Don Longo
Don Longo, Former Editorial Director
Convenience Store News
Don Longo is Editorial Director Emeritus of Convenience Store News. He joined the brand in 2005 as Editor-in-Chief. With the highest recognition of any c-store industry media journalist, Don has given presentations to business groups throughout the U.S., Europe and South America, appeared as a guest on Fox Business News and National Public Radio, and is a highly sought source for major consumer and business news. For the past 40-plus years, Don has been making outstanding contributions to the development of editorial excellence in business media. In the course of his career, he has covered discount stores, drug stores, home improvement stores, supermarkets and, of course, convenience stores. Among other accomplishments, he co-launched the Hispanic Retail 360 Conference (the first conference recognizing the importance of diversity in retail media), the Top Women in Convenience Awards event, and the Convenience Foodservice Exchange
Michael Lipton
Michael Lipton, CEO
Lipton Inc.
Michael Lipton graduated from Boston University in 1996 & moved back to Pittsfield, MA in 1998 to work in his family business. He is now CEO of Lipton Inc & has taken over as the 4th generation. Lipton Inc owns & operates 10 convenience & gas stations, 2 car washes, a propane rail terminal, & an oil/propane business delivering to homes/businesses. Lipton Inc was started my Michael's great grandfather in 1910.
Jhaddaka (JD) Leverette
Jhaddaka (JD) Leverette, I.T. Manager
PRINCE OIL
I am an IT Manager/Retail Analyst in the oil and gas industry, with over 25 years of retail operations knowledge and 15 years of experience driving digital transformation, business continuity, and operational efficiency through technology. I have strategic insight and leadership in data integration and system optimization.
Beyond my corporate role, I am the founder of Blu3tech Consulting, where I support businesses in adopting secure and scalable tech solutions. I am also a passionate advocate for youth development and STEM education, dedicating time to community mentorship and nonprofit initiatives.
Ryan Krebs
Ryan Krebs, Sr Director of Food & Beverage
Sprint Mart
Ryan Krebs began cooking in local restaurants at age 15. He received a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, as well as a Dietary Manager's Certification from the University of North Dakota. In addition to restaurants, his experience as an Executive Chef has included country clubs, hotels, private catering and healthcare. Since 2015, Ryan has held c-store Foodservice Leadership roles at Rutter’s, Enmarket & currently at Sprint Mart. Sprint Mart is based in Tupelo, MS and operates 94 locations in MS, AL and LA. Ryan has been nationally recognized during his c-store career as the Foodservice Leader of the Year and Top Chef in Convenience. In addition, Sprint Mart has been recognized as the 2026 Foodservice Innovator to Watch.
Kris Klinger
Kris Klinger, VP Auxiliary Services
Boston University
Kristian Klinger, Vice President, Auxiliary Services began his tenure at Boston University in October 2022. Kristian has more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and auxiliary services. He spent the previous two plus years as Senior Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services at Syracuse University. In this role, he oversaw operations in Food Services; Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services; Parking and Transportation Services; Drumlins Country Club; Minnowbrook Conference Center; the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center; the Lubin House; the Syracuse University Campus Store and Trademark Licensing.
Prior to joining Syracuse University, Kristian spent 11 years as Assistant Vice President within the University of Southern California’s (USC) Auxiliary Services department. While at USC Kristian also taught an introduction to foodservice class that was part of a Master’s in Dietetics program through the USC Davis School of Gerontology. Kristian earned his EdD at the USC Rossier School of Education, his MBA at the USC Marshall School of Business and holds a bachelor’s degree in German and International Relations from the same university. Kristian is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served our country as an air traffic controller.
As Vice President for Auxiliary Services, Kristian and his team below have oversight and leadership responsibilities of Food Services and Convenience Stores, Housing, Parking and Transportation, Events & Conferences, Agganis Arena, Fitness & Recreation Center, Barnes & Noble @ BU, Vending Services and Trademark and Licensing. As Auxiliary Services touches nearly every aspect of University life, Kristian and his team collaborate with other campus and community leaders to advance a number of key initiatives in an effort to enhance the living and learning experience for the University’s diverse student population.
John H. Kwon
John H. Kwon, General Counsel
CATL
As General Counsel of Global Legal & Strategy, Representative Director and Board Chairman of the largest manufacturer of EV and ESS batteries in the world, I am committed to implementing supply chain solutions to the manufacture and deployment of lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and MNC cells for world markets. Previously, I oversaw global investments and acquisitions for the biggest logistics player in Asia, which culminated in the USD 2.3 Billion acquisition of Kerry Logistics in 2022 and its IPO on the HKSE in 2023. Qualified to practice law in four jurisdictions, I started my career at a magic circle firm and progressed to the position of General Counsel at a Forbes 50 MNC, where we project managed the building of many iconic buildings across the globe. My legal journey has also afforded me to assume cross-functional and P&L positions having served as CEO & Board member to NYSE & ASX listed MNCs.
Myra Kressner
Myra Kressner, Founder
Kressner Strategy Group
With over 40 years knowledge and experience cultivated by strong relationships, Myra Kressner brings value to the marketplace by developing and facilitating strategic engagement for suppliers and retailers in the consumable retail industries.
Myra Kressner co-founded Retail Insights, the food retail industry’s first b-b video publishing company in 1983, which was sold to Progressive Grocer in 1987.
From 1984-1994 Myra led account management for The Retail Marketing Group, a niche B-B trade advertising agency.
In 1994, Myra co-founded CSP Business Media, well know for CSP Magazine, CSP Daily News, Retail Leader of the Year, Convenience Retailing University, Outlook Leadership Conference, CSP’s Edu-Networking series, and even more.
In June 2012 CSP Business Media sold to Winsight Media, which sold to Informa Connect in 2023.
Myra founded Kressner Strategy Group in April 2016, bringing her expertise, deep relationships and thought-leadership to strategic and tactical planning in food retail industries.
Myra was SUNY New Paltz Foundation Board Executive Committee member and Chair of the Foundation Development Committee from 2016-2024, a frequent speaker at New Paltz Women’s Leadership Summit, and speaker and mentor at the Hudson Valley Venture Hub.
In 2018 Myra created the Kressner Autism Spectrum Program (KASP) Fund and Endowment.
Myra co-Founded the Vision Group Network with Eva Strasburger and Roy Strasburger in 2020, hosting quarterly virtual Vision Group meetings with convenience retail and fuel/energy/mobility leaders to debate issues, share experiences and brainstorm solutions. Vision Reports are shared throughout the industry at no charge, dedicated to the mission of “Sharing Today to Shape Tomorrow.”
Myra is the recipient of 2021 Top Women in Convenience and 2021 SUNY New Paltz Heritage awards.
Myra was SUNY New Paltz 2024 Commencement speaker.
Dae Kim
Dae Kim, Advisor
Loop Neighborhood Markets
I've been in the convenience store industry as a supplier, association staff, consultant and retailer. I use data to identify and solve problems.