After more than three decades with the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), Linda M. Doherty has announced her retirement as president and CEO, effective January 2027. Doherty submitted her resignation letter to the NJFC Board of Directors on February 17, stating her intention to step down after serving 23 years in the top leadership role.
“I believe every accomplished leader needs to know when it’s time to appraise success, complete the last chapter and move on to another journey,” Doherty wrote in her letter to the board. “My time has come. Therefore, it is with grace and gratitude that I announce my retirement by next Jan. 2027.”
The NJFC, which represents nearly 400 companies including about 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturers, and service companies employing over 200,000 people in New Jersey, will begin searching for a new leader this year. A facilitator has been retained to guide the search committee through the transition process. The plan is for a successor to be selected by fall so they can work alongside Doherty before she departs.
During her tenure, Doherty became a well-known figure among national food retailers and within New Jersey’s political circles. She played a significant role in legislative efforts such as winning gift card litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court, responding to Superstorm Sandy, and preventing a state bottle bill.
“Today the Food Council is at the pinnacle of our success with steadfast growth in membership, sponsorships, educational scholarships, member engagement, event participation, PAC impact and our leadership programs,” said Doherty. “I have met so many remarkable, talented and kind members, leaders and team players throughout this voyage. My heart is full as our triumphs overflow.”
NJFC Board Chair Jason Read described Doherty as a strong advocate for both industry members and regulatory issues affecting food retailers across New Jersey.
“We know it will be very difficult to find a leader to follow an individual who has made such an incredibly positive impact within New Jersey’s food retailing industry for more than three decades,” Read said. “Linda has always stood bravely at the forefront, setting our agenda and ensuring the New Jersey Food Council has a seat at the table when critical legislative decisions are being made in Trenton.
“Linda has been with us through countless challenges, such as a lingering pandemic, Organized Retail Crime legislation, and New Jersey’s landmark plastic and paper bag ban, and has always made sure that the food industry, as well as this association and our members, continues to grow stronger each and every year, no matter the obstacle or challenge,” he added.
Read also noted that he will extend his term as Board Chair by one year beyond its original two-year length to help ensure continuity during the transition period into 2027. The Search Committee will be chaired by Jim McCaffrey III of McCaffrey Markets.
Doherty also serves as board chair for the New Jersey Clean Communities Council and was recently named again on NJBiz’s “Top 100” power list of business leaders in New Jersey.
“It has been the career of a lifetime to advocate for a lifeline industry, mentor some and call so many my friends,” she said.
