NCA announces industry professionals chosen for leadership program

The NCA has announced six confectionery industry professionals who have been selected for the 2023 Future Leadership program….

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The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced six confectionery industry professionals who have been selected for the 2023 Future Leadership.

First launched in 2016, the Future Leadership Program provides support, education, access and opportunity to young professionals looking to develop their leadership skills and grow their careers in the confectionery industry.

“Our Future Leaders play a pivotal role in the confectionery industry, as they have the capabilities to innovate and move our industry forward,” explained John Downs President and CEO of NCA. “The Future Leadership Program helps ensure that these exceptional young professionals are provided the tools needed to continue their success and reach their potential. I look forward to working alongside these impressive individuals and watching their careers develop.”

Participants of the program are matched with a highly regarded industry leader as a mentor, and are also invited to attend NCA’s signature events which includes the State of the Industry Conference, Sweets & Snacks Expo, the Summer Board & Leadership Strategy Meeting and the Washington Forum alongside the Candy Hall of Fame.

The six industry professionals chosen for the program are as follows: Kelsea Ferrato, Director of Marketing at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory; Stephanie Laub, Customer Business Lead at Mars Wrigley; Emily Gordon, Senior Category Manager at Walgreens; Carly Meck R&D Manager at Blommer Chocolate Company; AJ Khoury, Director of Technical Sales at Capol and Ryan Miller, Vice President of Spangler Candy Company.

The application process for the 2024 class of the Future Leadership Program opens in later summer 2023.

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Caitlin Gittins
Editor, International Confectionery
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International Confectionery is the leading authority in global confectionery content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the confectionery sector.

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