Westfield Man Re-Elected As Leader Of State's Food Industry Council

Jason Read, a Wawa executive, will continue leading the New Jersey Food Council in 2026.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Jason Read, a Westfield resident and Wawa's Director of Store Operations for Region 1 in New Jersey, has been re-elected to lead the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) in 2026. Read is only the second convenience store member to ever lead the NJFC, which works to represent food retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers across the state while advocating for efficient public policy, practices, and collaboration.

Why it matters

The NJFC plays a crucial role in representing the interests of New Jersey's food industry, which is a major economic driver for the state. Read's re-election signals the council's continued focus on promoting policies and practices that support business growth, workforce development, and economic stability for its members.

The details

Read has held the role of Wawa's Director of Store Operations for Region 1 in New Jersey for the past nine years, overseeing 115 different stores. Prior to joining Wawa, he worked at Starbucks for 14 years across different areas of the business's operations. In 2026, the NJFC is looking to grow collaborations with government partners to find solutions that promote economic stability, operational efficiency, business growth, and workforce development.

  • In 2025, Read first won the seat to lead the NJFC.
  • In 2026, Read will continue in his role as the leader of the NJFC.

The players

Jason Read

A Westfield resident and Wawa's Director of Store Operations for Region 1 in New Jersey, overseeing 115 different stores. He is the second convenience store member to ever lead the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC).

New Jersey Food Council (NJFC)

An organization that works to represent food retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers across New Jersey while advocating for efficient public policy, practices, and collaboration.

Wawa

A convenience store chain that Read is a senior executive for, overseeing 115 stores in New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“I am encouraged by the continued depth of this organization. The election of new officers to join us, and leaders to the Board of Directors, brings fresh perspectives and renewed energy.”

— Jason Read, Director of Store Operations, Wawa (patch.com)

The takeaway

Jason Read's re-election as the leader of the New Jersey Food Council demonstrates the organization's commitment to stability and continuity in its leadership, which will be crucial as it works to advocate for the state's food industry and collaborate with government partners on policies and practices that support business growth and economic development.