WASHINGTON – The National Confectioners Association (NCA) today announced the eight industry professionals selected for the 2025 Future Leadership Program. The program, which is dedicated to helping young professionals in the confectionery industry access networking and professional development opportunities to gain career experience, will also celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025.
“The Future Leaders are movers and shakers who represent the promise of the confectionery industry, driving innovation while preserving cherished traditions,” John Downs, NCA president and CEO, said. “Over the last ten years, the Future Leadership Program has ensured our best and brightest have the tools to reach their career potential – and we’ve got the track record to prove it. I am excited to work alongside these dedicated professionals and see where they take us next.”
The 2025 class includes:
- Charlotte Ashcraft, Manager, Packaging & Graphic Development, Just Born Quality Confections
- Emily Goetze, Manager, Inventory of Palletized Materials & Finished Goods, Goetze’s Candy Co., Inc.
- Hope Hebenstreit, Director, Strategy & Business Development, creative werks
- Daniel Mattera, Director of Sales – Grocery, HWY Partners
- Mike Pedi, Director, Retail Design, Mars Wrigley
- Endri Shtylla, Marketing Director, Ferrero NA
- Bryan Young, Manager, International Strategy and Insights, The Hershey Company
- Chao Zhou, Corporate Director, Regulatory Compliance, Blommer Chocolate Company
Launched in 2016, the Future Leadership Program provides support, education, access, and opportunity to young professionals wanting to develop leadership skills and grow their careers in the confectionery industry. Participants are matched with a highly regarded industry leader as a mentor. They are also invited to attend NCA’s signature events and other industry gatherings, including the State of the Industry Conference, Sweets & Snacks Expo, NCA’s Leadership Summit, the Washington Forum, and Candy Hall of Fame weekend. For more information, visit CandyUSA.com/FutureLeaders.
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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the $48 billion U.S. confectionery industry. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum, and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy, and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options, and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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