July 28, 2025
As convenience stores continue to advance foodservice, events like the NACS Food Safety Forum are helping industry leaders address traceability, implement new technology and maintaining consumer trust.
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Evan Powell
Retail Food Protection Manager
Evan Powell is the Retail Food Protection Manager for Kwik Trip, Inc. in La Crosse, WI.
Evan has been with Kwik Trip for 13 years, starting out working in a retail location before transitioning to the corporate support center with the retail operations team, finally landing with the Food Protection department for the last nine years. Evan has been in his current role for five years and works closely with the retail food service team to mitigate foodborne illness risk factors and protect the Kwik Trip, Inc. brand in their convenience stores.
Evan received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Winona State University and his Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. He resides in the Twin Cities, MN with his wife Kate.
Jeff Lenard
Vice President Media & Strategic Communications
(703) 518-4272
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.
Chrissy Blasinsky
Digital & Content Strategist
(703) 518-4296
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.