Glass Garden’s Andrew Kent Becomes New NJFC Chair
Two years ago, Joseph Sofia stood before his colleagues at the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) and proudly accepted the role as the 20th chairman of the statewide trade organization.
Sofia, division manager of Wegmans Food Markets, was prepared to accept a challenge. But he had no idea what was about to emerge, as the pandemic underscored, yet again, the food industry’s critical importance in New Jersey.
“There was no shortage of pressing issues and industry crisis to which the NJFC didn’t rise to the occasion,” Sofia said. “From offering a hybrid calendar of events, to supporting employment legislation that provides much needed relief to members, and engaging in important committee work to set our focus and policies, NJFC and our members have never ceased to amaze me in their vision and perseverance.”
NJFC members lauded Sofia’s leadership for ensuring the NJFC weathered the storm of COVID-19, maintaining strong membership levels, revenue and sponsorships. His guidance also further protected members from proposed policies in Trenton that would prove onerous for the state’s food industry.
Specific achievements include the roll-out of the BagUpNJ campaign, a partnership with the New Jersey Clean Communities Council to educate residents about the May 4, 2022 ban on paper and plastic shopping bags. The NJFC also helped members tackle vaccine and booster distribution and provided guidance on ever-changing COVID restrictions. The NJFC also supported several youth employment laws, grew its scholarship fund, and received a $150,000 state grant to fund a Food Council Food Safety Training program – all under Sofia’s careful stewardship.
Sofia has handed the gavel to Andrew Kent, Executive Vice President of Glass Gardens Shop Rite, now the 21st chairman. Kent is a graduate of NJFC’s first Leadership Development Class in 2014. Recently, Andrew was named by the NJBiz business publication as a next generation business leader in New Jersey.
“It is my intention to follow the path Joe has built and continue to instill the values and principles that have endured from the past 20 chairs before me over the course of the last 53 years,” Kent said.
“Joe is a thoughtful, genuine, and determined leader of the Food Council and he has served as a remarkable ambassador,” added Linda Doherty, president & CEO, NJFC. “It is evident in all the pressing issues we have tackled over the last two years during this unscripted global pandemic.
“Joe united our Board during our toughest days, and we are grateful for his steadfast leadership and heartfelt passion for our business, our associates and the communities we serve,” Doherty said. “Personally, having worked side by side with Joe for the last two years, I am grateful for his insight, calm demeanor, curiosity to understand the policy, emotional intellect and his ability to rally our Board through uncharted times.”
Sworn in by Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-14), the 2022 slate of NJFC Officers include:
- Andrew Kent, Glass Gardens ShopRite, Chair
- Suzanne DelVecchio, QuickChek Corporation, Vice Chair
- Mike Styer, Albertsons Companies, Secretary
- Mike Rothwell, Pennington Quality Market, Treasurer
- Mike Biase, Mission Foods, Associate Vice Chair
- Linda Doherty, New Jersey Food Council, President & CEO
View the full event Photo Gallery here.