The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) recently announced the appointment of Christine Cochran as its next President & CEO. Cochran will officially join NAMA on December 2, 2025, succeeding Carla Balakgie, who is retiring after 14 years of transformative leadership.
Cochran, an experienced association executive with a focus on growth, has a strong background in strategic planning, coalition-building, and advocacy. She brings a deep knowledge of consumer-packaged goods, food and nutrition to this role.
Most recently Cochran served as President & CEO of SNAC International since 2022. Her previous leadership roles also include Executive Director of the Grain Foods Foundation and President of the Commodity Markets Council. She holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri.
In her role as President & CEO, Cochran will work with the NAMA Board, members, stakeholders, and staff to build on its strong foundation and support the industry’s continued evolution as convenience services operators. Her appointment signals a continued focus on industry growth, innovative solutions, and high-impact member programs.
About the National Automatic Merchandising Association
NAMA represents the U.S. Convenience Services Industry, which contributes $40.04 billion to the U.S. economy. By providing advocacy, education, and research, NAMA works to promote and protect the industry’s over 165,000 hardworking employees. Through traditional vending and micro markets, office coffee and pantry services, product manufacturing, and small-drop distribution, convenience services meets the needs of over 40 million American consumers daily at work, home, school, and play. For more information, visit namanow.org.