Marketing, Mrs. T's Pierogies
Isabelle Steiner – Regulatory Manager, Rosina Food Products
Jamie Yobbi – Category Manager - Dairy, Giant Eagle
 
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.

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.

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.