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The basics:

• NJ Food Council launches nationwide CEO search
• Current leader Doherty plans to retire in 2027 after 20+ years
• NJFC represents nearly 400 food industry organizations statewide
• Stanton Chase International leads executive search

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:

• Organized Retail Crime legislation
• Securing workforce and food safety grants
• Expanding member engagement
• Growing sponsorship participation

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.

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.”