Rich Products executive will lead the NFRA as it advances its 2030 Strategic Plan and launches new initiatives to support frozen and refrigerated food category growth.
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has elected Shannon Gilreath, senior vice president of consumer brands at Rich Products Corporation, as chair of its board of directors for 2026-27.
Gilreath was elected during NFRA’s annual board meeting Oct. 17. The association also elected six other officers and 15 members of its board of directors during meetings held in conjunction with the NFRA Convention.
As chair, Gilreath will oversee the association’s continued implementation of its 2030 Strategic Plan, which includes the rollout of a new demand generation platform, efforts to accelerate frozen and refrigerated food category growth and initiatives to strengthen member engagement.
“NFRA is entering an exciting period of opportunity for our categories,” Gilreath said. “I look forward to working alongside our Board and membership to build on the Association’s momentum, strengthen industry partnerships, and support initiatives that help drive growth and long-term success.”
The association’s other elected officers for 2026-27 are:
- Chair-Elect: Derek DeMuth, Ajinomoto Foods North America
- Secretary: Scott Evans, Associated Wholesale Grocers
- Treasurer: Lindsey Hickey, Simek’s
- Vice Chair, Frozen: Jorge Silva, The Campbell’s Company
- Vice Chair, Refrigerated: Kevin Herd, Danone North America
NFRA Elects 15 Board Members
The association also announced the election of 15 directors representing food manufacturers, grocery retailers, wholesalers and industry service providers.
The newly elected directors are Richard Akins, Alliance Sales & Marketing; Luisiana Almonte, The Magnum Ice Cream Company; Hayley Berkshire, Mars Snacking; Kimberly Dale, Giant Eagle; Brian Dicken, Save A Lot; Richard Dudley, Conagra Brands; Kristin Goetz, Northeast Shared Services; and Ria Gray, UNFI.
Also elected were Melanie Jones, Schwan’s Consumer Brands; Cammy Kromer, Tropicana Brands Group; Cathy Magistrelli, Wakefern Food Corporation; Jason Milburn, The Kroger Company; Jason Ramsey, Merchants Distributors Inc.; Ron Schwenn, Albertsons Companies; and Joe Squires, Land O’Lakes Foods.
The leadership appointments come as NFRA moves forward with its long-term strategy to expand consumer demand for frozen and refrigerated foods while strengthening collaboration among manufacturers, retailers and distributors.
NFRA, a nonprofit trade association representing the frozen and refrigerated foods industry, coordinates national promotional programs including March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and seasonal ice cream and frozen novelty promotions. It also operates the Easy Home Meals consumer education platform.
A complete roster of the association’s 2026-27 leadership is available on the NFRA website.