The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) announced the second year of its First Penguin Leadership Program, reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders across the frozen and refrigerated foods industry.

The First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Program was created to address a growing industry need: a structured, cross-sector leadership development experience that builds strategic perspective, strengthens collaboration, and accelerates leadership readiness among rising talent in dairy and frozen. 

Named after the “First Penguin” theory—often used to describe those willing to be the first to test uncharted waters amid unknown risk, and lead others—the program recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to advancing the frozen and refrigerated foods category.

“The First Penguin Leadership Program is about investing in the people who will lead this industry forward,” said Tricia Greyshock, president and CEO of NFRA. “The inaugural class reinforced the importance of creating space for emerging leaders to think strategically, challenge assumptions, and build the relationships that will shape the future of frozen and refrigerated foods.”
 
Participants engage in executive-level discussions and workshops, collaborative learning, and hands-on projects designed to strengthen strategic thinking and cross-industry perspective. Program components include:

• Leadership Development Sessions focused on strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making
• Industry and Retail Immersion centered on supply chain, technology, technology, merchandising, and shopper insights
• Cross-Sector Collaboration with peers from across the frozen and refrigerated foods ecosystem
• Capstone group case study presentations and recognition at the NFRA Convention

“The First Penguin program created meaningful industry connections while fostering a genuine sense of camaraderie,” said Alyssa Panzarella, director of marketing, Mrs. T’s Pierogies. “Learning alongside professionals with different backgrounds and perspectives challenged my thinking and expanded how I approach my work.”

For many participants, the program also deepens cross-sector understanding across the frozen and refrigerated foods supply chain.

“The First Penguin program opened my eyes to the wide range of roles and companies represented within NFRA and helped me think more strategically about the challenges our industry—and the next generation—will need to navigate,” said Natalie Larson, senior manager, customer experience and key accounts, US Cold.

For others, the experience builds confidence and long-term leadership readiness.

NFRA is proud to announce the First Penguin Leadership Program Class of 2026, a select group of accomplished professionals representing the next generation of leadership across the frozen and refrigerated foods industry:

• Thomas Broderick, Mars Ice Cream
• Anthony Carnevale, Ajinomoto Foods North America
• Michael Coleman, Jones Dairy Farm
• Christine Colwell, Associated Wholesale Grocers
• Ryan DeColli, Bimbo Bakehouse LLC (Bays and Lender's)
• Kylund Facer, RecorGroup
• Kat Fuson, Pitaya Foods
• Kali Hill, UNFI
• Tara Larson, JOH
• Abby Lucchesi, Amy's Kitchen
• Melissa Luther, Land O'Lakes
• Paige Moore, Daymon
• Meghan Ozamiz, Rich Products
• Yuki Palermo, InnovAsian Cuisine
• Michael Powis, J&J Snack Foods Corp.
• Sam Raggio, Kraft Heinz
• Alek Ramoska, Island Way
• Brittney Ratto, PuraVida Foods
• Sam Ridenour, KBC Advisors
• Sydney Rogers, Chobani
• Lindsey Schickel, Kellanova
• Daniel Sedgwick, The Coca-Cola Company
• Katherine Shaw, Chung's Gourmet Foods
• Stephanie Smith, Tru Fru
• Owen Stehm, Rosina Food Products
• Ryan Strahs-Lorenc, Nestlé USA
• Morgan Stulpe, The Campbell's Company
• Jenna Vaccaro, Douglas Sales
• Lucas Vaccaro, Advantage Solutions
• Stewart Windham, Houchens Food Group

The First Penguin Leadership Program reflects NFRA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the leadership pipeline that will guide the frozen and refrigerated foods industry in the years ahead. By equipping emerging leaders with industry insights, executive networking access, and cross-category collaboration, NFRA is helping ensure the long-term vitality of the category.

 About the 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 lifestyle content, meal preparation tips, recipes and sweepstakes opportunities through its Easy Home Meals consumer website and social media properties. To learn more, visit nfraweb.org and easyhomemeals.com.