August 25, 2025
Over the past five years, Stafford Shurden has travelled across the South to celebrate great food for his “Gas Station Tailgate Review” program. His new book, “Meet and Three,” is about his life experiences as a restaurant owner, farmer, and convenience store and gas station food connoisseur.
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Stafford Shurden
Creator
Shurden is a farmer, restaurant owner and former Justice Court Judge from Drew, Mississippi.
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.