The National Supermarket Association (NSA) will mark a leadership milestone Jan. 29, 2026, as it hosts its inaugural swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected president and board of directors, launching the 2026–2027 term.
The evening ceremony, hosted at the National Supermarket Association headquarters in Flushing, New York, will formally install the organization’s new leadership while signaling a renewed focus on advocacy, collaboration, and long-term growth for independent grocers.
A Formal Start to a New Term
The National Supermarket Association will open the evening with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by the official swearing-in ceremony at 8 p.m. The event will take place at the association’s headquarters at 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite 301.
Organizers say the ceremony represents more than a procedural transition. Instead, it sets the tone for the association’s strategic priorities over the next two years as it continues supporting independent supermarket owners across multiple regions.
NSA members, sponsors, strategic partners, and industry leaders are expected to attend. The gathering will highlight the association’s ongoing “Shaping Tomorrow” mission for its members and the broader supermarket industry.
New Leadership, Shared Responsibility
The newly elected National Supermarket Association board of directors will serve a two-year term covering 2026 and 2027. The leadership team reflects a mix of executive experience, operational knowledge, and community engagement within the independent grocery sector.
Anthony Peña will serve as national president, leading the association through a period marked by inflationary pressures, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer demands. Frank Felix Zapata will take on the role of vice president, while Jorge Guillen will serve as general secretary. Pedro Goico will oversee financial stewardship as treasurer.
In addition, the board includes Jose “JD” Azcona, Ivan Bueno, Anthony Espinal, Jason Ferreira, Arturo Payamps, Frank Pimentel, and Angel Rafael Nuñez. Together, the board will guide policy positions, member services, and external partnerships.
According to NSA leadership, the board’s collective responsibility will center on strengthening advocacy efforts, expanding member resources, and ensuring the association remains relevant in a rapidly changing retail environment.
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National Supermarket Association’s Role in the Industry
Founded in 1989 by Hispanic entrepreneurs, the National Supermarket Association has grown into a key trade organization representing independent supermarket owners, particularly in urban markets.
The association primarily serves operators across New York, other East Coast cities, the Mid-Atlantic region, and Florida. Over the past two decades, it has expanded both its geographic reach and its influence in public and private sector discussions.
Today, the National Supermarket Association represents approximately 600 supermarkets. Most members are of Hispanic descent and operate stores that serve communities of color, often in neighborhoods with limited access to large-format retailers.
Advocacy and Hands-On Support
The National Supermarket Association provides hands-on representation for its members, advocating on issues that affect grocery operators at the local, state, and federal levels. These issues often include labor regulations, food assistance programs, public safety, supply chain disruptions, and rising operating costs.
Beyond advocacy, the association supports its members through education, networking, and strategic partnerships with suppliers and service providers. Leadership says these efforts help independent grocers remain competitive while continuing to serve as essential community anchors.
As the supermarket industry faces pressure from consolidation, e-commerce, and changing consumer expectations, NSA leaders emphasize the importance of collective action and clear representation.
The upcoming swearing-in ceremony underscores the National Supermarket Association’s intention to remain forward-looking while staying rooted in its founding mission.
With a new board in place, the National Supermarket Association aims to strengthen its voice and reinforce its value to independent grocers navigating an increasingly complex marketplace.