Experienced foodservice executive to lead NAMA’s new slate of board officers and directors for 2026-27. New Foundation trustees also begin terms.
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) today announced Michael Schwartz as chair of its Board of Directors for 2026-27, along with a new slate of board officers and directors who will help guide the association’s work on behalf of the convenience services industry. Schwartz, Vice President of Field and Account Sales (U.S.) and Equipment (U.S. & Canada) at Nestlé Professional Solutions, assumed the role July 1.
“This industry is full of momentum, and I’m honored to help carry that forward as Chair,” said Schwartz. “What makes this industry special is the combination of experience, ingenuity, and a shared commitment to serving people well. I’m grateful for the trust NAMA members have placed in me, and I’m looking forward to working with Christine, the Board, and broader community to build on the progress we’ve made together.”
Schwartz brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across foodservice, workplace, and hospitality. He has held senior roles at iconic brands such as Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Nestlé, leading national sales teams and building partnerships to expand food access. His background gives him a practical understanding of the forces reshaping the industry, including evolving consumer expectations for ready access to essentials and the policy environment affecting how operators meet demand in workplaces and other everyday settings.
“Michael and this board understand the value this industry delivers every day, often in ways people depend on without stopping to think about it,” said NAMA president and CEO Christine Cochran. “NAMA is proud to work alongside leaders who are committed to supporting members and strengthening the services that keep workplaces and communities going.”
2026 – 2027 NAMA Board of Directors officers are:
Chair: Michael Schwartz, Nestlé Professional Solutions
Chair Elect: Scott Halloran, Trolley Hospitality Companies
Vice Chair: Matt Hubbard, Continental Services
Secretary/Treasurer: April Cathcart, G&J Marketing and Sales
Past Chair: Patrick Moran, Moran Refreshments
Newly elected Board Directors are:
- Mike Gilroy, Mars Wrigley
- Jamie Guadagnino, Vistar
- Porter Hinton, Canteen
Separately, NAMA also announced the 2026 – 2027 trustees of the NAMA Foundation, which advances the industry through its own leadership, research, and mission-focused work.
New NAMA Foundation Trustees are:
- Secretary/Treasurer: Scott Halloran, Trolley Hospitality Companies
- Mesh Gelman, Cumulus Coffee
- Lawrence Binsky, Unified Strategies Group
- Emma Rys, PepsiCo
Review full NAMA Board of Directors or the NAMA Foundation Trustees details at namanow.org.
NAMA represents the U.S. Convenience Services Industry, which contributes $41+ billion to the U.S. economy. By providing advocacy, education, and research, NAMA works to promote and protect the industry’s over 171,000 jobs hardworking employees. Through traditional vending and micro markets, office coffee and pantry services, product manufacturing, and small-drop distribution, convenience services meets the needs of over 40 million American consumers daily at work, home, school, and play.
Contacts
Kat Snodgrass, ksnodgrass@namanow.org
