The New York City-headquartered Specialty Food Association (SFA) has announced that President Bill Lynch has informed its board of directors that he will conclude his tenure at the end of his current term in March of next year. He will continue as president through the end of March 2027, supporting the board and staff and ensuring business continuity throughout the transition period.
Having served the Specialty Food Association for more than 25 years, Lynch has been president since 2020. He led the organization through a period of significant change, recovery and growth. Under his leadership, SFA rebuilt the Fancy Food Shows following the coronavirus pandemic, restored their momentum as industry-leading events, and reimagined the winter show as the Winter FancyFaire.
During Lynch’s presidency, the Association also expanded its reach through the acquisition and integration of the Good Food Foundation, strengthened its position as the leading trade group for the specialty food industry, and delivered meaningful growth across key measures of organizational health. SFA membership grew 24%, from 3,912 to 4,868 companies. Revenue increased 50%, from $20.6 million to $31.1 million, and total assets grew 52%, from $56.8 million to $86.5 million.
“After more than 25 years with the Specialty Food Association, I have decided that this is the right time to conclude my tenure as president,” said Lynch. “I am proud of what our team, board and members have built together. The SFA is strong, headed in the right direction, and well positioned for its next chapter.”
The board of directors has launched a comprehensive national search to identify and recruit Lynch’s successor, and has engaged ForceBrands, an executive search firm specializing in the consumer products industry, to lead the process. The search will focus on continuity, momentum and the long-term needs of SFA’s members and the specialty food industry.
