The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association is pleased to share that three new members are joining its Board of Directors. PFMA welcomes Jess Reese, VP of Sales, Small Format and Value for UTZ Snacks; Tim Murray, Manager, Industry Engagement for Altria Group Distribution Company; and Keith Martin, Director of Business Development, Executive Director of Business Development for Associated Grocers.

“In welcoming these respected and active members of the food retail industry to the board, they bring years of experience and knowledge that complement our current outstanding PFMA Board of Directors,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “We look forward to benefitting from their perspectives and expertise.” 

Jess Reese is VP of Sales, Small Format/Specialty/Discount Channels for Utz Quality Foods, based in Hanover, PA. Jess has a diverse background in Revenue Management and Sales, with experience across multiple channels, ERP implementation, Price and Promotion strategy, change management, and team development. She currently serves as Chair of the Utz Women’s Mentoring Group, guiding the first diversity and inclusion group within Utz. She has also served on the board of the American Wholesale Marketers Association, San Antonio Food Bank, and the Executive Finance Chair of Network of Executive Women Northwest Arkansas. 

Jess graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and started her 20+ year career in food with ConAgra Foods and Daymon Worldwide before joining Utz in 2017. She resides in Lancaster, PA, with her husband and youngest daughter, who will be heading to Texas A&M University in August 2023. 

Tim Murray is the manager of industry engagement for Altria Group Distribution Company. A native Floridian, Tim began his career with Philip Morris USA in 1998 as a Territory Sales Manager in Deerfield Beach, FL. Over the past 25 years, Tim has served in a variety of roles within the Altria family of companies, including sales, operations, and analytics. In his current role, Tim is part of a team responsible for developing advocacy solutions in support of Altria Client Services’ Government Affairs department throughout the Eastern United States region. This work further supports the development and execution of engagement systems that enhance alignment with the states, the industry, and Altria Group Distribution Company. 

Tim is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and resides in Longwood, FL, with his wife, Ali, and two children, Brooke (22) and Nick (20).

Keith Martin is the Director of Business Development and Executive Director of Business Development for Associated Wholesale Grocers. He has a long history in wholesale operations, private label, loss prevention, and business development. Martin also serves on the Virginia Retail Merchants Association board for the past ten years and is a Board Member of Northwest NC Food Bank. 

Martin is a graduate of Surry Community College with an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science. He is a former scoutmaster and proud parent of an Eagle Scout. He has four children and two grandchildren. 
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PFMA is led by a 37-member Board of Directors, including retail and associate members. This volunteer group shapes the association's agenda. Members are elected to unlimited three-year terms.