The National Grocers Association - Two terms (four years) of service on the Board of Directors, engaging and interacting with key retailers in the Wholesalers, Cooperative and Independent areas of the industry. While serving on the N.G.A. Board of Directors I was the two term President of their Asparagus Club. The Asparagus Club was founded in 1909 and began the Asparagus Club Scholarship Fund to enhance the future of the grocery industry by investing in the education of needy and deserving young people who are pursuing a career in the grocery industry. Over the fifteen years the Club has awarded scholarships totaling $950,000. The club also funds $4,000 annually in scholarships for the University student case competition at the annual show. Kellogg’s was also a ten year co-sponsor of the Creative Choice Merchandising awards for the Independent retailers. Mari Jones sat on the Women’s Grocers of America BOD and Kellogg’s was the title sponsor of the W.G.A. Funding Raising 5k Run at the annual convention.

F.M.I - (Food Marketplace Inc.) The Food Industry Association - Served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for two terms. I was a chair for two terms of the Meetings and Conferences Committee in conjunction with the F.M.I. Industry Collaboration Council. This afforded me close business interaction with their senior leadership and retailer board of director members over the past 14 years.

National Frozen & Refrigerated Association - I was elected Chair of the organization and served during 2018-2019. A board member for two terms (four years), the chair of the Frozen Food Committee for 1 term. Appointed to the Executive Committee as Secretary then Chair Elect. During all my board and executive committee terms I was very involved in strategic sessions to optimize March Frozen Food month elements and the N.F.R.A. Consumer PR campaign.

National Association of Chain Drug Stores- Retail Advisory Board member for eight years. Served on the Industry Issues and Projects committee. Output in the form of research and best practices facing our industry- Joint Business Planning, New Item methodology, Mentoring and other projects. Participated with retailers and manufacturers in all the NACDS market immersion meetings across North America to better understand retailers, products and consumer consumption.

California Grocers Association- A board of directors member for three terms (six years) then five chair appointees joining the executive committee, I had been associated with C.G.A. since 2004 and participated in numerous strategic planning, design and conference planning sessions to assist the organization. Close working relationships were developed with numerous Southern California executives over the years

Global Market Development Center- A trade association focusing on connecting retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in the general merchandise and health and beauty products categories. I served on the Advisory Board across numerous working groups and committees. An advisory board member of their “Retail Tomorrow” initiative - a community of retailers, wholesalers, brands, service providers, and innovators who uncover opportunities in a dynamic retail environment and co-create actionable solutions to meet the changing consumer's needs. Retailer engagement and involvement with their key retailer partners.

Consumer Brands Association - A D.C. based association focused on Consumer Brands and their manufacturers. Fifteen years of service on the C.B.A. Sales Committee and the I.D.A.C. (Industry Development Action Committee).   Counsel and strategic input given on current and emerging sales, customer issues, opportunities along with C.B.A. executive conference speakers, content and executive engagement. Linked the Kellogg Government Affairs office to the C.B.A. Government Affairs with counsel on appropriate actions.

The Excel Share Group- A non competitive group of Industry Leaders who meet twice year to share, discuss and shape the key trends effecting our retail customers. Each meeting had an executive level engagement with key retailers from across the Grocery, Mass, Drug, Club and Discount channels. I led this organization for two years as the Chair and was a member since 2004.

Making Change Charity - A retailer focused 501 3 (c), I had been a board member since 2009, assumed the position of Chair for two terms ending in 2019. Leader of the decision and implemented the plan to successfully dissolve the charity. Publix, Fresh Encounter and other retailers were supported by Making Change.

Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA - Board member of the Food Marketing Program since 2006 and have assisted the program with an active involvement in their five year strategic plan. Enabled five students to attend N.F.R.A. convention and be part of a panel regarding generation “Z” and their shopping habits across frozen and refrigerated categories. This BOD is comprised of Northeast retailer executives across all channels and consumer product goods manufacturers.

Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI - A board member since 2004 in conjunction with the Food Marketing program. I have served as the Chair of the board for two terms (four years) and served on numerous committees and been an integral part of the strategic planning process and board makeup. Executive panel participant at the Annual W.M.U. Food Marketing Conference in 2018.