Class of 2025
Eight industry professionals have been selected by NCA to be part of the 2025 Future Leadership Program. The program, which is dedicated to helping young professionals in the confectionery industry access to 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,” says John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “Over the past 10 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 is:
- 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 Co.
- Chao Zhou, Corporate Director, Regulatory Compliance, Blommer Chocolate Co.
Emily is a proud sixth-generation member of Goetze’s Candy Co., supporting her family’s 130-year legacy. She first fell in love with the business around age six, accompanying her grandfather to work to assist with labelling boxes earning a penny a piece, and working every summer in production throughout her teens and early twenties. Today, she’s just as passionate about candy, managing inventory and ensuring everything runs like clockwork.
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.