The NGA Foundation (National Grocers Association) has announced that Amalea Hijar has been named director.
Hijar has over a decade of experience, working with trade associations and professional societies. She was previously interim vice president of operations for Epic PR Group. She held senior-level positions within professional and trade associations where she was responsible for building membership groups, creating new products and services, and leading membership recruitment, retention and engagement efforts. Hijar was selected as a 2018 Association TRENDS Young and Aspiring Association Professionals honoree.
“I am pleased to welcome Amalea to the NGA Foundation and to add her talent and wealth of knowledge to our expanding team,” said Matthew Ott, executive director of the NGA Foundation. “We often hear from independent grocers and wholesalers about the importance of hiring and retaining the next generation within the industry. With the additional resources and experience, the NGA Foundation will continue to support and advance the independent supermarket industry.”
Hijar holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland, a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Agnes Scott College, and a nonprofit management executive certificate from Georgetown University.
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Hijar joined the NGA in July
She joined the NGA Foundation on July 30, 2018.
The trade association provides independent retailers with tools to develop more effective recruiting programs, enhance retention efforts and bolster professional and leadership development opportunities for employees.
The NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. The association’s mission, according to their website, is to ensure independent, community-focused retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to succeed and better serve the consumer through its policies, advocacy, programs and services.
For over 30 years, the association has advocated for policies that will ensure the growth of the independent supermarket industry, a sector that generates $131 billion in annual sales and supports nearly one million jobs nationwide, according to the association.