Educational Sessions and Events
We’re excited to introduce new ways to provide you with industry insights through educational sessions, featuring key industry leaders and other SpartanNash customers.
Powering the Independent Grocer: From Capitol Hill to the Checkout Line Wednesday, July 30 | 8:30 a.m. ET
Laura Strange, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer at the National Grocers Association, will share insights on the state of the independent grocery industry amid economic pressures, policy shifts, and changing consumer expectations. Learn how independent grocers are leveraging their strengths, such as local sourcing, personalized service, and community connection, to compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Laura Strange, Chief Communications & Engagement Officer, National Grocers Association
Laura Strange is the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer at the National Grocers Association. In this role, she manages a broad portfolio that includes the organization’s strategic communications and messaging, marketing and advertising strategy for programs, initiatives, and events, content strategy for publications and all NGA outlets, including digital, public affairs and media relations. In 2021, Laura led the Association’s comprehensive rebranding efforts. This was the first such brand enhancement since NGA was founded in 1982, with a new logo, refreshed graphics and color package, and stakeholder messaging.
Laura came to NGA in 2013 from Capitol Hill, where she served as Communications Director for Members of Congress serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, she held positions in the government relations department for Yahoo! Inc., where she managed an issue portfolio on federal and state levels, and in the communications and marketing division for a state taxpayer trade association. Laura started her career as a Staff Assistant in the U.S. Senate and worked her way to take on a role as Deputy Press Secretary. She has a master’s degree in strategic public relations from George Washington University and an undergraduate degree in public relations from the University of South Carolina.
The Prepared Mind Advantage Wednesday, July 30 | 12:30 p.m. ET
In moments of rapid change, we face a choice – to shift our mindset from uncertainty and fear to curiosity and hope. It’s what French scientist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur called the “prepared mind.” In this state of optimistic readiness, strong leaders can more easily navigate disruption; find the joy in being wrong; and unlock new opportunities. Join CEO Tony Sarsam as he discusses how to cultivate the prepared mind advantage – and how SpartanNash is helping you stay one step ahead of the competition.
Tony Sarsam, SpartanNash CEO
As CEO of Fortune 400 grocery retailer and distributor SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN), Tony Sarsam leads 20,000 Associates serving food retailers in all 50 states as well as the U.S. military both domestically and abroad. Tony joined SpartanNash in 2020 and has since focused on building a strong People First culture as the company renews its commitment to growth, operational excellence, customer service and innovation.
With more than three decades of experience in the food industry, Tony has come to understand every side of the consumer-packaged goods business – from the plant floor to the C-suite. Before joining SpartanNash, Tony served as CEO of Borden Dairy Company and Ready Pac Foods. At Borden, he led the company through a major corporate restructuring and subsequent sale that preserved employment for all frontline Associates during a time of significant industry consolidation. His leadership at Ready Pac helped the company grow by more than 60% and establish a dominant 80% share of the complete meal salad category. Tony’s success at Ready Pac attracted great interest and culminated in the sale of the business to Bonduelle in 2017.
Prior to leading Ready Pac, Tony was President of the Nestlé USA Direct Store Delivery Company, where he created and led the world’s largest frozen direct store delivery network, serving Nestlé frozen pizza and ice cream businesses. He has also served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Operations at Dreyer’s, which was acquired by Nestlé. Tony began his career at PepsiCo, where he started as an Associate Engineer and progressed through a series of leadership roles, including Plant Manager, Director of Finance, Region Vice President for Sales and Distribution, and Group Vice President of Go to Market Strategy.
Tony is an independent director for Mission Produce, Inc. and serves on the board of four nonprofit organizations, including The Food Industry Association (FMI), The Right Place, West Michigan Policy Forum and Arizona State University Foundation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science, Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Management from Stanford. Tony resides in Grand Rapids, Mich. with his wife and children.
Turning Our Core Capabilities into Your Wins Wednesday, July 30 | 1 p.m. ET
At SpartanNash, our Core Capabilities – People, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions – are the foundation of how we serve our customers and help them win. Hear from Chief Commercial Officer Amy McClellan on how SpartanNash is enhancing the ways we deliver goods and services, staying ahead of consumer preferences and flavor trends – all while staying close to what matters most to our customers.
Amy McClellan, SpartanNash Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
Amy McClellan has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer since May 2025. She was previously named EVP and Chief Customer Officer in November 2023, and the responsibilities of her role expanded to create a commercial function. She is responsible for driving sales growth in the wholesale segment, as well as core Merchandising operations in center store and fresh. Amy oversees customer engagements for all commercial business including national accounts, independent and chain grocers, and the U.S. Defense Commissary Agency and military exchanges worldwide. She also oversees field merchandising, sales operations, customer service and value-added services to help SpartanNash retail stores and customers succeed in the channel and communities they serve.
Amy previously served for two years as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, overseeing retail and distribution marketing, including insights and analytics, digital and e-commerce marketing, creative services, and OwnBrands strategies. She joined SpartanNash in 2019 when the Company acquired Martin’s Super Markets. Her passion for the grocery industry was sparked in high school when she was hired as a part-time cashier. During her 20 years with Martin’s, Amy worked in a variety of store operations roles and advanced to leadership positions in marketing, merchandising and operations.
She played a critical role in the SpartanNash acquisition of Martin’s, leading to her appointment as Division Vice President, Retail for SpartanNash. In March 2021, Amy was promoted to Vice President, Fresh Merchandising, overseeing the fresh product categories across 140+ company-operated stores and 2,100 independent customer locations.
Amy serves on the Board of Directors for the National Grocers Association. She is a three-time Top Women in Grocery honoree (2018, 2020, 2025) and was recognized in 2019 as a NextGen 40 under 40 award winner by Progressive Grocer.
Amy earned her undergraduate degree in business marketing and advertising as well as her Master of Business Administration from Indiana University.
Vision & Impact Awards Wednesday, July 30 | 1:30 p.m. ET
Educational Session:
Marketing Services and Strategy Retail Share Group
Wednesday, July 30 | 9:30 – 11 a.m. ET
Attend this panel-style discussion to listen to fellow independent customers share stories of their success, lessons learned, and tactics you can take home to grow your Marketing Services for new and existing customers.
Educational Session:
The Power of Partnership: Fueling Independent Growth with SpartanNash Retail Media
Wednesday, July 30 | 11 – 11:30 a.m. ET
Attend an exclusive presentation introducing independent grocers to SpartanNash’s innovative retail media network. Learn how to get involved and unlock measurable benefits—from turnkey advertising solutions to stronger collaboration with CPG partners. This is your opportunity to drive revenue growth and elevate customer engagement through a powerful, data-driven platform.
Educational Session:
Women in Retail Panel
Sponsored by SpartanNash Women Impact Network Associate Resource Group
Wednesday, July 30 | 3 – 4 p.m. ET
Sponsored by the SpartanNash Women & Allies Impact Network, this panel aims to celebrate and elevate women in business by hearing real stories, practical advice, and strategies for overcoming barriers in retail grocery. The panel will provide a platform for honest conversation, networking, and community building. The discussion will highlight the following women leaders:
- Arianna Meinke, Marketing Manager at Leppinks, Inc
- Caitlin Allen, SVP, Marketing at Simbe Robotics
- Laura Strange, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer at National Grocers Association
Moderator: Anneke Lehmann, Specialist, Public Relations & Social Media at SpartanNash
Attendees will have a chance to gain valuable insights from a diverse group of female leaders who have broken career barriers and are advocating for professional growth in the workplace.
