The NACS Foundation announced the launch of the Lisa Dell’Alba Convenience Industry Leadership Scholarship to support emerging industry leaders who demonstrate leadership potential and a passion for developing others within their organization and/or the greater convenience and fuel retailing industry.
The Lisa Dell’Alba Convenience Industry Leadership Scholarship is administered by the NACS Foundation and was funded by industry peers and friends to honor the passion and commitment Lisa Dell’Alba had for mentoring future leaders within the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Dell’Alba, who was president and CEO of Square One Markets Inc. and very active in NACS, most recently serving on its Executive Committee and as treasurer, died in February 2025.
The scholarship provides graduates of the NACS Leadership for Success program (endowed by Hershey), which Lisa co-moderated several years in a row, the opportunity to participate in the week-long, in-person NACS Executive Leadership Program at Cornell University (endowed by Reynolds). The scholarship covers the full cost of program tuition, which includes instruction, course materials, assessments, lodging, scheduled meals, networking, and entertainment. An additional $1,000 stipend will be available to cover transportation and out-of-pocket expenses. Cornell University has also announced that it will match the annual scholarship, allowing for two scholarships to be awarded annually.
Applications for the scholarship will be judged on the following criteria:
- Industry leadership and future potential, which incorporates relevant experience, industry and/or community references and a short essay;
- Significance, impact, and innovation of a proposed project that would benefit the community; and
- Demonstrated service to the convenience and fuel retailing industry and community.
Applications will be available in October and must be received by December 15, 2025. The scholarships will be announced in February 2026, to enable participation in the 2026 program year. To learn more about the scholarship, or to inquire about contributing to the program or the NACS Foundation, e-mail scholarship@conveniencecares.org or go to the official scholarship web page.
Lisa entered the convenience and fuel industry in 2004, joining her father’s company as the human resources coordinator and later vice president of operations. In 2009, she became the president and CEO of Square One Markets Inc., a family-owned, seven-store convenience and fuel retail chain based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The company also operates a fuel distribution company, Keystone Fuels.
“There was no part of Lisa that wasn’t about giving back. She was more than passionate about our industry—she was passionate about the people. She led by example and inspired and motivated so many people,” said NACS President & CEO Henry Armour.
“This is a special industry, and it’s because of the people in it. We share with each other, and we care about each other. I’ve found my tribe. I don’t think of them as ‘my industry friends’. I think of them as ‘my best friends’,” Lisa told NACS in 2024.