Shape the Future of the Confectionery Industry
Are you a driven young professional ready to take the next step in your confectionery career? The Future Leadership Program (FLP) offers exclusive access to top industry events, executive mentorship, and a powerful peer network — all designed to elevate tomorrow’s industry leaders.
How do you become a Future Leader?
Apply! Each year, a committee of industry peers evaluates applications from across the industry to select up to eight young professionals to represent that year’s class of Future Leaders. Each class participates in a year-long mentorship and professional development program that includes:
- Special industry-wide recognition
- Pairing with an industry leader for one-on-one mentorship
- Collaborating with your class on an important industry initiative or project
- Attending NCA & industry events*:
- State of the Industry Conference | February 28–March 2, 2027
- Sweets & Snacks Expo | May 18–20, 2027
- Leadership Summit | July 19–21, 2027
- Washington Forum | Fall 2027
- NCSA Candy Hall of Fame Weekend | October 21–24, 2027
- Gaining a deep understanding of the industry and the role of the association through unique access to NCA and industry leadership.
Important Reminder: While NCA covers the registration fees for the events listed above, the Future Leader’s company is responsible for all travel, lodging, and any additional expenses related to their attendance.
Ready to apply?
Applications for the 2027 Future Leader Class are open! Get started by:
- Confirming your eligibility and reviewing the program guidelines
- Viewing the evaluation criteria
- Reviewing the application
Deadline to apply is Friday, September 25, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Questions? Contact ypn@CandyUSA.com.
2026 Class of Future Leaders
Isabel Coté
Director of Trade Marketing, Storck USA, L.P.
Isabel leads the Trade Marketing team at Storck, driving go-to-market strategies through shopper marketing, commercialization, and retail insights. Over her more than 10 years at Storck, she has advanced through roles in supply chain, commercialization, and, most recently, trade marketing, where she helped shape the newly launched business activation department. Her passion lies in building strong teams, driving strategic execution, and bringing brand plans to life at retail.
Originally from Arizona, Isabel is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, running, biking, and taking neighborhood walks in Bucktown, Chicago, with her husband and their son. In her spare time, she loves reading and exploring creative projects, like helping her husband restore the vintage wooden boat they launch on the Chicago River each summer
Industry Mentor: Laura Holland, Senior Vice President, Burdette Beckmann, Inc.
Ashley Giovinazzo
Senior Manager, Regulatory, Ferrara
Ashley leads Ferrara’s approach to global emerging regulations, monitoring and interpreting new state, federal, and international policies related to ingredients, formula compliance, and general labeling. In this role, she ensures the company stays ahead of regulatory changes that could affect its broad portfolio of beloved brands. She has worked in the food industry since high school and developed a deep passion for health and nutrition early on. Ashley is a driven, curious leader who is always eager to understand the full landscape of the industry, from science and policy to consumer impact.
Outside of her work in candy, she enjoys staying active through a mix of strength training and running. She is also preparing for an exciting personal milestone: planning a wedding with her fiancé, set for August 2026.
Industry Mentor: Amy Heitkamp, Senior Vice President of Sales, Guittard Chocolate Company
Ginny Landt
Technical Sales Manager, Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc.
Ginny has worked in technical sales at Mantrose-Haeuser for the past four years, after previously building her career in candy R&D with Mars Wrigley, Nestlé Confections, Georgia Nut, and other confectionery companies. Transitioning from R&D into technical sales has allowed her to apply her extensive product development experience to support customers in both panning and gummy applications. Ginny recently served as President of the American Association of Candy Technologists, concluding her term in 2024, and continues to volunteer with the organization, supporting the planning of its annual seminar and contributing to the John Kitt Scholarship.
She lives in Chicago with her husband, Brandon, and loves to cook, bake, and craft photo-worthy cocktails (many are candy-inspired). She also loves to travel, especially to explore local grocery stores, bakeries, and candy shops in search of treats not found back home.
Industry Mentor: Matthew Tomlinson, Director of Global Corporate Accounts, Barry Callebaut
Sarah Mann
R&D Manager and Product Expert, Barry Callebaut Group
Sarah has been in R&D since graduating from Penn State with a bachelor’s in food science and has found her home in the confectionery industry for nine years. At GHI, she manages a team of talented scientists who create and commercialize new ingredients for the baking, snacking, and ice cream industries. Her favorite part of the job is the creativity and problem-solving involved, watching her team grow and excel, and seeing GHI products thrive in the market.
Outside of work, Sarah loves staying active. She enjoys playing volleyball, exploring new places and cultures through travel, and spending meaningful time with her family and friends.
Industry Mentor: Scott Miller, Business Development, Spangler Candy Company
Regina Melton
Business Manager, CSN | HWY Partners – Premier Specialty
Regina’s first taste in the industry began in high school, interning at the National Confectioners Association and volunteering with the Hospitality Team for what was then the All Candy Expo, now known as Sweets & Snacks. While she was studying dietetics in college, she never imagined her path would lead her back to candy. Her career has taken many turns, shaped by her role as a devoted military spouse and mother to three young children, including twin boys.
Today, Regina thrives in the dynamic and sometimes chaotic world of special markets. She implements a cohesive sales infrastructure that bridges sales, analytics, and marketing, driving national growth through cross-functional collaboration. Outside of work, Regina is a passionate runner, a true crime podcast enthusiast, and is learning how to throw a perfect spiral for flag football practice.
Industry Mentor: Melissa Tisoncik, Vice President of R&D, Blommer Chocolate Company
Rachel Quiring
Sustainability Manager, Blommer Chocolate Company
Chocolate has been part of Rachel’s life since her first birthday, celebrated with The Hotel Hershey’s Triple-Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake, a tradition she has kept for 32 years. Today, she has turned that early love into a career. Since joining Blommer in 2018, she has helped elevate multiple facilities to higher traceability levels, presented at industry events, and guided customers in building stronger sustainability programs. She has also represented Blommer on origin trips to Peru and Côte d’Ivoire, bringing firsthand agricultural insights back to colleagues and customers.
A committed mentor and educator, Rachel supports internal teams, mentors peers, and teaches an annual chocolate course at her local college. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, sewing, and section hiking the Appalachian Trail, having already completed more than 500 miles across five states.
Industry Mentor: Sharon Montgomery, Director of Sales & Marketing, Adams & Brooks, Inc.
Brantley Taylor
Client Development Manager, Burdette Beckmann, Inc.
Brantley manages key client relationships, leads seasonal sales at a major national retailer, and drives strategic initiatives for Burdette Beckmann, Inc. A third-generation member of her family’s brokerage business, she grew up in the industry. She officially began her career five years ago and quickly became active in both the Young Professionals Network and the Women’s Leadership Group.
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Brantley is engaged to be married in February 2026. She is also deeply committed to service, serving on the Junior Board of Grace House Ministries, which supports young women in foster care. She recently completed her term on the Board of Directors for the Rotaract Club of Birmingham, a civic organization of young professionals dedicated to leadership development, service, and community impact.
Industry Mentor: Deborah Grenon, Vice President of Sales, My Favorite Company
Andrew Zoll
Region Director, Convenience, Mondelēz International
Andrew brings 10 years of professional experience to his role at Mondelēz International, where he leads a team of 47 district managers, account managers, and sales representatives. He began his confectionery career in 2015 at The Hershey Company in large format retail sales, later joining Ferrara to broaden his expertise in category advisory and account management.
Throughout his career, Andrew has gained experience across nearly every major trade channel. He has built a strong reputation as a servant leader and people developer, committed to developing those around him. He lives in Chicago with his family and is a dedicated father and husband. Outside of work, he enjoys walking along Lake Michigan and going to the gym. He is also an avid Yogi.
Industry Mentor: Andrew Young, Co-President, CSN | HWY Partners
