The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) concluded its inaugural First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Program, a year-long initiative that equipped 30 rising professionals from across the frozen and refrigerated supply chain with leadership training, industry insight, and cross-company collaboration to develop actionable solutions for key category challenges.

Launched in January, the program was designed to fast-track leadership development and create space for new, forward-thinking perspectives from across the industry.

Participants engaged in a structured curriculum that included immersive workshops, store tours, mentorship sessions, webinars, and team-based projects designed to stretch their skills, deepen cross-category understanding, and build meaningful industry connections.

The program culminated during the Monday Breakfast Session at the 2025 NFRA Convention, where participants delivered six-minute team presentations showcasing data-driven strategies addressing pressing industry challenges — including increasing household penetration, strengthening supply chain resilience, redefining retail innovation, engaging Gen Z and Millennials, and balancing private label and national brand growth.

“This program was designed to accelerate the next generation of industry leadership,” said Tricia Greyshock, president & CEO, NFRA. “These participants didn’t just meet the moment—they brought forward real, actionable strategies that can move our categories forward. Their work reflects the kind of bold, collaborative thinking our industry thrives on.”

The First Penguin Program reinforces NFRA’s long-term commitment to investing in future leaders who will shape the direction of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. More than a leadership workshop, it serves as a platform for emerging talent to gain cross-functional experience, strengthen industry connections, and contribute new thinking to challenges and opportunities impacting the entire supply chain. 

Congratulations to the First Penguin Class of 2025:

• Samantha Beam, Nestlé USA, Inc.
• Cody Besgrove, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG)
• Eddy Birth, Mars Ice Cream
• Navi Bola, Albertsons Companies
• Stevie Bryk, Our Home
• Ryan Busse, Palermo Villa, Inc.
• Tony Caloroso, Schraad Sales & Marketing
• Conor Carpenter, Kellanova
• Paula Colatriano, JOH
• Michael Crawford, Rich’s Consumer Brands
• Grace Donnelly, formerly with Acosta
• Jeremiah Freeman, Babbs Supermarket
• Peter Fulton, Lactalis American Group
• Armin Hadziomerovic, Houchens Food Group
• Tyler Harvey, Dairy Farmers of America
• Lisa Heard, InnovAsian Cuisine
• Jasmine Herazo, Quirch Foods
• Alexis Herbert, Daymon
• Casey Hom, Coca-Cola North America
• Sandra Horn, CA Ferolie
• Shane Jacobson, Associated Food Stores, LLC
• Natalie Larson, United States Cold Storage, Inc.
• Kim Larsson, Painterland Sisters
• Daniel Menkens, RecorGroup LLC
• Anne Wallis Nelson, The Pictsweet Company
• Kristin Niles, Kraft Heinz Company
• Alyssa Panzarella, Ateeco Inc./Mrs. T’s Pierogies
• Isabelle Steiner, Rosina Food Products, Inc.
• Peggy Warning, Simek’s
• Jamie Yobbi, Giant Eagle Inc.

See highlights from the inaugural First Penguin class and  view the team presentations delivered live at the 2025 NFRA Convention and see how these rising leaders are shaping the industry’s future.

Applications for the 2026 First Penguin class will open in early December. The program is open to early- and mid-career professionals under 40 who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the frozen and refrigerated categories.

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.