Phil oversees the York, Pennsylvania-based convenience-store chain’s foodservice program and is also in charge of the company’s advertising department. Prior to joining Rutter’s, he played a pivotal role in launching the QSR program at the Tin Building in New York City with world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Phil also served as the general manager for Eataly, overseeing operations across nine locations and contributing to the development of QSR concepts.

Rick is founder and president of Abierto Networks, a leading digital engagement solutions provider focused on the convenience store and convenience foodservice retail industries and used in more than 4,000 locations across the country.

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.