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.

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.