Chris oversees the day-to-day operations of NACS Research, manages and directs departmental financial and operational performance, and drives strategic development of NACS long-term research capabilities and offerings for the convenience industry.

Chrissy Blasinsky is the digital and content strategist at NACS. She has been with the organization for over 21 years. She joined NACS as the manager of communications and as managing editor of NACS Magazine. She transitioned to the strategic communications team and works with a diverse team on social media and content strategy for NACS communications platforms. Chrissy also manages the NACS Ideas 2 Go video series that debuts each year at the NACS Show, and serves as a subject matter liaison on industry topics related to foodservice, inside merchandise and food safety.

Jeff Lenard oversees industry-wide external communications campaigns to advance the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. He also serves as lead spokesperson and has conducted more than 6,000 media interviews about trends and innovations at convenience stores. In addition, he is the creator and co-host of the association’s award-winning weekly podcast, Convenience Matters.

Prior to joining NACS in 1999, Lenard served in communications and marketing functions for several energy-focused associations. He earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.B.A. in marketing from Syracuse University.