New Jersey
New Jersey Food Council kicks off nationwide search for new CEO
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The basics:
Ahead of Linda Doherty‘s planned January 2027 retirement as the leader of the New Jersey Food Council, the business trade association is looking for her replacement.
The Trenton-based group announced the launch of a nationwide search for its next president and CEO in a June 8 press release.
The kickoff comes four months after Doherty announced she would step down following more than two decades at the helm of the NJFC.
Altogether, New Jersey’s food distribution industry represents more than $157 billion in value. As part of its mission, the NJFC serves as the industry’s primary advocate before state legislators, regulators, coalition partners, media and the public.
Under her leadership, the group has grown to represent almost 400 entities. Members collectively employ more than 200,000 workers across retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies in the state.
Recent accomplishments include leadership on:
Getting things done
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, including on the 2026 Power List.
The NJFC believes its next president and CEO “will inherit a financially stable, politically connected and highly respected organization.” The group also noted its “engaged board and a sophisticated membership base that includes many of the region’s most recognized food industry companies.”
ISO: Relationship builder
According to the NJFC, the new leader will oversee areas including operations, membership, sponsorships, communications, staff leadership, events, financial management and organizational strategy. They’ll report to the board of directors.
NJFC Chair Jason Read said, “We are looking for a leader who understands the complexity of our operating environment, who can build and sustain relationships at the highest levels, and who will carry this organization forward with the same credibility and effectiveness that has been our hallmark for decades. This is a defining moment for NJFC, and we are committed to finding the right person to lead us into our next chapter.”
The organization has engaged Stanton Chase International on the executive search. The timeline announced earlier this year initially called to have a successor in place by this fall to begin the transition. A spokesperson for the NJFC told NJBIZ that schedule remains on track.
Think you’re a fit?
Interested candidates should contact Stanton Chase National Search Director Rosemary Gantz via:
Stanton Chase National Search Director Rosemary Gantz said, “This is a meaningful leadership opportunity for an executive who wants to operate at the intersection of business, advocacy, and public policy in one of New Jersey’s most complex and essential industries.”
She went on, “NJFC enters this search from a position of real strength, and the right candidate will have an extraordinary platform from which to make a lasting impact in New Jersey.”
New Jersey is following the footsteps of New York City ahead of the world’s biggest sport event.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced that 770 free tickets will be available for New Jersey communities to FIFA World Cup events at New York / New Jersey Stadium.
Sherrill along with USMNT legend, the former pro player and New Jersey native Tony Meola, made the announcement Tuesday .
“We are excited to welcome the world to the Garden State for the World Cup starting this week and to be at the very center of the festivities, but we want the experience, first and foremost, to be accessible and affordable for as many New Jerseyans as possible,” Sherrill said in a statement, adding that the free tickets are “a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend these matches.”
The free tickets was a joint effort over the past few weeks between the Governor’s Office, the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee, Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Choose New Jersey to make sure that New Jerseyans had access to matches. Sherrill noted that the tickets are at no cost to taxpayers.
The 770 tickets are at no cost to Jersey taxpayers and will be distributed across five Group Stage matches and two Knockout Round matches hosted at the New York New Jersey Stadium — formerly known as MetLife Stadium — in East Rutherford.
The tickets were obtained by the Host Committee and will be distributed to community groups via Choose New Jersey.
“Over the past few weeks, we have worked closely with Governor Sherrill and corporate partners to secure additional tickets for the people of New Jersey,” Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee, said in a statement. “I’d like to thank the Governor for her leadership in ensuring that hundreds of New Jersey residents have the incredible opportunity to take part in this once-in-generation moment.”
According to the governor’s office, 500 free tickets will be given to New Jersey residents, including:
- New Jersey Youth Soccer players from underserved communities across the state;
- Families of New Jersey National Guard service members currently deployed overseas;
- Hackensack Meridian Health patients in the Make-A-Wish program; and
- Bergen County first responders helping support World Cup operations.
Additionally, 200 tickets will be given to:
- Frontline nurses and health care team members who serve New Jersey communities every day; and
- Pediatric patients, including children facing serious illnesses and their families.
Sherrill’s announcement comes mere weeks after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced 1,000 tickets will become available at $50 apiece as part of a lottery.
“To put that into perspective, that is five lattes in New York City,” Mamdani quipped from a bar in Harlem’s Little Senegal neighborhood alongside U.S. men’s national team forward Timothy Weah.
New Jersey
Sherrill, FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee Chief Executive Officer Alex Lasry Announce Over 750 Free Tickets for New Jerseyans for FIFA World Cup Matches – Insider NJ
The announcement was made at Hackensack University Medical Center, the Official Hometown Hospital of the NYNJ Host Committee. Governor Sherrill, U.S. Men’s National Team legend and New Jersey native Tony Meola, NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry, Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett, Choose New Jersey CEO Amy Herbold, and representatives from Uber also unveiled a large-scale FIFA World Cup 2026™ mural commemorating the eight matches taking place in the New York New Jersey region, including the Final. The mural, displayed across from Hackensack University Medical Center’s Helena Theurer Pavilion, was created by Richard Tu, artist of the official New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City Poster.
“We are excited to welcome the world to the Garden State for the World Cup starting this week and to be at the very center of the festivities, but we want the experience, first and foremost, to be accessible and affordable for as many New Jerseyans as possible,” said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I’d like to thank the Host Committee, Uber, and Hackensack Meridian Health for providing over 750 free tickets to New Jerseyans who deserve a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend these matches. I will always fight to ensure that no New Jerseyan is left behind.”
“Over the past few weeks, we have worked closely with Governor Sherrill and corporate partners to secure additional tickets for the people of New Jersey,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee. “I’d like to thank the Governor for her leadership in ensuring that hundreds of New Jersey residents have the incredible opportunity to take part in this once-in-generation moment. And I’d like to thank Uber and Hackensack Meridian Health for stepping up to help us deliver these tickets. Working together through a public-private partnership, we are ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup flow to every corner of our region.”
“New Jersey will be at the center of the world’s biggest sporting event, and Uber is proud to partner with Governor Sherrill, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Choose New Jersey to help make sure more residents can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” said Adam Blinick, Heads of U.S. & Canada Public Policy and Communications at Uber. “These tickets will give families, young soccer players, service members’ loved ones, first responders, and patients the chance to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 firsthand — and we’re grateful to help open that door for communities across the Garden State.”
“Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to support Governor Sherrill, New Jersey and the NYNJ Host Committee in bringing the excitement of the World Cup to fans, including some of our patients and team members,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “As the closest Level 1 trauma center to the stadium, our team members have been actively preparing to support the complex medical and safety operations for an event of this magnitude. Their expertise is the foundation of our medical readiness, and their compassion will ensure our communities and visitors are safe and cared for. We are proud to celebrate their commitment by providing them with an opportunity to enjoy the World Cup in person.”
“Our doors are open, and our teams are ready,” said Lisa Tank, M.D., President and Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack University Medical Center. “As an ACS verified Level 1 trauma center and one of the nation’s busiest emergency departments, the teams are always response and emergency preparedness ready. On an ongoing basis the team is running drills, and looking at staffing and available interpreter services — to ensure that every World Cup visitor receives the high level expertise focused on safety, quality and compassionate care that all are communities receive. It is a privilege to share the joy of the World Cup with our patients and team members.”
“I’d like to thank Governor Sherrill for her leadership in ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup benefit our residents,” said Amy Herbold, President and CEO, Choose New Jersey. “Choose New Jersey is honored to partner with the Governor, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Uber to help distribute 500 free tickets to community groups throughout our state. These efforts will give New Jersey fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a match and take in all the World Cup has to offer.”
Today’s announcement reflects a collaborative effort over the past few weeks between the Governor’s Office, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Choose New Jersey to ensure that New Jerseyans have access to the matches – at no cost to taxpayers. The announcement follows $3.6 million in funding that the Host Committee is providing the Sherrill Administration to support transportation costs associated with the World Cup.
The 770 tickets announced today will be distributed across five Group Stage matches and two Knockout Round matches hosted at New York New Jersey Stadium, ensuring that the benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ reach communities across New Jersey. The tickets were secured by the Host Committee and will be distributed to community groups via Choose New Jersey.
As New Jersey prepares to welcome the world, this initiative helps ensure that the people who serve our communities, inspire our future generations, and represent the very best of the state have the opportunity to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™ firsthand.
Supporting New Jersey Families and Communities
Through a collaboration between the Governor’s Office, the NYNJ Host Committee, Uber, and Choose New Jersey, 500 tickets will be distributed to New Jersey residents, including:
MAPLE SHADE, N.J. (WPVI) — The Philadelphia skyline and several landmarks were lit up in blue Monday night to support a 12-year-old boy from South Jersey who remains in critical condition after a baseball injury.
Buildings across the city – including sites in the sports complex and the Ben Franklin Bridge – glowed blue in honor of Xavier Taylor, who was struck in the neck by a baseball during pregame warmups with Maple Shade Youth Baseball last month.
RELATED | Ben Franklin Bridge lights up in honor of 12-year-old baseball player critically hurt before game
The show of support has spread far beyond Philadelphia.
Residents across the region and around the country have worn Xavier’s No. 6 jersey, placed baseball bats outside their homes, and lit blue porch lights to stand in solidarity with the young athlete.
The boy’s father says there are signs of progress. Xavier is no longer on blood pressure medication, his vital signs are stable, and he is receiving nutritional care.
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