2020 NE Women Of Influence

Welcome to The Griffin Report’s Women of Influence in the Food Industry 15Edition th

We are proud to present the 15th annual edition of Women of Influence in the Food Industry. Each of these women plays a significant role in her company through her leadership, expertise and dedication, and beyond her company through her philanthropic and civic work. Each is passionate about supporting her family, friends, colleagues and community.

The honorees represent companies coast to coast and have various backgrounds and levels of experience. They work for grocery retailers, wholesalers, CPG manufacturers, distributors and foodservice companies as well as convenience stores and various organizations and associations. One of the main points made by the majority of the women is that success and growth requires a willingness to get out of one’s comfort zone and take a risk. Whether it turns out to be a success or a failure, lessons will be learned that can be used in the future.

Shelby Publishing Co. will continue to recognize women who make a difference in our industry. We welcome your feedback and comments, and if you know a female leader, innovator or trendsetter that you feel qualifies for our Women of Influence in the Food Industry honor, please contact us at the

LORENA AGUILAR

Store Manager, Boyle Heights No. 363

FOOD 4 LESS

Immediate supervisor: Gustavo Sanchez

Years with the company: 22

Please describe your job and why you love it. The store manager duties consist of recruiting, training, supervising and motivating staff, directing and overseeing the operations and

JOY ALMEKIES

Senior Director of Food Services

GLOBAL PARTNERS

Immediate supervisor: Jason Cooper

Years with the company: Five

Please describe your job and why you love it.

Leading a team of driven food service field managers to address the needs and growth of 299-plus (and growing) sites for bestin-class efficiencies, menu development and measurable execution. I love being a part of something larger that makes a difference. I have the freedom to advance outside the box ideas and solutions. I’m equally engaged and challenge the teams to continuously offer critical and practical wants, needs and recommendations, supportive of consumer’s trends. And, balancing these learnings carefully and considerate of corporate’s benchmarks. Every day is different. The opportunity to interact with such varied groups/people means I am always learning.

ELIZABETH ALVAREZ-SELL Divisional Manager-West AJINOMOTO FOODS NORTH AMERICA

Immediate supervisor: Derek Demuth

Years with the company: Three months

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I work with an amazing group of broker partners in California, Arizona and Texas. Together with my broker partners, I have the opportunity to educate customers on the Ajinomoto Brands, as well as growing trends within the frozen branded category.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

In my early 30s, I was given the opportunity to lead my own team. I learned so much about what it takes to lead and grow a team. I made some mistakes,

expenses of my business unit.

email addresses below. Please keep reading, and we hope you enjoy!

Lorrie Griffith Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Shelby Publishing Co. editor@shelbypublishing.com

Kevin Griffin Publisher Emeritus

The Griffin Report of the Northeast kgriffin@griffinreport.com

Describe a defining moment of your career.

The defining moment in my career is having the honor to run one of the largest volume stores in the company, Food 4 Less No. 363 in Boyle Heights.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The most rewarding part of my job is the interaction with the associates and motivating them to continue their education and continue to grow in the company.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Describe a defining moment of your career. Making the decision to join Global Partners LP. Having the chance to execute theoretical programs in real-time settings. Benefiting an evolving, discriminating, health-minded end user is exciting and rewarding. The results have proven compelling and I’ve never looked back.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Working with a committed team toward a single vision. Creating successful programs, which are executable and quantifiable, is extremely fulfilling. Customer’s delight, satisfaction and comments are encouraging and gratifying.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

From an acquisition perspective, getting all sites “on the same page” with respect to offerings and product mix. Educating the “global way” of execution to unite the field.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Global has a team dedicated to promoting our brand through various social media platforms. It has demonstrated to be a great success and well received by our growing customer base. Localized in-town support (charities, schools, care

but those mistakes helped me grow and define how I wanted to lead. Leading others is a gift, and I am grateful to have learned so much about leadership with the help and mentorship of other leaders.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

We have a highly collaborative team of people working together to grow and build the business together. It’s rewarding to work with a such a strong team of talented individuals.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The industry is constantly evolving, and it is incredibly important I continue to stay ahead of the trends in my category, competition as well as the overall store—continuing to be a “student of the industry.”(credit Jim Lee)

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has had a tremendous impact in my current role. We know in real time what consumers think about our products, and that is the best focus group you can have. High consumer engagement allows our team to craft messaging that speaks to directly to our consumers and future consumers.

The most challenging part of my job is the ability to find the work/life balance. How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, camping and traveling. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Follow your dream. don’t hesitate to take the next step in your career. It is the most rewarding feeling to have the ability to grow professionally and personally.

Education:

A.A. in health and allied science, South University.

and safety providers) has assisted in communicating our offerings to the local communities. We can educate our clientele on “what is hot” in our operation in an extremely efficient and timely manner.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling and learning new things. It’s fascinating to experience the C-store food service industry in foreign countries, to bring back great new ideas and concepts to investigate.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Be patient enough to learn, but impatient enough to take risks. Don’t fear failure, as this is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

National Advisory Group; Boston Business Women; Women in Food Industry Management; Family Table food pantry; Girls and Boys Club.

Education:

AOS, bachelor’s in hospitality management, Johnson & Wales; CMB, CMD, Retail Bakers of America.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and our three dogs. I also love traveling and reading. There is nothing like getting lost in a great book. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

I will share the same advice that was given to me when I first started, never burn a bridge and relationships matter. This advice is as true today as when I first started in the industry 19 years ago.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Network of Executive Women, Southern California Food Council, Volunteer Wigglin Home Boxer Rescue.

Education:

Bachelor’s, Cal State San Bernardino; USC Food Industry Management certificate; MS, Food Industry Leadership Candidate, USC Marshall School of Business (December 2020).

WHITNEY ATKINS VP of Marketing INTERNATIONAL DAIRY DELI BAKERY ASSOCIATION (IDDBA)

Immediate supervisor: Mike Eardley

Years with the company: One

Please describe your job and why you love it. This role enables me to join my passion for both the retail grocery and marketing spaces that I love. It affords me the opportunity to support the growth of people and meet them in whatever personal and professional life stage they are.

MICHÈLE AUERBACH

Senior Manager of Sales Planning and Strategy for Foodservice and Small Format

Describe a defining moment of your career. Impossible to name one. The people I have met throughout my career define the moments. Some good, some great, some challenging and full of struggles, some happy, some sad…regardless, they have all defined me in their own way. What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Creating opportunities for our member organizations, the industry and, most importantly, the people that make the industry thrive and grow.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Staying abreast of constant evolutions of the two industries, how they intersect to ultimately provide relevant resources to our member base and industry. How has social media helped or hindered your job?

In the last year, we have continued to develop our social strategy. In today’s fast-paced world, it gives the opportunity for sharing of stories and creates

scratch, working closely with our local team, supplier partners, the government, etc. to launch the very first 7-Eleven store in that country.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

connection. The challenge is how fast it changes and knowing which platforms best reach your audience.

How do you spend your free time?

My free time is spent enjoying hanging out with my 13-year-old son and savoring moments with him that go by all too quick. From football, band and church, he stays busy, which in turn keeps me that way.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Brand yourself. Be open to all possibilities. Watch and listen to others. You will learn.

Education:

Bachelor’s in communications/journalism, minor in psychology; MBA, marketing; Executive Leadership Certification; Servant Leadership Certification.

form of a bite-sized social media post or long-form article. No matter what your role, there are countless ways to use social media, whether it’s to connect with people in the same profession, learn something new or stay up-to-date on your industry at large.

PEPSICO

BEVERAGES NORTH AMERICA

Immediate supervisor: Reena Rooprai Years with the company: One

Please describe your job and why you love it. There’s not just one reason I love my job—there are many. From our iconic brands to our incredible customers and the passionate people I get to work with, I wake up energized for work every day.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I was fortunate to lead a cross-cultural team as the country manager for 7-Eleven Inc. in Vietnam. We worked tirelessly to build the infrastructure from

KRISTY BALSANEK

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

LIDL U.S.

Immediate Supervisor: Radoslaw Liberski

Years with the company: Eight months

Please describe your job and why you love it.

As one of the company’s senior strategic advisors, I help the Lidl U.S. mitigate risks in support of its business goals and its expansion in the United States.

I love my job because I work for a company that is committed to providing Americans with healthy, quality and affordable food. Lidl stores create a healthier food environment for customers and offer products at affordable prices.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

When I served as an attorney at Mayer Brown LLP, a Washington, D.C., law firm, I was temporarily transferred to the legal department of a global company

MEL BANDLER

Retail Partnerships Manager FAIR TRADE USA

Immediate supervisor: Abby Ayers

Years with the company: One year, 10 months

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I work with national retail partners as they try to implement sustainable sourcing and educate associates as well as their consumers. I enjoy that no day at work is the same, that I can help consumers have access to sustainable products and, then, vote with their dollars. Describe a defining moment of your career.

In college, I studied sustainable agriculture and French. I dreamed of contributing my skill set to working with cocoa cooperatives in West Africa. Almost two years ago, my work experience allowed me to step into my role

SHARON BASTIANELLI VP of Information Technology KING FOOD MARKETS

Immediate supervisor: Judy Spires

Years with the company: 33

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I don’t have a single defining moment. Having started my career at store level when there was no technology, and everything was manual, to the technology that is available today is more than I could have imagined.

If I look back on my career, I can say that this is one of the most collaborative teams I’ve ever worked on. Together, we build the look of success, to include distribution, merchandising, etc., that can be easily executed in the field.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

We offer a wide-ranging portfolio to satisfy all our consumers’ needs. As such, it can be challenging to stay on top of all the trends and insights in the product categories and segments in which we offer our products. Thankfully, we have a world-class Insights team who helps ensure we’re focused on the largest growth platforms that are tied to the latest consumer trends and insights.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Because of social media, I’m able to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the industry. I especially appreciate that I can get news and information in the

in the United Kingdom. Sitting directly with the company gave me a greater appreciation of my legal work. I witnessed first hand the immediate impact of practical legal advice and led me to move over to the business side.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am part of a strong team that is building something entirely new in the United States. We are building it from the ground up, and every day I get to see the resulting change on the grocery industry.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Lidl today operates in more than 90 stores across nine East Coast states. As the general counsel, I must stay on top of all legal developments regionally and nationally in a dynamic, evolving environment. I work with Lidl leaders to navigate multiple layers of city, country, state and federal rules involving a multitude of laws in a practical, straightforward manner.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media platforms play an important role in my job. I monitor them for immediate commentary from customers and feedback of Lidl initiatives in real time.

How do you spend your free time?

advocating for cocoa producers at the other end of the supply chain. What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I can educate and inform my partners so that they can make long-term supply chain decisions for today, tomorrow and 10 years from now. These futureoriented actions promote sustainable agriculture, community engagement and empowerment.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Sustainability is a huge buzzword and will remain one as 2020 is a milestone towards 2030. Unfortunately, while consumers are more conscious and excited to talk about sustainability, their shopping habits don’t fully stand behind more sustainable options. Therefore, the most challenging piece is engaging with consumers so that they vote with their dollars and encourage retail to carry better options.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media in the standard sense has limited participation in my role,

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I find it rewarding to meet the needs and the challenges that each new day brings.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of the job is managing multiple priorities that often switch on a daily basis.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media does not play a direct role in my position, but I feel it plays an indirect role in my professional and personal life. It is important to stay connected professionally and personally, and social media is the easiest way to do that.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and our 12-year-old Shih Tzu named Dillan, as well as playing golf.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Be resilient, accountable and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It is through those mistakes that the most personal growth and learning occurs.

Education:

EMBA from the Peter Drucker and Masatoshi Ito School of Management at Claremont Graduate University; bachelor’s in politics and international relations, Scripps College.

I enjoy traveling abroad, exploring new cultures, countries and food. I also love to hike with my husband, daughter and two dogs.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

I have three pieces of advice. First, do not just sit at your desk and send emails. Get up and walk around in your office. Talk to your colleagues. It will help you accomplish so much more. Second, do not just complain about a problem— propose a solution. Finally, know your audience and what is important to them to better frame your message with impact.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: State Bar Associations for Virginia (corporate counsel), Maryland and Washington, D.C.; No Kid Hungry; Save the Children (Nepal); Returned Peace Corps volunteer (China 1997-1999)

Education:

George Washington University Law School; bachelor’s degrees in economics and international relations, American University.

however, LinkedIn is leveraged daily. It has truly helped to engage with likeminded sustainability professionals. How do you spend your free time?

I love getting outside, whether that be to explore a new neighborhood, work in my garden, go for a hike or just read my book on the lawn. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? It never hurts to ask, whether it be for guidance or education. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Rutgers Alumni Network; CIEE alumni; Hire Buddy at Fair Trade USA; volunteer with the Oakland and San Francisco marathons.

Education:

Bachelor’s in public health and French, Rutgers University.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends relaxing at the beach.

Do you have any advice for upcoming professionals?

Make it a priority to develop a strong loyal team by understanding them as individuals. Stand up for what you believe in and, most of all, stay true to your values.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

My church and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Education:

Associate’s in business administration and management.

MELANIE BAUMAN VP-Grocery VALASSIS

Immediate supervisor: Susan Rothwell Years with the company: 16

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I lead key and major strategic grocery accounts across the US. I develop plans and strategies necessary for achieving the company’s goals. I (and what I love most) have the honor of mentoring and leading a great team of individuals who are focused on developing integrated media solutions to drive our client’s growth.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

When I was awarded Coach of the Year. This award was beyond reaching numbers. Yes, you had to achieve all the sales goals and so did the whole team, but more than the numbers, this award was about these attributes: proven sales educator who coaches and leads others to become top performers, motivates and inspires their team, has uncompromising integrity, passion and compassion and understanding of her customers by knowing their business and industry,

EMILY BAYLY Business Manager ACOSTA SALES & MARKETING

Immediate supervisor: Kristen Chouinard

Years with the company: Two

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I make the sales call at Stop & Shop. I represent and every day try to help grow the companies we partner with in the consumer package goods industry. We are the middleman between the client and the customer. I love working in the food industry and getting to see and sell all of the new innovation. Sampling all of it is not too shabby either.

Describe a defining moment in your career.

Joining the Stop & Shop team. It has been such an amazing learning experience

KATHERINE BENJAMIN

VP-Human Resources and Labor Relations

KINGS FOOD MARKETS

Immediate supervisor: Judy Spires

Years with the company: 41

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I absolutely love my role because it allows me to partner with every area of the business and support a team whose mission is to serve all areas and assist in the achievement of company goals and objectives. I enjoy the opportunity to engage with and learn from a diverse group of individuals both internally and externally.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

A defining moment in my career was when I was given the opportunity to move into human resources from an executive assistant position. After interacting at all levels of the business and working with associates across the company, I knew I wanted to continue to have that exposure and believed that human

KRYSTLE BIGLER

Store Director

ROCHE BROTHERS

Immediate supervisor: Roger Bowles

Years with the company: Three

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am the store director of a small store concept, Brother’s Marketplace, in Weston, Massachusetts. I thoroughly enjoy the fastpaced environment and unpredictability of each day. Working side by side

inside and out. I set a personal goal to become an impactful coach and leader who creates success for all and getting this award was an honor and made me feel I was achieving that goal.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Four things: Mentoring and developing people throughout the organization. Working with all cross-functional teams in the organization: finance, marketing, operations, HR, client service, etc. We have some of the best people that I learn from every day. The relationships with our clients. I started my career in grocery retail, from bagging groceries to SAS programmer to category manager, etc. I have unique perspective and understanding of my clients’ businesses. I absolutely love to strategize with clients and deliver solutions that drive their success. Being an advocate for our company in the industry.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Ensuring my team and I continue to grow, improve and develop our skills to keep up with the changing and developing marketplace and be the best that we can be for our company and clients.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has changed and enhanced the way we do business. It provides a vast platform to share stories and information. Most importantly, it is a platform to network, connect and stay connected with people. People are our business.

to call on one of the best retailers in the country.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The most rewarding part is the daily interaction with clients and customers, learning new ideas and ways to grow our mutual businesses. This is a people business and the relationships that we build last a long time. It’s also a very small business in the fact that you tend to see familiar faces at different functions/events.

What is the most challenging part about your job?

The ever-changing food industry. We need to continue to find ways to sell more of our product at our retailers and with the cost pressures, different formats, ecommerce and everything else. We need to be able to change at the drop of a hat and sell down that avenue. Our clients and customers ways are changing, and we need to be able to adapt quickly with them.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a big part of the grocery industry. The word “omnichannel” is

How do you spend your free time?

Any time I get to spend with my hubby, daughter and friends. I love to travel the world, meet all walks of life, hike, ski, scuba, food and wine, watch sunsets, see and listen to the waves of the ocean.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Treat everyone with respect. It doesn’t matter what roll they are in or level they are. One of my greatest mentors said to me very young in my career, “Do a good job, treat people right and you will do good in life/career.” I have never forgotten that. Be authentic, seek mentors—men and women, ask questions, own up to your mistakes, learn from your mistakes, don’t be afraid to say you are sorry, challenge yourself, laugh, be articulate, stand up straight.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women, Valassis ambassador and Southern California co-chair; Cystic Fibrosis: Team Shelby, MDA Orange County.

Education:

Bachelor’s in international business; Food Executive Program, Cornell University; Food Industry Management Program, University of Southern California.

becoming the new lingo. The customer wants what they want, when they want it, where they want it and social media, click and collect and home delivery have become big parts of what we do. And it’s getting more traction each day. Social media has also become a key component of advertising. How so you spend your free time?

I love traveling and experiencing new places. I make it a priority to enjoy my free time making memories with my friends and family.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Lead by example and have a great work ethic. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find a mentor to help you along the journey. More importantly, have fun. The grocery business has a lot of opportunities to get outside the office and enjoy each other’s company.

Education:

Bachelor’s in business marketing, LeMoyne College, Syracuse, New York.

resources was the field for me based on the many aspects that it entails. I am thankful that an entry level position was available and that I was given the chance to learn and grow in an area I so enjoyed—making a difference and working with people.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

There is always something new to learn. It is rewarding to mentor others and be an advocate for others to develop and advance their careers or assist them in seeking an opportunity that aligns with their respective skill set and is a good fit for them.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There are many challenges, i.e., staying abreast of the constant changes in the law and ensuring we remain compliant, as well as the tight labor market and existing climate of basically no unemployment that continues to be a major concern as we creatively work to recruit and retain qualified talent in an extremely competitive environment.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

I think social media can be a great resource and helpful tool for expanding our

with the employees in my store motivates me to perform at my best and work towards strengthening my team.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I really love encouraging my team and helping them to do things they can be really proud of…and then recognizing them and sharing their accomplishments across the company when they succeed. There’s nothing more rewarding than building people up.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Brothers Marketplace has a really unique culture. We are lean, nimble and super service oriented. So interviewing, hiring and training people is the most

brand presence as well as a useful tool for recruitment, which is how we have utilized it. It can also be used to broaden professional networks, which could lead to unexpected opportunities.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy long walks, good books and movies, cooking, traveling and any quality time spent with friends and family.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Always give your very best and work to make it better. Be generous and give more than what’s expected. Be open to learning, be kind and always be your best, authentic self.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Society for Human Resource Management; EANJ Employer Council for the Human Resources Apprenticeship Training Program; Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Education:

Bachelor’s, Rutgers University-Newark.

challenging part of my job. In this environment—especially in the Boston area—it can be hard enough to get an applicant. Finding the right people who can be an asset and really fit with the culture is a big ask.

How do you spend your free time?

Being around my family and going to see the Boston Bruins play. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Whether you’re a part-time employee, full-time employee or member of management, always remember to take pride in your role and treat the business as it is yours. Build a rapport with your customers and gain the respect of those you work with.

MARIBETH GRANT BLEAKNEY Manager of Customer Service ROCHE BROS. SUPERMARKETS

Immediate supervisor: Roger Bowles

Years with the company: 26

Please describe your job and why you love it. I love that every day is different and brings new challenges. Having the opportunity to partner with people at all levels of the organization, working together to provide a great customer experience is rewarding.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Twenty years ago, one of our fantastic longtime store directors, Maggie McLaughlin, recognized some potential in me and let me help out with the front-end responsibilities. When a temporary front-end manager position became available, she recommended me for it. After just a few days in the new

NATALIA BREUER Director of Customer Marketing ORGANIC VALLEY FRESH

Immediate supervisor: Chris Abbott

Years with the company: 2.5 years

Please describe your job and why you love it.

My role focuses on arming our sales force with the right tools to help sell organic products and Organic Valley brand. I love being able to tell the retailers about our mission and how distributing our products directly impacts more than 2,000 family farms. I had the pleasure of meeting one of our farmers, Sam Dobson, who is the seventh generation to work his family land. Farmers like him make me excited to get to work every morning. Describe a defining moment of your career.

KIMBERLY BRIDGHAM Director, Financial Planning and Analysis, Supply Chain RETAIL BUSINESS SERVICES

Immediate supervisor: Mike Miller

Years with the company: One with Retail Business Services; 16 with Ahold Delhaize USA companies

Describe a defining moment of your career. The best moments for me are watching and helping talented associates thrive and grow. It is extremely rewarding when an associate says, “Thank you for believing in me and coaching me to take on additional responsibilities.”

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Supply chain is very complex from end to end. The full supply chain from manufacturer and farm, to the warehouse, to the store or ecommerce center and to the customer has many interdependencies. Ensuring that driving cost

JENNIFER BROWN Category Manager FOOD LION LLC

Immediate supervisor: Adrian Baker

Years with the company: 25

Describe a defining moment of your career.

The defining moment of my career was being part of the national brands project team during the merger of Ahold USA and Delhaize America. This project jump-started my career in category management. During my first year as category manager, my team and I were able to grow cookie/ cracker sales (reversing a negative trend) while improving margin. Thanks to this experience and our positive results, I was selected as the 2019 Top Women in Grocery in the Rising Star category for Food Lion.

LORI BROWN

RVP-West Region

POST CONSUMER BRANDS

Immediate supervisor: Greg Hasper

Years with the company: 15

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I love my job because I get to work with an amazing team, live in a beautiful part of the country, while working for a wonderful company and alongside some of the best retailers in the food industry.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I started my career at Fred Meyer while attending college. I was promoted to a store manager position when I was 24 and was one of the youngest food

job, I knew customer service was for me and I haven’t looked back since. What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Customer service is the biggest department at Roche Bros. We have so many people working as cashiers, baggers and office clerks, and they are always the last impression that our customers leave with. It is so fulfilling to be able to train and support our front-line people and empower them to give our customers a fantastic experience.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Roche Bros. has nearly 1,800 people working in the front end, and I am just one person. I really take pride in getting to know our associates, and it is certainly challenging to try and be everywhere at once and build high-impact relationships with such a large team.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media really provides a megaphone for customers to share their store experiences quickly and widely at the touch of a button. Often, that gives me the delightful opportunity to “catch” our associates doing great things to delight

Management in the food industry often believes that having no experience in that sector is a deal breaker. I was fortunate to meet a leader who gave me a chance to work for her in the food industry based on my skill set, not previous employers. It gave me a chance to grow in ways beyond my expectations.

Thank you, Debbie.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am rewarded by the opportunity to represent family farmers and organic industry in my interactions with retailers, vendors and consumers. Being able to bottle feed a baby calf comes as a close second.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Selling organic milk when our consumers are experimenting with wide variety of new plant-based beverages is a challenge for all of us in the dairy industry.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

LinkedIn has been extremely valuable for networking with colleagues and vendors. I often follow social media to learn what our consumers are saying about our

out of one part of the system doesn’t outweigh added cost to another link in the chain requires constant analysis and collaboration, which is both fun and very challenging. Luckily, I work with a great group of people who are inclusive and invite feedback from their finance partner.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

I use social media to stay in touch with past mentors and mentees. It allows me to bounce ideas off people that I may not see on a regular basis. Social media is also a good tool for sourcing talent. I do occasionally read articles posted on social media, but generally rely on other sources for technical and business information and trends.

How do you spend your free time?

Skiing, skating, running and biking. I also love the beach, travelling and eating great food.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

An article I refer to often is called, “Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time” by

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is balancing the fast pace of our industry while delivering consistent positive results and focusing on the development of my team so they are set up for success.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

E-commerce is a growing trend in the grocery industry. This has been a great opportunity to learn how our customers shop differently online versus in brick and mortar stores, and social media helps us monitor those trends. It also allows the chance to create new and different promotional and merchandising activities based on our customers’ shopping preferences so that we can be more closely connected to each of our customers’ needs.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy volunteering at Rowan Helping Ministries, a local feeding agency in Salisbury, North Carolina. Outside of that, I enjoy spending as much time as

managers, not to mention one of a very few female managers. What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Getting to coach, teach and train. Watching my team grow and develop.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Learning to say no when necessary. It’s easy to overextend yourself in this business, which means you will sometimes fall short of your goals or obligations.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is very impactful. It is immediate, far reaching and can be helpful or harmful personally or in your career. I think it is important to be mindful of your postings and to stay positive. Always be kind.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, biking, skiing and hanging out

our shoppers. It is such a pleasure to see those associates honored in the public sphere and to share the great feedback with their co-workers and managers. How do you spend your free time?

I especially love going down to Cape Cod with my husband and daughter. My daughter Molly just learned to swim on her own, so I can’t wait until it warms up enough to head to the beach.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Live and work in integrity, and you will always go home proud of your efforts. Don’t be afraid to speak up and do the right thing for the customer and the company.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Food Industry Council; Greater Boston Food Bank.

Education: Bachelor’s, Boston College.

products and other brands they love. It offers the best unfiltered perspective of what they think and do.

How do you spend your free time?

My family enjoys hiking and discovering the local Wisconsin wildlife. I am also learning how to be a beekeeper and organic produce farmer.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Continue to invest in yourself. Attend conferences, read books, network, listen to podcasts. There is a lot of great content available to help you grow, and it can open doors to new opportunities.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Path to Purchase institute; Network of Executive Women.

Education:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Purdue University.

Schwartz and McCarthy. I generally pull it out when I’m feeling there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done, which is often. The premise of the article is that time is a limited resource, but personal energy is renewable. It is important to exercise good habits for renewing your energy. Another piece of advice I give is: don’t get so pulled into the day-to-day that you are not aware of what is going on around you, with your colleagues, the competition and the industry. Admittedly, I’m not always the best at following my own advice, but I’m always glad when I do.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Treasurer of Kids First Center; past involvement in youth sports organizations and Project Graduation.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from University of Maine; Master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine.

possible with my family. My children are very active in sports and this keeps me busy outside of work.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? My advice to upcoming professionals is to not let others define who you are or what you are capable of doing. Never hesitate when a new project or role presents itself because it could be the very moment that defines who you are and launches your career.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Rowan Helping Ministries.

Education:

Bachelor’s in accounting, University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

with my border collie, Enzo.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Be the hardest worker. Get it done. Listen more than you speak. Success comes from lifting others up. Remember to enjoy the journey and all the incredible people you will meet along the way.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Illuminators board member-Hilite, Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) and WFIA Education Foundation board member-Director; Pacific Harbors Council Boy Scouts of America, board member, VP of Development.

Education:

Bachelor’s, University of Puget Sound; USC Food Industry Executive Program graduate, M.S., Food Industry Leadership Candidate, USC Marshall School of Business (graduating in December).

EMMA BRYAN Senior Director of Business Development

DAYMON

Immediate supervisor: Ryan Barfield

Years with the company: 11

Please describe your job and why you love it. My position entails leading Daymon’s on-site business management, sourcing and quality assurance team at Dollar General. I work closely with the retailer to develop program solutions that increase its private brand share and partner with our clients to grow their business long term and profitably. Most recently, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the retailer’s key stakeholders to assist with the rollout of a key initiative and provide global sourcing solutions.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Unexpectedly, I had the opportunity to lead our broader team during an interim period of about six months. During this time, I took on a lot of additional responsibilities that I had previously not been exposed to and learned a lot of

JULIA BUCHANAN VP of Marketing and Communications NIAGARA BOTTLING

Immediate supervisor: Jaylon Hutton

Years with the company: 10

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I’m responsible for overseeing marketing analytics and category management, business to business (B2B) marketing, internal and external communications, public relations, sustainability communications, brand management and advertising as well as consumer research. I love the cross-functional aspect of my job and the team I work with. Every day is a new challenge and a new audience to connect with.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I was recently promoted to VP of marketing and communications at Niagara Bottling. I started at Niagara as the first marketing manager and have spent the past decade growing with the company. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be

new skills on top of doing my existing role. It was a time where I really learned the most and had to look at the business in a much different, complex and dynamic way. The ability to rise to the challenges of those unexpected moments has really helped me grow professionally.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I have the privilege of currently leading a high-performing, hard-working and talented team. I get the greatest satisfaction from developing and mentoring our talent, particularly newer associates, and this has always been a passion of mine. The ability to reward an associate through promotion for their contributions is also an amazing feeling.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Working in a rapidly changing retail environment where you have to react quickly to capitalize on industry trends and translating them into meaningful insights and actions for the value channel. While this is challenging, it also leads to thinking outside of the box to make a great idea work.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has definitely helped me in my current role. It has enabled me to keep up with global and domestic industry trends and retailer initiatives. There is an such an overwhelming amount of information consistently coming at us,

on this journey with a fast growth, entrepreneurial company. Niagara is family owned and operated and not afraid to take risks and try new things, which means I’ve learned a lot about business strategy, the beverage sector, retail and the consumer packaged goods industry over the years.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I’m passionate about mentoring women in the workplace and encouraging them to excel in their careers. I also find it rewarding to have a hand in solving complex problems and finding solutions to improve our speed to market.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Wearing multiple hats means it’s often difficult to decide what takes precedent on a daily basis. It’s a constant juggling act, but the immediate priorities always get done.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a critical component of our marketing and communications strategy. We spend a lot of time thinking about how to reach our various audiences, ranging from consumers to prospective hires. Being able to tell the Niagara story consistently across platforms requires a long-term view and

KAI CHEN Senior Logistics Specialist THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK

Immediate supervisor: Frank Gorman

Years with the company: Two

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I provide analytical support to the operation team. I love the mission of the food bank, and it makes me proud that I am making positive contribution to the community.

Describe a defining moment of your career. When I first got my promotion. As a young professional, it means so much to me that the work I do and what I brought to the table was valued.

LINDA CIPERA Purchaser SPARTANNASH

Immediate supervisor: David Carl

Years with the company: 13

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I order a wide variety of groceries into our different distribution centers, which are then available for our customers. I love my job because of the teamwork and because of the many challenges that come up each day. I work with a wide variety of people, the vendors, the logistics teams, individuals at the distribution centers, as well as the category managers at our main headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have to come together as a team to make it all work, and it is a ‘win-win’ to see it all come together.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am team oriented and I enjoy working with others from different departments. It helps me to gain insights of my role and to better understand where and how I can add value to our mission.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

To adjust and come up with solutions quickly. There are always unpredictable things happen, and how do we adapt the change becomes very important.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media keeps me updated on what’s going on in the food industry. I also find it helpful to spread social awareness and to get more people involved in our mission. Social medial also helps me build professional network. It’s nice to be able to connect with people from different industries and to learn what they do and how they do their jobs.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I have been a buyer for many years. I started out as a fabric buyer for wholesale fabrics, moved to buying for a hard line tools company, then moved on to groceries. After starting at SpartanNash, I felt I was where I needed to be, as well as where I was needed. Over the years, I have cultivated many relationships and know I owe many people many favors, from the vendors I work with to our individual DCs. I cannot accomplish the many things I do without them.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Being surrounded by people that care and understand the challenges being in the grocery industry today presents. There are many challenges in today’s world. Seeing things come together is very rewarding.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Keeping up with the current trends and keeping inventory on hand without

but the key is to find a balance in how much you are able to actually digest and learn from.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to travel overseas to experience new cultures and see how different retailers and manufacturers go to market in those parts of the world. I always come back full of ideas and inspiration.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Be courageous enough to get outside of your comfort zone. Make connections with other associates outside of your immediate work groups and those relationships will carry and support you throughout your career. Also, know that it’s ‘OK’ not to have all the answers. There is a team out there that can help you fill in those missing pieces.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

The Consumer Goods Forum Future Leaders Program; Toys for Tots.

Education:

Bachelor’s in retailing management, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.

thoughtful planning.

How do you spend your free time?

I love traveling and exploring new places in both the U.S. and abroad. I enjoy spending time outdoors and taking advantage of the great Southern California weather. I’m also a foodie and like staying on top of the Los Angeles restaurant scene.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Never stop learning. It’s important to stay curious. I also believe that hard work and integrity are the foundation to success. Without those two components, opportunities for advancement will be hard to come by.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Junior League of Los Angeles.

Education:

Bachelor’s in business administration University of Arizona; MBA, UC Irvine’s Merage School of Business; USC Food Industry Management Program.

How do you spend your free time?

I like going out and enjoying nature and outdoor activities. It helps me to refresh and de-stress both physically and mentally.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Do not be afraid to do your job and take risks. Even if it didn’t work out, you will learn so much from the process. Learning from your mistake is the best way to grow.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Network of Executive Women (NEW).

Education:

Master’s in supply chain management and information systems, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

having too much inventory on hand.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

The social media really has not had much of a role in my job.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to kayak in the summer, read in the winter and cook.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Work hard, be humble, stay kind and be a team player.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Bloomington Bike Association.

Education: Huron High School.

SABRINA COTE

Senior Manager of Digital Communications and Channel Strategy

HP HOOD

Immediate supervisor: Sarah Barow

Years with the company: Six

Please describe your job and why you love it. In my role at HP Hood, I lead the development of marketing strategy for alternate channels, such as ecommerce and foodservice. Additionally, I oversee our digital team in building full-funnel, omnichannel campaigns for a variety of regional and national brands across social, digital and web touchpoints. Describe a defining moment of your career.

Making the jump to Hood was a defining moment in my career, as the move exposed me to a brilliant new team from whom I’ve learned a great deal, and also opened tremendous opportunity for career growth. Though Hood is an established and historic New England company, an entrepreneurial spirit is

ERIN DECHIARA Senior Category Manager BARILLA

Immediate supervisor: James Berner

Years with the company: Six

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I lead our external cat man team and all internal category management initiatives. I love that every day is different and I am able to impact the entire organization through my work. One part of my role is leading sales communications. I love that the content my team builds is used by our entire sales team. I also love working with my team to grow the category at our customers.

pervasive, and it is in this atmosphere that I’ve been empowered to champion new technologies, expand my role from digital into channel strategy and build my team. The trust that our leaders placed in me during this process has been career changing and something for which I am extremely grateful.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

No two days are alike. I thoroughly enjoy the breadth of experiences and strategic problem solving that are central to my role.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The digital and ecommerce spaces are rapidly evolving, and we are fortunate to enjoy leadership support for testing innovative tactics and programs. With that comes the challenge and responsibility to craft a strategic roadmap for digital innovation that is both nimble enough to capitalize on new learnings, yet simultaneously focused on our core business objectives.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social is an essential component of our marketing strategy, serving as a dynamic vehicle to engage consumers through paid and organic content, and also as an invaluable tool for mining consumer insights.

Describe a defining moment of your career. When I was asked to run ecommerce at Ghirardelli with no ecommerce experience. It forced me to understand ecommerce and launched my career leading ecommerce at Barilla, where I was able to build the ecommerce team and environment from the ground up.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Developing a category review with actionable insights that when executed drive category and Barilla growth. I also love developing my team. We have really changed the way we approach category management. We went from template updaters to storytellers with multi-faceted information that drives actionable insights for our customers.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Managing multiple data sources to get a full picture of the marketplace.

How do you spend your free time?

As a travel and history enthusiast, I enjoy taking trips that marry the two. I am also an avid marathon runner who still loves to pick up a basketball. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

An athlete at my core, I try to approach everything I do with this mantra as a guide, “Produce the stat line of the star player; bring the attitude of the sixth man.” Be exceptionally skilled in what you do, but don’t let that be enough. Bring energy and strong work ethic to every day, and you will find countless opportunities to drive results, inspire others and grow a collective vision.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Mentor, Big Sisters Greater Boston; BRAVO Network Volunteer, Bowdoin College.

Education:

MBA, Northeastern D’Amore-McKim School of Business; bachelor’s, Bowdoin College.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has helped me identify trends relevant to the category.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to run and workout so when I get home I can chase my one- and threeyear-olds around.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Take advantage of every opportunity given to you. It may be more work at the time, but you will learn and grow from it and be better in the long run.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

St John Lutheran Church, Sunday school teacher; My Team Triumph–Angel.

Education:

Bachelor’s in agricultural business, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

ANDREA DIMOND Director of National Accounts DREYER’S GRAND ICE CREAM

Immediate supervisor: John Troy

Years with the company: 20 with Nestlé, which recently sold the ice cream division; now Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream owned by Froneri. Please describe your job and why you love it.

The best part of my job is leading a team. Helping others grow personally and professionally is one of my greatest rewards.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

During a week of leadership training at Dreyer’s University, I learned about Myers-Briggs. It was my first education about myself and others. I learned that communication and interactions are not about seeking to be understood, but about communicating and working together in a way that is meaningful to others. It changed how I interacted with co-workers, managers, employees and family.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Coaching and helping others grow. As a leader, I have the opportunity to impact

ASHLEY CHARD DINELLA Director of Marketing THE RUN-A-TON

GROUP

Immediate supervisor: Doon Wintz

Years with the company: Five

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am responsible for marketing strategy and execution for The Run-A-Ton Group Inc., which includes our five retail brands—Wholly Wholesome, Wholly Gluten Free, MetaBall Energy Bites, Blissfully Better and Unique Belgique. I love working to promote the growth of high-quality natural food products that fill consumer needs and I enjoy seeing the industry grow,

my team with their growth and career. Here is an example. I receive a card from a former employee each year thanking me for supporting him in his career. He was a talented individual who had the capacity to do more at Nestlé, but he was comfortable in his role and declined new opportunities. I stretched him while he worked for me and then challenged him to take on a new role, and he did. “It was the best thing that happened to me,” he said. This is meaningful to me because it reinforced that leading people is a big responsibility, impacts other and is the most rewarding part of my job.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Work/life balance has been and will always be the most challenging part of my job. My husband and I have five children and four grandchildren. They are important to me, and family time is the best time. Dinners after work, Friday night date night with my husband, snorkeling in tropical paradises, playing hide-and-seek in a redwood forest, exploring new countries or roasting marshmallows by a campsite are the moments I treasure most in life. I force myself to find balance and make time for those activities.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a great way to stay connected. I love reading the stories and seeing pictures as others share their lives. Professional social media is a great avenue to learn from others, keep up on business trends and grow personally by reading educational articles.

increasing accessibility to quality natural foods. Describe a defining moment of your career.

I had a mentor early on who gave me a good balance of confidence and direction that later served as an excellent foundation to build upon professionally.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

It’s rewarding to market products I believe in and to have the opportunity to lead our team and hopefully make a positive impact on their lives.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media is a large part of my current position. It is an effective tool with real consumer influence and has definitely helped to achieve a wider reach and

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy outdoor activities with the family, date night with my husband, dinner with friends, cooking/baking, golf, hiking and supporting Illuminators activities. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” my dad used to say to me. However, my career began during the days of fact-based selling. I thought my dad had it all wrong. “Relationships don’t drive business, Dad.” Actually, he was right, who you know matters. My advice is develop sponsors. These are people who will represent and talk for you when you are not in the room. When decisions are being made about succession planning or who should fill open roles, you need people who will support you. I am very grateful to the leaders who sponsored me over the years.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Officer of the Illuminators; Network of Executive Women. For many years it was hard to give back because my free time was dedicated to being a great mom and wife.

Education:

Bachelor’s, UCLA; graduate of the Food Industry Management Program at USC.

more insights at a relatively low cost.

How do you spend your free time?

Exploring, coaching and playing basketball, dancing, eating good food, learning and teaching about health and wellness and spending time with friends and family.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Listen and learn like you will need to do your boss’ job tomorrow.

Education:

Bachelor’s in marketing, University of Massachusetts; certified functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner.

DENISE DRYZGA Category Manager

HANNAFORD BROS. CO.

Immediate supervisor: Michael Emery Years with the company: 42

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Early in my career, my new boss, after giving me my performance review, said he had one word to describe me. He said the word was “stubborn,” but not in a bad way. My reaction was, “How can it be in a good way? It is a negative word.” In the days following, I ran through conversations in my mind that I had with him. Most of it sounded like this: “We can’t do that” or “We tried that, it won’t work.” I came to realize, yes, I am stubborn. I wasn’t listening, I was just reacting. It changed me. I now listen more intently and am more inclusive. When my boss retired, I thanked him for

AMANDA ESPINAL SVP of Operations AMERICA’S FOOD BASKET

Immediate supervisor: Daniel Suriel

Years with the company: Six

Please describe your job and why you love it.

Among other responsibilities, I overlook the departments of marketing, pricing and IT. I love my job. America’s Food Basket always allows room for growth, to enhance our processes and make new changes to ultimately ensure that we are serving our stores the best we possibly can.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I have been challenged recently with personnel changes that greatly affected my workload. Rather than viewing this challenge as negative, I used the experience as a learning tool. At this moment, it taught me the power of faith and, with these new openings, I was able to build up a new team. What I thought was my darkest moment turned out to be a defining moment in my career. I was able

STEPHANIE C. FISCHER

calling me stubborn.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Time is the most challenging part of my job. I love to develop and mentor people. The produce department is very challenging. Mother Nature has her own plan and she doesn’t show her hand. This requires shifting of plans every day. It is a challenge for me to find time to do what I love, and I try my best to connect with people as often as I can.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

I think social media has helped the grocery business, particularly in produce. For instance, there was a new apple developed at the University of Washington called Cosmic Crisp. It is only grown in Washington state and the marketing on social media was intense. I had several customers asking for them well before they were released. That would not have happened 10 years ago.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to travel and try to take one big trip each year with my husband. We have

use strength that I didn’t know I had and really dig deep and aim to become the best team leader, trainer and team player that I could be. More than ever, I taught myself how to keep moving forward despite the setbacks and focus on the things that lie ahead.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am grateful to wake up every morning and have a great job, one that I know I make a difference at. I am constantly challenging myself and my team to become best versions of ourselves, and I find it very rewarding to look back every once in a while and see how much growth we have made as a team and as individuals.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job has been learning how to navigate different personalities. Every single person that walks into this office is different and I always try to find a way to relate to that person and bring out the best in them to achieve common goals.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has been huge for us. We are very active on our social media accounts, always making sure that we engage with our followers and give them

growing my career and move to a new company/role that would challenge me in areas I needed to focus on.

a long bucket list of places that we want to see both in the U.S. and abroad. I love to play golf as well.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Be patient. Find your passion. Sometimes your passion finds you. I have a criminal justice degree, but I started working part-time for Hannaford in college. After college, jobs were tight, so I took an hourly position in the home office for one year. Forty-two years and 11 positions later it is—and has been—a wonderful career.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

American Red Cross for Southern Maine, board member; Service to Armed Forces, subcommittee member.

Education:

Bachelor’s in criminal justice, University of Southern Maine.

content that is useful, like daily promotions, delicious recipes or nutritional tips. It makes it easier for people to find us and discover what we are about.

How do you spend your free time?

On an average day, during my free time, I enjoy doing at least 30 minutes of exercise. I find that 30 minutes of physical activity makes a huge difference for my mental health and allows me to perform better at a higher level and be the best leader I can be. I also love spending time with my adorable Pitbull named Otis. When time permits, I love traveling to new destinations or just visiting a nice beach to really decompress and enjoy life.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

My advice would be to just start somewhere. Sometimes we overcomplicate things, and we think that a job may be too small for us, but everyone has to start somewhere and from there you will surprisingly learn a lot about yourself and what you want and don’t want. I believe this is an essential growth period for all upcoming professionals.

Education:

University of Delaware.

great food and beverages. I also love spending time with my family and friends and being a new grandparent.

Operations, Dining Division PARADIES

SVP-Corporate

LAGARDÈRE TRAVEL RETAIL

Immediate supervisor: Regynald G. Washington Years with the company: Nine

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I oversee a team to include food safety, new store openings, the guest experience and special projects. Our job is to support operations, collaborate and provide resources for operations to execute on a daily basis. I love the food and beverage business, especially in airports. It’s a fast-paced environment that keeps evolving.

Describe a defining moment of your career. When I realized it was time to part ways with a company I had spent 13 years

IANA FULAYTER Center Store Manager GIANT FOOD

Immediate supervisor: Cipriano Andrade

Years with the company: 19 years

Describe a defining moment of your career.

A defining moment in my career was when my company restructured, and my job was eliminated. I was given a completely new role in the business. It was not only scary to start something new, but also very challenging to learn a new part of the business I had never been exposed to. It was then I realized how change and new challenges become such a vital

CHRISTINE GARD

VP DAYMON

Immediate supervisor: Michael Taylor

Years with the company: 10

Please describe your job and why you love it.

Responsible for the Daymon team, calling on a Texasbased retailer, helping to develop and grow private label products. I enjoy my job because of the people I have the opportunity to work with and for every day. I love this industry and seeking and developing the next great product. No one day is like the other.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I interviewed early on with a company that I was extremely excited to work for. At my final interview, I was asked to come prepared with a presentation about

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

My team and my organization. The willingness and enthusiasm to assist one another to achieve a goal and have fun doing it.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is letting go. Delegation is something I constantly work on.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media continues to play an important role with monitoring guests expectations. We are constantly monitoring our social media sites to ensure guest comments are addressed. Our goals are to provide each guest a fantastic dining experience in airports we do business in.

How do you spend your free time?

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my husband to new cities experiencing

part of progress.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

In my current role, the most challenging part is to ensure that we have enough talent to support the quickly expanding company. Hiring and training is an important aspect of that.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has helped me in my career as it has provided insights into our customers’ lives and needs. It has given me an inside look of what matters to our customers, how people are affected by our products, communication and what people need.

How do you spend your free time? Skiing, swimming, running and cycling.

what my role and responsibilities should be. When I arrived the projection equipment was broken, so I had to think fast about how I was going to handle this unexpected complication. Fortunately, I had a plan B and I was able to complete my presentation without missing a beat. I later found out, after I was offered a job and had accepted, that the equipment had not been broken. I was being tested up front for my preparedness and my ability to flex in any given situation.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Receiving accolades from a client about my team and their ability to execute with excellence. My favorite reward is to see private label products on shelf that my team has helped to develop and launch.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Having the time to execute on all the great ideas we have to be the best we can be as leaders and service providers.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Helped my job. We have an entire window to the world that would not be

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

I have been very fortunate to have found a mentor, Regynald G. Washington, early in my career. He has always been honest with me and given me feedback I needed to hear—and not always what I wanted to hear. For any new professional, find someone who will give you honest feedback.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Georgia Restaurant Association, vice chairman; No Kid’s Hungry.

Education:

Bachelor’s in journalism and marketing, University of Hawaii; master’s degree in business, Stetson University.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

My advice to upcoming professionals would be to put yourself in uncomfortable positions, they will make you stronger. When you are uncomfortable, you are growing.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Signature Select Alumni; Lee’s Hill Lightning Community Swim Team, director at large; USA Swimming Stroke and Turn

Education:

Business certificate, Anne Arundel Community College; bachelor’s in business administration (expected graduation 2022).

possible without social media.

How do you spend your free time?

I love being with my two daughters, Alex and Sophia, more than anything. Reading a book, cooking and eating great food, sipping good wine (I can be a wine snob) and spending time with my friends and family are my other pleasures in life.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Never burn a bridge and always do the right thing, even when it’s hard.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: WISE; United Way; Women United; Bexar County Horse Leaders; Alamo Heights PTO; Bexar County Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Education:

Bachelor’s in agricultural development, Texas A&M University.

Kayla

You make the Myers Group proud and represent everything we stand for.

ARI GOLDSMITH VP of Marketing KEHE DISTRIBUTORS

Immediate supervisor: Brad Helmer

Years with the company: 10

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am responsible for the enterprise marketing for KeHE, a national food distributor that focuses on natural and organic, specialty and fresh foods. We specialize in the grocery channel. However, our customers exceed that space. We are an employee-owned organization. I love what I get to do and the people I serve. At KeHE, we serve to make lives better by contributing a significant portion of our proceeds to philanthropic activities that help the underserved or under resourced around the world. I love my company culture and knowing the work that we do will transcend the food industry and help make this planet a better place. From marketing perspective, I am fascinated with the ever-changing consumer needs and desires. I love to solve problems in a creative manner.

GAIL GOOLKASIAN VP of Legal AffairsEmployment, Labor and Benefits Law RETAIL BUSINESS SERVICES

Immediate supervisor: Kim Lyda, SVP of legal Years with the company: Two with Retail Business Services; 13 with Ahold Delhaize USA companies

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I have had a few defining moments in my career, but the common thread is that someone took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity to take a big step professionally. In each case, I was highly motivated to rise to the challenge and show that their confidence in me was well-placed. They also taught me to have

MARYANN GUCZEK-SAWYER

Senior National Fresh Merchandising Analyst C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Immediate supervisor: Janice Kovitch

Years with the company: 16

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I negotiate and create programs that support market trends and consumer demands to help independent family businesses grow and be successful in today’s competitive market. I absolutely love my job because I have the ability to make a positive difference in helping our independent customers increase sales and remain relevant in the marketplace. Through strong promotional programs, creative merchandising and education, we are the face of our independent customers to the trade.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

In more than 40 years in the grocery industry, there have been many defining

DYANI HANRAHAN VP of Marketing GIANT FOOD (GIANT OF MARYLAND LLC)

Immediate supervisor: Ira Kress

Years with the company: Two

Describe a defining moment of your career. Every moment I’ve had that’s pushed me in an uncomfortable way has been defining. These were moments that weren’t just challenging but difficult in a way that caused me to reflect on myself, who I was, who I wanted to be, my values and more. Those moments are when most of my growth has happened,

KRISTEN HANSON

VP–Center Store, Our Brands and Pharmacy

TOPS MARKETS LLC

Years with the company: Three and a half

Please describe your job, and why you love it.

I lead a talented group of individuals who are focused on delivering strategic growth-driven plans for our customers and our company. We focus on delivering value by creating an environment that fosters creative thinking, risk taking, genuine partnerships, inclusiveness and continuous improvement.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Early in my career, I was asked to move into a merchandising leadership role with greater responsibility. I first said no, because I felt I needed to master and

Describe a defining moment of your career.

After building latrines in Honduras with a cohort from KeHE, I came back to the U.S. with a new perspective. And while attending Expo West, the opulence and abundance that exists within the trade show and lack of resources outside was a paradox that I felt needed to be addressed. I created the largest serving event at a food show in the U.S. Serving Goodness was born. KeHE partnered with the Children’s Hunger Fund and New Hope and, with the servitude of nearly 150 expo attendees, we packed 100,000 meals for the local Anaheim-area within two hours. The impact was far beyond my wildest dreams. It was a defining moment. If you dream it, and have the right team, you can make it a reality.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There’s so many opportunities and projects that I enjoy. Time is the biggest challenge, which gets compounded by work/life balance. I believe we can have it all, but not have it all at the same time.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is the cornerstone of business today. You’re either in the conversation or out. Engaging in a smart social strategy can leverage your organization and your personal brand, too.

more confidence in myself.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Managing multiple ever-changing priorities without letting them become allconsuming.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has mostly helped me in my role. Social media makes a lot of useful information easily accessible and allows the brands I support to reach wide audiences. But sometimes it can be a hindrance when people share information that is incorrect or harmful.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Stay true to your values and never compromise your integrity. Also don’t work so hard that you forego relationships with friends, colleagues and peers in your functional area, organization, industry or community. These relationships

moments. However, there is one that will be embedded in my mind forever. While attending our independent customer food show, a retailer reached out to thank me for caring and having an understanding of the independent challenges. She told me, “You get it, and for that I’m grateful.” Having a retailer recognize my passion in providing the best programs possible for their benefit was extremely exhilarating and validating.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I find creating and implementing a successful promotional program and seeing the positive results of increased sales, for both our customers and vendors, most rewarding.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The independent customer is a minor presence in an overall competitive market. The biggest challenge is to help the customer remain relevant in this market. In addition to competitive pricing, education and embracing the latest trends is imperative for their survival.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media is very important in helping this industry to be relevant with the

and I’m lucky to have had several in my career. I appreciate them now for being the catalysts for a lot of great opportunities and changes in my personal and professional life. I find myself embracing the discomfort when I’m faced with it now, because I know I’ll come out stronger on the other side.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Navigating and leading through disruptive change is the most challenging part of my job. Some people handle change well and others don’t. Getting people who are mentally, emotionally and developmentally in different places to work together and align on a common vision is challenging but super rewarding. In these situations, I’m guaranteed to have tough conversations, enlightening moments and breakthroughs that make me a better person.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

As part of the marketing team, social media is a critical tool for us to tell our

complete the role I was in. With great coaching and trust, I moved into the new role, and I honestly believe that had I not taken that leap I would not be where I am today. I learned very quickly that no role is ever “mastered or completed,” it simply evolves.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am proud to work in an environment that fosters creativity, teamwork, collaboration, learning and growth. We win together.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I take pride in giving proper time and attention to team members and vendor partners to ensure we are delivering our very best every day for our customers.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has become an integral part of our go-to market strategy. Connecting with customers to showcase weekly promotions, new items, etc. allows for quick, creative interaction in “our” voice. I also use it to see how

How do you spend your free time?

I’m a huge yogi. I love to focus intensely and love to be active. I’m also very competitive. In yoga, you compete with the ultimate challenger: yourself. Beyond yoga, I am a mom of two amazing kids. My husband and I love to travel with them and spend quality time with them, which includes doing art projects and crafting.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Get good at your job. Ask for projects that challenge your current skill set. Build your network. Get to know cross-functional peers. Ask questions to understand the business at a deeper level and get to know how they impact the company. Build your brand. Build your bench. That includes those that report to you, your mentor(s) and sponsors.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Myra Rubenstein Weis Leadership Board, co-chair; ARK Chicago, board of directors; Women Unlimited, mentor; CAREtrade Committee, co-founder.

Education:

Bachelor’s in marketing and advertising, University of Illinois; Kellogg School of Management, certificate of completion.

can be enriching on a personal level, as well as a great source of professional support and advice.

How do you spend your free time?

Spending time with friends and family, which currently includes a golden retriever puppy who keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy cooking, hiking, being near the ocean and occasionally scouting for owls with my husband.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination; Massachusetts Bar Association.

Education: Smith College; Harvard Law School.

latest market trends. Social media has helped source new product lines for introduction to our retailers.

How do you spend your free time?

I love spending time with my wonderful husband, Chris, and my two successful children, Jennifer and David. I also spend as much time as possible with my 98-year-old father.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Find your voice, take a stand, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. Stay true to yourself always. Lead by example with integrity and respect. Always do the right thing.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women; Fresh Advancement Seminar Topics; Hampshire County Safe Passage; United Way.

Education:

Business administration/hotel and restaurant management.

story a little differently and engage with our customers in new ways. People are out there having conversations, and we need to be a part of them, as well as starting our own conversations.

How do you spend your free time?

I have three young kids, so hobbies aren’t a huge part of my life right now. But when I get the chance, I love a quick craft project—drawing, painting, sewing or upcycling old furniture.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? I believe that success is when you get the opportunity to learn and grow every day. Look for ways to acquire different experiences and keep stretching yourself.

Education:

Bachelor’s in communications.

others are engaging and what consumers are saying.

How do you spend your free time?

Enjoying family and friends at the beach, on the lake, swinging a golf club, traveling, exercising or simply relaxing with a great book.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Be curious, not critical; ask questions. Get uncomfortable, take risks, network, embrace difference, give back and never forget where you came from—stay true to you.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

FeedMore of WNY, FoodBank of WNY and United Way—Girls in Sports.

Education:

B.S. in business administration.

LOUISA HART SVP of Operations LIDL US

Immediate Supervisor: Johannes Fieber, CEO Years with the company: 13

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I love working with my team to strategize and break down processes, looking at every single detail. We ask ourselves the “why” question at every step along the way. We can always improve, and we keep things simple and structured so we can ensure our people understand why they are doing what they do every day. This approach helps us to reach our end goals together.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

ANDI HENDRICKS National Director of Brand Management PRESENCE MARKETING

Immediate supervisor: Brian Naylor

Years with the company: 11

Please describe your job and why you love it. My primary role is oversight and guidance of the brand team in strategically guiding clients on the design and implementation of brand objectives within the marketplace, including launching product innovation and developing strategies to capture market share. I love the exposure to emerging brands, product innovation and using syndicated data to identify brand and category trends.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

The day I decided to not complete my accounting degree and instead follow my

The day Lidl US opened the doors to their first stores in the United States in June 2017. I had been preparing for this moment since 2015 in a purchasing operations role, where I was responsible for managing all the master data, contracts and import and customs departments. It was extremely satisfying to know we had fulfilled our responsibilities in time for the grand opening and would now be able to start making customers happy.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I enjoy seeing people at Lidl US grow and develop in their careers. I love our teams’ drive and passion for Lidl’s success. Their enthusiasm allows us to achieve great things while having fun doing it.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I manage many moving parts every single day and try to maintain realistic expectations. Prioritizing projects can be tough, but it is vital to ensure we focus our energy on the right things at the right time. How has social media helped or hindered your job?

passion to be a part of the Natural Foods Industry. This afforded me a lifelong career in an industry that integrates my personal and professional values; my commitment to the planet and to product integrity through labeling standards.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The diversity of the role requires collaboration and teamwork to achieve success both cross-departmentally within presence and in conjunction with clients. I am honored to fulfill a mentorship role, helping individuals expand and build upon their skillsets. I am also proud to be a part of a company and to work with individuals focused on a shared commitment to the planet, shown through the brands we choose to represent and the industry causes we sponsor.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Representing brands within so many categories and understanding the competitive landscape and shifting trends—which must occur to successfully identify opportunities or hindrances impacting a brand. Once identified, we guide the brand toward capitalizing or overcoming these in order to drive

Social media is a great source of information from our customers. With new stores opening across several states, it is impossible for me to be everywhere all the time. Social media provides an additional platform to gain a better understanding of what our customers want.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to travel, anything from backpacking across the Philippines to lying by the beach in the Caribbean. I love exploring countries, cultures and trying all kinds of food.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure to understand the “Why” of what you are doing and what you are wanting to achieve.

Education:

B.S. in business management (with honors), The University of Surrey, England.

growth forward.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media platforms and influencers are integral to helping improve brand awareness through consumer engagement which creates emotional links to products and underlying brand missions. Social media is an essential component of the retail landscape.

How do you spend your free time?

With family, friends, hiking, creating pottery, playing golf badly.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Understand the significance of mentorship and its lasting impact on your professional growth and development. Choose individuals who challenge you to think in new ways and to open your mind to different perspectives.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Beacon Food Forest, Food Lifeline, Seattle Parks and Rec Trail Program.

BRIANA

HENNIGAR Manager of Corporate Supply Chain and Trade Relations C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Immediate supervisor: Karissa Atwood (on maternity leave); Mark Criswell

Years with the company: Four and a half

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am responsible for working with internal partners and manufacturers, building contractual relationships and managing performance against those contracts. As the leader of this group, I manage the compliance of almost 6,000 contracts. I am also responsible for the cross-functional alignment of all areas of C&S to ensure proper implementation of agreements with manufacturer partners. Through this process, I am responsible for helping manufacturers understand the reporting available to them in order to allow them to maximize the value of these programs.

I love my job because I feel like I make an impact through the work that my team and I contribute. It’s fast paced and different every day which creates

SHAWN HOOKS

Area Representative and Franchisee of Firehouse Subs (three locations)

SOUTHEASTERN INTERSTATE GROUP

Immediate supervisor: Rick Highers

Years with the company: 18

Please describe your job and why you love it. I, along with two partners, work with and support franchisees from North Georgia, much of South Carolina and North Carolina to Eastern Tennessee. Our territory consists of 195 Firehouse Subs locations.

I love what I do because:1) I am grateful to be able to work with employees to teach important skill sets. 2) I enjoy making guests happy. 3) Most of all, I love working to raise money and awareness about our Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which gives grants that provide lifesaving equipment, disaster relief and training for first responders, schools, churches, nonprofits, etc. Describe a defining moment of your career.

When I opened my first restaurant in 2003, I felt like I was fooling everyone into thinking I knew what I was doing. I learned as much as I could and hustled every day. I found a couple of industry professionals who I attached myself to and mimicked them during these formative years. Several years later, the

excitement and allows for me to expand my knowledge base in the grocery industry through building my network here at C&S and with our manufacturer partners.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am able to lead a team that facilitates innovative supply chain and sales initiatives and drive change for our organization that is directly aligned with our company’s strategic priorities.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Every day is something new and different, so it requires me to be very strategic while navigating in and out of the tactical work that’s required to get us to our end result. This role has challenged me as a leader and as an individual to change the way I approach an opportunity and how I educate and empower my team to navigate through challenging situations to help us become better and more efficient.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Although I don’t use social media as a part of my job, it has had a huge impact on my professional development along with identifying challenges and opportunities within the grocery industry. I regularly leverage leadership articles

founder of our company, Robin Sorensen, was talking about my achievements and told me I had earned my stripes.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I enjoy helping others achieve success in the industry by mentoring young people. Also, as mentioned above, the work we do through our Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is very meaningful. Recently, we celebrated a life saved when a man went into cardiac arrest on his front porch in a small town outside of Atlanta. Thankfully, we had donated an AED to the police department and law enforcement was able to resuscitate him.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There are two challenges that stand out. First is the workforce shortage in this country. Another is how fast our industry is changing. We have seen an impressive surge of growth in off-premise dining (third-party services and catering) which impacts how we market, serve and deliver our product. This means that our on-premise dining has shrunk considerably, and we have to adjust our business plans from the footprint of our restaurants to packaging and food offerings to our third-party delivery relationships.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media exposes the good, bad and ugly of the restaurant industry. We work to quickly engage guests who have given feedback whether it is positive or negative by responding to every comment. We use social media to engage guests through fun interactive online promotions. It is also an important channel

and blogs to help in the development of young leaders in our organization and will also use platforms highlighting innovations in the supply chain space to continue to innovate and help drive the perception of C&S as an industry leader in this space.

How do you spend your free time?

I am a mom of three young kids—6, 4 and 2—and most of my free time is spent with my family and embracing this wonderful time in my life. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? It is the same advice I received as I began my professional career at C&S: “be comfortable being uncomfortable.” The most rewarding accomplishments that I have experienced have come from times when I challenged myself to get outside of my comfort zone.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Habitat for Humanity, 1999-2003; volunteer at local food pantries.

Education:

B.S. in U.S. history/elementary education.

to recruit talent.

How do you spend your free time?

Most of my down time is spent toting three kids to their extra-curricular activities. We enjoy being outdoors. When we can travel, we like to get outside of our comfort zone. We also enjoy wildlife and are known around our neighborhood as the crazy animal house with three pets—Brownie, our rescue cocker spaniel, our dwarf bunny Peter and Bailey the hedgehog.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Keep moving even through difficult times because whatever storm you are experiencing will pass. Believe in yourself and remember life is too short not to laugh at yourself. Helping others is good for your health. Networking is the key to advancing your business and your career. You don’t build a business, you build people.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Georgia Restaurant Association Board Member, Leadership Georgia, Leadership Dawsonville, Dickerson Middle School Foundation Board Member, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, Firehouse Subs CEO Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce Member.

Education:

B.A. in business, with minor in economics and marketing, University of Florida.

ALISA HUNDLEY

Store Manager, Giant Food Store #235, Fredericksburg, Virginia GIANT OF MARYLAND LLC

Immediate supervisor: Clay Rolfe, director, District Operations

Years with the company: 21

Describe a defining moment of your career?

In 2018, I won the Ahold Delhaize Store Manager of the Year for 2017. I took this award as a challenge. I knew that I could be better, my store could be better and that my team could take our store to a new level. I never wanted anyone to think that because of the award, I was satisfied. It only made me push harder every day, and my team continues to strive to be the best version of Giant and

SUSAN HUNSAKER

Senior

Director of New Business Development

DAYMON, AN ADVANTAGE SOLUTIONS COMPANY

Immediate supervisor: Kyle Patterson, VP of client services

Years with the company: 14

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am responsible for driving new client relationships and partnerships via our vast merchandising and marketing services portfolio. This position allows me to evaluate the needs of our new partners and maximize our service offerings to drive results quickly and profitably.

DAWN HURD Manager of Front-End Operations GIANT FOOD (GIANT OF MARYLAND LLC)

Immediate supervisor: Bob Bennett, director, Store Support

Years with the company: 20

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Being encouraged by Bill Washington to apply for assistant store manager. He saw something in me I didn’t realize—that I was a great floral manager. The confidence he had in me fueled my desire to lead and has helped develop me into the great leader I am today.

TIFFANI JUSTH VP of Marketing UTZ QUALITY FOODS LLC

Immediate supervisor: Mark Schreiber

Years with the company: 20

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I lead all aspects of marketing for national snack brands Zapp’s and Tortiyahs! plus various regional brands: Golden Flake, Dirty, Snyder of Berlin and Kitchen Cooked.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Utz Quality Foods has grown tremendously since I first walked in the door many years ago. There are a few instances over the past 20 years where I had to take a moment to reflect on where I was amidst all the change happening

ALEXIS KINSEY

Restaurant Group Owner FORK U CONCEPTS, LLC— PARENT COMPANY OF TAQUERIA TSUNAMI, STOCKYARD BURGERS & BONES, FORNO VERO, SILLA DEL TORO RESTAURANTS

Years with the company: Eight

Please describe your job, and why you love it.

Being the co-owner of a restaurant group consisting of four brands and 14 units, every day is an adventure and there is very little redundancy. I have the

ourselves.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

With the ever-changing role of technology in the marketplace, the challenge is in how we continue to keep the brick-and-mortar grocery store relevant to consumers. How does the business change to accommodate the change in the market and the needs of customers? What role does my team and I play in implementing new ideas successfully to achieve our full potential? These are the everyday questions and challenges of a store manager.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has helped in promoting sales, communicating with customers and researching events in the area. It has helped deliver the Giant brand value consistently to our consumers. I think it also gives us a way to reach customers we may not have reached before and engage with them more directly. How do you spend your free time?

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Something I truly enjoy and receive such satisfaction from is growing and developing our people. A true highlight of my career has been watching an associate I hired, fresh out of school, grow her career within our organization. A defining emotional moment was her sharing with me that our conversations had very significant impact on her career and growth.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

What I love the most about my job is also its most challenging aspect—every solution is unique. Therefore, we are creating something “new” each time we secure a new partner.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is used to generate new business opportunities by highlighting our services, successes and idea generation.

How do you spend your free time?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Encouraging my team members to recognize and strengthen their own individual talents and potential. It’s easy to do what you know, but growth comes from being outside of your comfort zone. I continually look for ways to show my team the benefits of stretching themselves and the impact this can have on their personal and professional journeys.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has helped me connect with our community, communicate about enhancements at newly opened and remodeled stores and share the great items that are available in our stores.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Take every opportunity offered to you. Never let self-doubt tell you you’re not good enough for an opportunity. They’re offered to you because others saw the potential and ability in you.

around me to determine how I could become a better employee and co-worker. Ultimately, this led to personal growth and allowed me to charge forward with my career path. I am thankful for the mentors that have guided me and propelled me to my present-day achievements.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I enjoy working with various departments—sales, purchasing, R&D, manufacturing—all for one common goal: to make and sell great snacks. I am still learning new things. The job remains challenging and rewarding every day.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

A key challenge is that each brand I work on has its own personality. Prioritizing my time to build all of them to higher levels is a never-ending thought process.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media provides tremendous benefits in support of our brands. We are able to interact daily with our consumers and gain valuable feedback from them

amazing opportunity to make people happy through food and create a positive culture and work environment for my team.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

The first “Taste of” event that we participated in, we won. It was that moment that validated the hard work and sacrifice my husband and I put into the restaurant concept and demonstrated the potential growth of the brand. What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Watching people I meet react and light up when I mention the restaurants and hearing their love for our concepts. It is also a pleasure to be a part of my employees’ lives, as they develop professionally and start families of their own.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Finding a formula for work/life balance. How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Traveling and spending time with my family. I love to visit other countries, take trips anywhere there is a beach and explore areas I have never been.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Train, develop and mentor your employees. They are your biggest asset, so treat them as such.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

WAV (Women Adding Value) Business Resource Group; Blue Star Moms (sends care packages to deployed service men and women overseas); Rikki’s Refuge (long term care for unadoptable animals); Hope House (temporary home for women and children in need); and Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.

Education:

Associate’s in criminal justice, Northern Virginia Community College; Retail Management Certificate, Anne Arundel Community College.

I have two young kids, so my free time is attending hockey games, gymnastic practice, soccer games and dance.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Be open-minded and listen. The world, trends and business are constantly changing. Absorbing as much information as possible from multiple sources will allow you to connect trends and create your own unique ideas to drive business. Be open to change. Learn to adapt.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Board of directors, Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence (WISE) diversity group; co-chair of the marketing and communications department within WISE; River Valley Girl Scout Leader.

Education: B.S. in biology, University of Missouri.

How do you spend your free time?

Photography, craft projects and teaching others.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

I have facilitated many food drives, raising thousands of pounds of food for multiple Delaware Food Banks and the Roxanna Pyle Center. I also led a fundraising event that raised more than $10,000 in three months for Habitat Humanity. Active member of: Women Adding Value—Business Resource Group; Network of Executive Women; Editorial Committee for Giant’s ENGAGE Magazine for associates.

Education:

Development through LEAD, ASMAT, Dale Carnegie, Retail Management Certificate (Anne Arundel Community College); college courses in early childhood education.

as well. It has become a great place to promote new products and increase brand awareness.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending down time with my family and friends. In recent years, I have also found fitness and running to be a great balance to a busy career. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Never stop taking opportunities to learn and grow personally and professionally. Don’t consider any task as unimportant. It will lead to bigger things, in due time. And strive to be organized.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

I currently sit on the board of directors at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Education:

BSBA in business management, Shippensburg University.

Social media is a double-edged sword. It is a cost-effective way to market and efficient way to reach a designated audience; however, it is becoming increasingly more challenging to keep up with communication through all the mediums technology offers and meet the expectation to respond immediately.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy every minute with my family and my 3-year-old son. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Make yourself uncomfortable, accept challenges and maintain your persistence to reach your goals.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Board member of the Georgia Restaurant Association.

Education: B.A. in organizational communications, marketing minor, UCF.

EVA KOHN EVP, Chief Revenue Officer CBA INDUSTRIES INC.

Immediate supervisor: Barry Schiro, president Years with the company: Six

Please describe your job and why you love it. We provide marketing solutions to advertisers with a focus on the grocery industry. I love working for a nimble, client-oriented company that is focused on helping advertisers achieve their goals.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Leading the launch of the women’s business resource group at my prior company, where there were very few women in leadership positions. It was a

DEB KREIDER Category Director, Meat and Seafood GIANT/MARTIN’S

Immediate supervisor: David Lessard, VPmerchandising

Years with the company: 19 with Giant/Martin’s; 10 with Ahold Delhaize USA companies.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I experienced growth both professionally and personally when I was offered a role moving from Center Store to the Fresh side of our business. Moving into a role in which I had no experience was intimidating. The knowledge I gained

SHEILA LAING

EVP, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) HY-VEE INC.

Immediate supervisor: Randy Edeker

Years with the company: 33

Please describe your job and why you love it. I am responsible for the administrative side of our company. I assist the CEO with corporate events, projects and administration of the company.

I enjoy being the CAO because of the variety of the position with the ability to work with individuals from all across our company to help create and implement policy and procedures, create new benefits for our employees, take care of problems whether it be for the CEO or for a cashier in a retail store. Describe a defining moment of your career: The first is when I decided to transition from working in retail to working in

NANCY LEBOLD VP of Merchandising FOOD 4 LESS/FOODS CO.

Immediate supervisor: Bryan Kaltenbach, president Years with the company: One

Please describe your job and why you love it. My team and I are responsible for creating merchandising and marketing plans that are exciting, connect with our customers and ensure the success of Food 4 Less and Foods Co. stores. I love this job because not only do I get to work with an amazing group of people, the work we do in the communities we serve is rewarding and makes a real difference to families.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the Food Industry Management Program at the USC Marshall School of Business. This program

KAYLA LEGANZA Assistant Store Director THE MYERS GROUP LLC

Immediate supervisor: Vince Ianniciello

Years with the company: Six

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am currently the assistant store director in training to take over the director position in the near future. I am learning to manage and lead the store from top to bottom. I absolutely love working for my company. The dynamic nature of the food industry along with the autonomy of working for an independent retailer means there is never a dull moment, and we are free to use our ingenuity to solve problems.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

risky move that was not initially supported by the company, but we persevered and ultimately succeeded in launching the first business resource group of any kind at the company.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

We have a wonderful team and I adore my colleagues. And we have terrific clients who entrust us with their business.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Our clients are retailers who are under extreme competitive pressure. The challenge is to help our retailers succeed in today’s competitive and omnichannel environment.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with family and my adult children. I have a passion for travel, adventure and learning about the world.

during this time in my career dynamically crafted my leadership style and demonstrated my resilience.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Over the past two years, our brand has seen tremendous growth. Along with growth comes innovation leading to new initiatives, processes and programs. Juggling all the initiatives and pushing key projects forward can deplete my time. It is important to make time to connect with my team on a regular basis, so managing my calendar is critical.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has helped due to the speed of information we can share with our customers. We can also receive feedback from our customers immediately on what they love about our brand and where we can improve.

supply chain. I learned the most about human nature and how to take care of people, how to motivate and communicate. Another was the transition from distribution to corporate headquarters. Understanding the nuances of a corporate office building, the hierarchy and politics gave me another layer of training, another layer of learning how to communicate in a different way. What do you find most rewarding about your current position? The ability to create and implement initiatives that will make a difference, not just to one person, but potentially thousands, creating our healthy lifestyles benefits program imbedded into our medical plan. Adding being able to add paid parental leave, adoption and infertility assistance are things that I will never forget.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

It never ends, it never stops. It’s 24-7. You are always on call. It’s hard to get away from a job like this one.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? I have to react to a lot of social media. It’s just another layer that adds to the complexity of working with and managing people.

gave me the chance to reassess and reevaluate my current leadership skills and then apply the lessons I learned to make a change in how I lead. I became a much stronger leader and one who can make a positive impact in the lives of others through leadership. It gave me the opportunity to dream about what I wanted my legacy as a leader to be and then the tools to make that a reality. What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I have the amazing job of helping hard-working families stretch their food dollars further. We serve many challenged communities with pride and dedication. Countless families eat better every day because of Food 4 Less/ Foods Co., and I’m honored to be a part of that.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is having so much to accomplish and not enough time!

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has played a backseat role in my current position. The challenge is to build our brand reputation and connect with our customers on a platform

A defining moment in my career would have to be when I left the corporate company I worked for and my future became unclear. I went to work for The Myer’s Group not sure what to expect and was welcomed with open arms and offered the opportunity to advance not only my career but also my education within the food retail industry.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The chance to work with such an amazing and diverse team. The food industry employs all types of people and personalities and brings together so many unique perspectives.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Attempting to stay ahead of the trends and competition. Visualizing the future of the food industry and preempting customers’ needs is incredibly difficult but is also what makes it so exciting.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Take risks, be brave, be confident but work hard and educate yourself on your business. Invest time and energy in relationships—people matter. Use humor (when appropriate) and apply empathy at all times.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

I’m active with the Network of Executive Women (NEW), whose mission is to advance women in the workplace. I’m on the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in New Jersey, whose mission is to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes while providing support for those impacted by this disease. I’m also on the board of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), which is focused on advocacy and other initiatives for grocery retailers.

Education:

B.A. in English, Towson University; graduate work, Johns Hopkins University.

How do you spend your free time?

My husband and I enjoy traveling. We like to go to new places when we vacation. We also love sports, particularly football, though we cheer for different NFL teams. Time with my friends is also important to me. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Do not be afraid to take on a new role or a new project that stretches your comfort zone. Though it may not be taking the easy path, you will gain valuable experience and build your confidence over time. Be flexible and open to new opportunities and be ready to adapt to change.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Board member and treasurer, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful; Giant/Martin’s Women’s LINC Advisory Board; Network of Executive Women member.

How do you spend your free time?

We enjoy attending NASCAR races, scuba diving as a family and camping. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Don’t be afraid to speak out. Don’t be a yes person; don’t be a no person, either. Instead of focusing on what can’t be done, focus on what you can do. Learn everything you can at that moment and opportunities will present themselves. Join committees, join groups, join events, participate, sign up, volunteer so that you get to see those other layers of your company.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Board of directors, Iowa Healthcare Collaborative; board of directors, Iowa Healthiest State Initiative; RILA Labor and Employment Advisory Group; FMI/HR and Training Advisory Group; Catholic Daughters of America and Eucharistic and Elector for church.

Education:

B.A. in history and math, Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa; HR law accreditation, Drake University; Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

that will support several different languages. How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time with my favorite person, my husband, Casey. We are both addicted to traveling to exotic places and have a passion for cars with a lot of horsepower.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Improve your emotional intelligence. This is something that can be learned and practiced. Many of the brightest individuals never realize their dreams because they don’t know how to get along, express themselves and build consensus. You will go much farther and make more of an impact if you do.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women.

Education:

B.A. in marketing, Oregon State University; FIM Program, USC Marshall School of Business.

Social media is a growing aspect of my job and company, and I believe it is (and will continue to be) an all-important aspect in connecting with our customers.

How do you spend your free time?

I am an avid reader and enjoy kayaking with my family at any opportunity. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Never stop learning. The food industry is ever changing, at no point should we ever think we know it all. I would also say to aim high, keep growing and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

I love to volunteer at animal shelters.

Education:

Retail Management Certificate, Clover Park Technical School; currently completing the USC Food Industry Management Program.

PAULA

LEMAY Inventory Control Manager

GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK

Immediate supervisor: Frank Gorman

Years with the company: Four

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am responsible for maintaining the integrity of our inventory of food and grocery items purchased by or donated to the food bank. We have an aggressive cycle counting program and proudly maintain 96 percent-plus inventory accuracy. No day is ever the same, which keeps my work fresh and interesting.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Some years back, I left my corporate position in supply chain to start my own business as a personal chef. I prepared meals for clients who wanted to eat

CHOO LIM VP of Supply Chain, Pet Segment GENERAL MILLS

Immediate supervisor: Bethany Quam

Years with the company: Eight

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I manage a group of talented end-to-end supply chain professionals in supporting the highest growth business in General Mills. Describe a defining moment of your career.

JOHANNA MALDONADO Interim District Director THE STOP & SHOP SUPERMARKET CO. LLC

Immediate supervisor: Stacy Wiggins, SVP-operations

Years with the company: 21

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I am most proud of overcoming adversity and my ability to help others. When I was a teenage single mother, I suffered through the tragic loss of my brother, lost my father, became a caregiver to my mother-in-law and have experienced many other difficult moments. Throughout this time, I successfully managed several stores and was also promoted to a center store manager. Recently, I have

ANNA MARCIANO VP, Associate General Counsel NESTLÉ WATERS NORTH AMERICA INC.

Immediate supervisor: Charles Broll

Years with the company: Three

Please describe your job and why you love it. I have the incredible opportunity to be a business leader who happens to have a law degree. I have the privilege of providing legal guidance to one of the largest non-alcoholic beverage companies in the United States with iconic brands like Poland Spring, Perrier, San Pellegrino and Nestlé Pure Life. I love that each day is an opportunity to work with talented and passionate associates and that I am able to leverage my legal degree to help provide consumers with healthier options.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

LISA MARTINELLI Director, Brand Marketing Strategy STOP & SHOP

Immediate supervisor: Karen Mitchell, SVP-mktg.

Years with the company: One

Do you have a defining moment of your career?

Promoting someone on my team. Learning that my contributions come from “leading” vs. “doing” was the moment I knew how inspired I was to grow in my career as a leader. Specifically, at Stop & Shop over the past year, I have been able to successfully influence our leadership team to support the implementation of new processes and ways of working. This has resulted in significant cost savings, reduction in labor across the marketing

healthy but could not find the time to prepare for themselves. I learned a lot about being an entrepreneur but so much more about myself. I missed working with others which is what led me to the food bank where I blend my supply chain experience with my passion for feeding people nutritious food. What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am privileged to work with so many people who are passionate about what they do. It is rewarding to know that by doing my work I positively impact the quality of life of so many people facing food insecurity.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Multi-tasking can be a challenge. My role is very hands on, and there are multiple real-time demands placed on my team to support the operation. We do our best to divide and conquer as meetings and reporting are on-going as well. How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media provides a platform for the food bank to raise awareness around hunger, what we are doing about it and how everyone can help. It is playing a major role in getting the word out about our Hunger Free 2028 campaign to

When I was hired into Blue Buffalo, I was given the liberty to build an end-toend supply chain organization, just the way I envisioned for years prior to this opportunity.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I get to work with a group of fantastic people who are dedicated to being the best in what they do every day and do the right thing every time.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Motivating the team through all the challenges of supporting a high-growth business.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

been given the opportunity to lead 19 stores as a district director. My career has allowed me to develop many people and present them with new opportunities along their career path. As a woman of color, it gives me great pride to be a leader and help others grow. Overcoming adversity, being a role model and focusing on people development will always be my greatest accomplishments.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Getting to know the many associates on my team. There are hundreds of associates throughout the district. Building relationships with them is crucial to moving the business forward.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

It has been especially helpful to read the feedback of customers regarding my stores and the competition. It provides the opportunity to learn what customers and associates need and want. The numbers of people you can reach is so powerful. The key is to react to the feedback.

The day I discovered my purpose to “inspire others to take a chance and own the stage.”

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The work that we are doing in the area of sustainability is really energizing for me. As we look to design new packages for recyclability, advocate for modernization of legislation and communicate to consumers the critical role they play in the circular economy, I know that my legal degree and business experience are being leveraged to help leave our world in a better place for my kids and future generations.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There are so many exciting innovations we’re working on, in products, packaging formats and business processes—there aren’t enough hours in the day to focus on all of them as much as I’d like to.

Describe the role of social media in your current position. Has it helped or hindered your job?

Social media offers so many creative and interesting ways to share information about who we are and what we do. I really enjoy working with our teams to

team, alignment across the leadership team in terms of how we represent the brand in store, documented processes and an optimized shopping experience for our customers.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Ensuring that I take a broad range of stakeholders throughout the journey, while planning and executing a marketing program. The work that my team and I lead impacts a lot of teams and different areas of the business. I have been able to successfully influence and align teams by bringing stakeholders in early and often, listening and working through solutions in an inclusive way, building trust.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

It provides the ability to seek out what other’s brands are talking about and how they are talking about them. I use social media for inspiration in terms of how they are connecting with consumers.

provide three meals a day to those in need in Eastern Massachusetts. How do you spend your free time?

Spending time with my husband, family and friends tops my list. Cooking, gardening and exercise are a few of my passions, as is relaxing with a good glass of red wine.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Be open to opportunities for growth, development and experiences even when they take you down a road that may not be part of your plan. The journey will enrich you both professionally and personally in ways you could never have imagined.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Association for Supply Chain Management; United States Personal Chef Association.

Education:

B.S. in marketing; APICS CPIM Certification; ServSafe Certification.

Social media certainly has provided us with very timely feedback in quality. If our food is not meeting expectation in any way, we get to know about them very quickly. This gives us opportunity to address the issue directly with our consumers as well.

How do you spend your free time?

I love gardening and traveling, especially with my family. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? A people-first mindset is super important.

Education: B.S. in food science and technology, North Dakota State University.

How do you spend your free time?

Scrapbooking, spending time with family and friends, raising funds for nonprofit organizations, assisting in local women’s empowerment events, and working with my husband on our food truck, Fire House Hot Dogs.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Be organized. Organizational skills will help keep you focused on priorities and help maintain a good work/life balance. Also, be your authentic self.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

New England Business Associate Board of Directors; volunteer for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; volunteer with local businesses in Springfield, Massachusetts, to create networking events; member of “Fix Your Crown,” a local group which concentrates on personal development and empowerment.

Education:

Associate’s in business administration, Holyoke Community College.

share content that is engaging and also legally accurate. How do spend your free time?

I love spending time with my family. You will often find me cooking, baking or riding my Peloton bike.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Take a chance and believe in yourself. Look for ways to stretch yourself—ask for the challenging and outside-your-comfort-zone assignments. If you find that you are getting bored and your job is “easy,” push yourself to do more. Use each moment of each day to become a better version of yourself. Make time to take care of yourself and spend quality time with family and friends.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Board member and co-chair, Westchester Fairfield County Association of Corporate Counsel; Marketing & Advertising/Employment Committees; board trustee, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital.

Education:

B.A., Boston College; J.D., Pace University School of Law.

How do you spend your free time?

Spending as much time as possible with my husband and children, working out and staying on top of marketing trends in the industry.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Stay focused and goal oriented. Always support other women by proactively mentoring and building them up in positive ways. Continue to lean in and have a voice, even when it’s intimidating, it’s how to build the capability of impacting and influencing. Stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Volunteer at local elementary school and nursery school for events for my children.

Education:

Bachelor’s in marketing communications, Westfield University.

DONNA MASTELLONE VP of Produce and Floral KINGS FOOD MARKETS

Immediate supervisor: Stephen Corradini

Years with the company: 21

Please describe your job and why you love it. I have the unique and enviable opportunity to work in two industries I am passionate about. I have a wonderful floral team who I collaborate with to manage the category in our stores. In produce, I manage all aspects of our go-to market strategy and take great pride in providing our guests with the highest quality, freshest produce available.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

My promotion to VP of produce and floral in April 2017. Our CEO, Judy Spires,

BECCA MAY VP of Marketing NATURE NATE’S HONEY CO.

Please describe your job and why you love it. I love leading my fantastic team, pairing trending issues and creative storytelling with shopper and digital marketing tactics to impact consumers’ buying decisions.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I’ve worked my way up at Nature Nate’s from a marketing manager to head of marketing. The responsibility of leading the brand marketing team was initially daunting. The most defining moment occurred when I realized how much this marketing team, leadership team and our agency partners believed in my ideas and trusted me to lead them well.

JENNIFER MAYS

Senior Manager of Training and Field Development SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET

Immediate supervisor: Cynthia Chikahisa

Years with the company: 15

Please describe your job and why you love it. The training team is responsible for essentially providing all the resources and tools to get your job done successfully. Further, we offer different training programs so each team member can enhance their skills to improve. It is the best feeling when you have helped create a system and see it become successful in the field.

DR. CYNTHIA McCLOUD

Director, Food Industry Programs, Adjunct Professor and Executive Coach

USC MARSHALL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Immediate supervisor: Tim Blakesly (FIM)

Years with the company: Six

Please describe your job and why you love it.

Each of my roles allow me to reach out and inspire mid-to-senior level leaders to take time to grow themselves while they work to find their professional purpose. My role as an executive coach is focused on helping executives transition from task-oriented managers to human-oriented leaders who value the responsibilities of growing both their businesses and their people.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

There was a time in my life when the concept of continuing on to get a college education was considered unnecessary and even frowned upon. However, it

LAURA McCORD

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

KeHE DISTRIBUTORS

Immediate supervisor: Rusty Bland

Years with the company: 14

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I have been in this position in sustainability and corporate responsibility for one year. Prior to that, I led our category management team. I love my job because I can make a difference in the world.

I can directly tie our values of serving to make lives better to my job. We have a four-pronged approach to our business: People, Planet, Profits and Purpose and my position touches all four of these areas.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Traveling to Africa with our KeHE Cares team and one of our coffee suppliers. I met a fair-trade farmer and saw how his family’s life was positively impacted

jokes that it was the quickest anyone has ever accepted a promotion! I had risen through the ranks in the floral department to the highest position available. I had reported to four different VPs of produce during my tenure and I always knew I would be great in that role—I just needed someone to take a chance on a woman in a predominantly male industry.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Being part of a great team of people who actively work together and raise one another up. I collaborate with talented people throughout the organization as well as suppliers, all of whom contribute ideas, product knowledge and applications to create a positive impact for our guests’ experience.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Dealing with highly perishable product is a daily challenge. In order to deliver the best-in-class produce to our guests, I need to be diligent in our efforts and stay focused on the goal of an exceptional food experience.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I feel tremendous fulfillment every time I witness my team working together with passion, respect and fierce determination, building on each person’s strengths toward a common goal of shaping the company’s image in the marketplace.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

First, transforming a centuries-old, everyday product on American tables— honey—into an exciting essential brand-name staple: Nature Nate’s honey. Second, facilitating that transformation with a conservative budget, a challenge that pushes us to be creative and agile and to execute almost all of our brand work in-house.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Instagram and Facebook have been vital gateways to our target audience. We’ve depended on effective imagery and messaging through social media to educate the decision-makers regarding food in American homes, especially

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Graduating from the Food Industry Management Program at USC. This program challenged me to gain a better understanding of the industry and, more importantly, myself. I was able to sharpen my leadership skills and become a student of the industry. Being a true servant leader is so important to me, having the ability to care deeply about your team and being able to hold them accountable. These do not have to be two separate entities.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Travel. Some of my responsibilities are to help open a new Sprouts store and launch company-wide programs across the nation. It is hard to be away from my family.

How do you spend your free time?

wasn’t until I became a single mother of two babies with no job, no education and no choices that I realized the true value of education.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I work in a role where I have the opportunity to impact lives by demonstrating the power of getting an education.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is convincing brilliant people that they do, in fact, have a choice to go back to school and, with a little hard work, they absolutely can conquer.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is powerful in helping us get the word out about the many ways people can go back to school. We have so many programs at USC.

How do you spend your free time?

I am married to an amazing servant leader and powerful supporter of education. My husband, Jim, and I spend time with our two children and their spouses along with our eight grandchildren and our two Vizsla dogs. Everyone in our family is a runner. We also enjoy spending time in our church community and

by this program. I was also able to see how our supplier was giving back to their home community in Kenya. I observed the struggles of families without clean water, sanitation or electricity. When I returned from that trip, I wanted to do more. That was the catalyst for our CAREtrade program. However, that still wasn’t enough. I went back to school part time at night for sustainable management and solicited KeHE to create this new position, which they did.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I get to influence change in our company’s culture. I am also able to use my past experience in category management to lead two supplier programs: CAREtrade and DIVERSEtrade.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

It is new. I did not inherit this job from anyone, and there was no proof of concept. However, that is also what makes it exciting.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media allows me to connect with other like-minded individuals. It also allows KeHE to share what we are doing with our employees, customers and

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Digital platforms are powerful and effective marketing tools that help us engage and educate our guests. Social media enables us to connect to our current community and reach out to a broader audience with our message and our identity.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family cooking, shopping, watching movies and just being together. I love to do anything creative.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Hustle, work hard, be true to yourself and do everything with a passion; drive makes up for natural born talent. Be willing to admit when you are wrong and learn from it.

Education:

B.A., Seton Hall University.

Millennial moms.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend most of my free time with my family, enjoying endless laughter and snuggles between diaper changes and feedings of my three children under 4. I also enjoy watching my husband coach his high school varsity basketball team. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Seize every opportunity to learn and connect with others, and don’t be afraid to explore new directions.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

2019 Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40; The CMO Club, member; National Breast Cancer Foundation, Advisory Board member; Lymphoma Research Foundation, volunteer; Network of Executive Women, member.

Education:

B.A. in communications and sociology.

I have a 7-month-old baby girl, Jordyn. I enjoy spending most of my time with her. Jordyn is obsessed with peas and she just said “momma.” She inspires me everyday and is the biggest blessing in my life.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Always be intentional about what you do. Find a mentor and make dedicated time to check in with them monthly. Take care of your team, and they will take care of you. Get comfortable with being vulnerable, take risks, set personal goals for growth and become an empathetic listener. Never stop learning. Education is a lifelong journey.

Education:

Bachelor’s in women’s gender and sexuality studies; Food Industry Management Program, USC.

in our home in Santa Barbara.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

I encourage all future leaders to 1) Imagine and consider all of your dreams to discover your unique purpose; 2) Set extraordinary goals for yourself; 3) Find the courage to take the first step toward your goals; 4) Be disciplined in your approach and continue moving forward; and 5) Stay the course through each chapter in your life until you achieve your goals.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Professional: President and founder, ExecuLeadership LLC; Associate Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation; Executive Coach, ExecuInsight LLC; Birkman Certified Professional and Consultant; Authorized Partner, The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team; Authorized Partner, Everything DiSC; member, Network of Executive Women. Volunteer: Table leader, Women in the Word, Saddleback Church, Mission Viejo.

Education:

B.S., USC Marshall School of Business; MBA, University of California, Irvine; EdD, University of Southern California—Rossier School of Education.

suppliers.

How do you spend your free time?

I like to be with my family and spend time in nature.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Understand your “why.” Why are you doing what you do, why did you pick this career and what do you hope to accomplish?

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Through KeHE Cares, I have volunteered in Guatemala installing Chispa stoves; Laredo, Texas, working with low income families. I have traveled to Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique and Uganda. There are also local events, such as volunteering with Aspire, Feed My Starving Children and the Children’s Hunger Fund, just to name a few.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in management, University of Utah; master’s in sustainable management, University of Wisconsin.

CRISTINA McKIBBIN COO

WE SHARE HOPE

Immediate supervisor: We Share Hope Board of Directors

Years with the company: Seven

Please describe your job and why you love it. My job is to oversee all the operations pertaining to We Share Hope, a nonprofit that takes excess food and non-food items which would be discarded and redistributes it to those in need. The best part of the job is interacting with and working alongside remarkable people who continuously give of themselves to better the lives of others. I love my job because what we do matters and makes an enormous impact on the lives of people in need.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

NATALIE MENNS

Director of Customer Service

KRASDALE

FOODS

Immediate supervisor: Catherine Taibi

Years with the company: 15

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I manage a team of 15 to ensure that all store owner/ customer inquiries are handled effectively and in an efficient manner. On the store owner level, I play a key role in ensuring that product deliveries arrive in a timely fashion. We serve as the main communication channel between the delivery drivers and the store owners. Without food, we wouldn’t have a business so this is an important link.

ELISE MINASSIAN Senior Manager, Deli and Bakery Department C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Immediate supervisor: Vincent Catanzaro

Years with the company: 17

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I manage the deli and bakery team in day-to-day procurement operations. I love my job because I work with an outstanding group of people, both internally at C&S and externally with customers, brokers and vendors.

Describe a defining moment in your career.

After being at C&S for only one short year, I was offered a position outside

MEG MITCHELL VP, Customer Experience

C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Immediate supervisor: Christine Curtis

Years with the company: 10 months

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I love being able to work with our teams within the organization and our external partners to come up with innovative solutions that will not only help everyone succeed today but will allow for growth in the years ahead.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Understanding the rules of the game and knowing how to play by them if I

BRIDGET MONTANA

Customer Category Manager

KRAFT HEINZ

Immediate supervisor: Janet Mastroianni

Years with the company: Two

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am collaborating with the customer to grow both businesses for our categories and sell in innovation items/programs. I love it because I am extremely passionate about food and the brand I represent.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

When I left what I knew as a grocery manager and took a sales role (which I had no background in).

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

When one of our volunteers told me through tears what a difference being a part of this organization has made in her life. She went on to tell me that it gave her a sense of purpose and added such value to her life. In retrospect, it has done the exact same thing for my life.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The people. I am surrounded by people who are gracious, caring and kind. What is the most challenging part of your job?

Having to turn organizations away when we don’t have enough food to share. Making connections in the food industry can be challenging as a small private food bank. As we continue to grow, we hope to find more companies willing to donate to us.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a valuable tool in communicating our mission to the public. This is how we recruit new volunteers, engage the community and increase our visibility. It is also a great way to recognize companies who donate so generously.

What excites me most about my job is that no two days are alike. I also feel like I am a part of something bigger at Krasdale, a family.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

When I got promoted to director of customer service four years ago. This was a significant moment for me, given that I started at Krasdale as an administrative assistant. To work my way up to a managerial role was a huge achievement.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help grow and develop the employees that I manage. When one of my employees moves up the ranks and is exceling in their new role, it truly is something special to witness.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There are times when we are unable to fulfill a customer request from a logistics perspective. Saying “no” to a customer is hard to do. I have found that

the food industry very close to home and decided to give it a shot due to my current long commute. After only a few months, I realized that the slower pace of the new company was not for me. I ended up going back to C&S and 17 years later am still happily employed. This event made it clear to me that my passion is in the food industry, and it is where I belong.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am a major “foodie,” so the fact that I get to work in an industry each day that involves something I am truly passionate about, is extremely rewarding.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The fast pace of each day and the different curveballs that get thrown our way. Although unpredictable issues can be challenging, it is also super rewarding to be able to trouble shoot, work toward resolutions as a team and, in the end, make the customer happy.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

wanted to create new ones in the future.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Challenging the “status quo” and seeing the sparkle in the eyes of those that may have lost faith in the power of asking questions.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Not being able to fix seemingly obvious issues fast enough.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

It has definitely sped up the communication game and the ability to grab information at the speed of light. More than ever, organizations and the people within them need to always be aware of what they say and do…word of mouth is more powerful than ever with social media.

How do you spend your free time?

I’m a big fan of the outdoors and experiencing new things. Making memories is

Stepping out of my comfort zone, learning another aspect of food and beverage and facing new challenges has made me a more valuable asset to my team and has deepened my industry knowledge and growth.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Not getting stuck at your desk but keeping that in-person relationship. Also, ensuring that you are getting out to stores and in the field as much as possible.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has played a tremendous role in getting consumers and my customers excited about my company’s products through advertising, contests, giveaways and engaging people around the world in things like voting on a new products name or requesting for us to create something/bring back favorite items.

How do you spend your free time?

Hiking with my dog, Zoe, spending time with family and friends and learning

How do you spend your free time?

Traveling is something I really enjoy. I also enjoy spending time with my 17and 18-year-old children; they are the joy of my life. Additionally, I enjoy being on the water, spending time with my dogs and helping others.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Above all else, focus on your attitude. A positive attitude will attract positivity to your life, especially your career. When you interact with others, find out how you can help them. When you give of yourself, others will want to help you.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

I am affiliated with more than 70 nonprofit organizations. I enjoy my board position with the New England Food Foundation and We Share Hope. Additionally, I enjoy working with my church, St. Luke’s Catholic Church, where I have been an active part of the outreach program.

Education:

B.S., The Florida State University.

developing strong relationships with customers can alleviate these types of situations.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media provides an outlet for consumers to share their experiences at our stores. We always respond to messages in a timely fashion.

How do you spend your free time?

Every free minute I have I look to spend with my family, whether it is going to my son’s basketball game or watching a movie with my husband.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Find a mentor who can provide a different outlook and help you become a better version of yourself. As a woman of color, I feel so supported by Krasdale who prides itself on diversity. That said, make sure that your company stands behind you and the value that you bring to the table.

C&S leverages our social media channels to let our customers and industry partners know how we are using the latest technologies and trends to stay ahead in our markets.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy traveling and going on new adventures with my husband Varant, my 2-year-old daughter Ellara and my 2-month-old daughter Naeva. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Never sell yourself short. Confidence is the key to success.

Professional and volunteer affiliations.

Member, Network of Executive Women; member, American Cheese Association.

Education:

Bachelor’s in food, nutrition and dietetics, Framingham State College.

the ultimate gift in my book.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Have a plan and set realistic goals for yourself. Be true to your convictions but don’t be blinded by them or you will find yourself sitting on the sidelines. Learn from all of your experiences, both good and bad.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Member of the Dream Big! 2018 Boston Marathon Team; raised more than $30k for this amazing charity that helps girls from low-income situations achieve their dreams by providing them with the basic items and fees necessary to enable them to participate in sports and physical activities that contribute to their health, education and overall well-being.

Education:

B.A. in speech communications, California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo.

something new.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Be receptive to feedback and solicit it as much as possible from your peers, customers and manager. Don’t take it personally; rather, take the advice and put it in to action (even if it does not make sense right away). Also, always have a personal development plan for yourself with measurable goals, time lines and check-ins with others to hold yourself accountable.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

WEBOUND-Women’s Empowerment Network; Center for Women and Enterprise Rhode Island; Rhode Island Community Food Bank; Save The Bay RI.

Education:

MBA, global leadership, Johnson & Wales University; B.S., hospitality management, Johnson & Wales University; A.S., food and beverage management, Johnson & Wales University.

DAWN MORSE Senior National Merchandising Analyst C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Immediate supervisor: Michael Cohen

Years with the company: 30

KATIE NAHOUM Head of Marketing WHISPS SNACKS

Immediate supervisor: Ilana Fischer

Years with the company: Six months

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I get to bring a super fun and delicious cheese snack to life with the best team I’ve ever worked with. We are a passionate team of cheese fanatics, and I love coming to work every day to partner with such an exceptional team. Marketing plays a big role at Whisps, and we focus a lot on connecting with consumers while ensuring every touchpoint continues to bring our unique personality and story to the forefront.

MELISSA NICKLESS Business Development Manager PROMOWORKS

Immediate supervisor: Nancy Drinkwater

Years with the company: 10

Please describe your job and why you love it.

PromoWorks is a national leader in in-store shopper engagement. I am based in-house at Food Lion and work to develop shopper events for the retailer and their manufacturers.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Very early on in my career, I was working with a particularly challenging manager and really struggling with how to manage what the right thing for the business was versus what I was being told to do. My inner voice told me that I

CHRISTINE O’DONNELL Regional Sales Manager, New England BUTTERBALL LLC

Immediate supervisor: Chris Peach

Years with the company: Two

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I’m competitive so I am energized tackling new opportunities and solving problems. I enjoy working with people in this role whether it be customers, brokers or teammates.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

A few years into my career, an outside sales position became available. I was

KIMBERLY O’HARA

Store Manager

GIANT MARTIN’S

Years with the company: 17

Immediate supervisor: Rodney Allen, district director

Do you have a defining moment of your career?

It is not one moment but a series of steps of courage when I was not afraid to step out of my comfort zone and take on the challenges of new positions at Giant. Each one has made me stronger and taught me that we grow the most when we embrace change.

DORA OCAMPO Senior Food Service Category Manager GLOBAL PARTNERS LP

Immediate supervisor: Jason Cooper

Years with the company: Five

Please describe your job, and why you love it.

I have a focus on commissary, fast food and cold dispensed beverage. I manage the product assortment, pricing, promotions and overall profitability of these categories. My job is so enjoyable because I’m constantly being challenged and, most importantly, appreciated.

Please describe your job and why you love it. I negotiate deals for our independent customers’ ads. I love working on getting the best deal for our retailers.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? I love working with my team and growing our sales.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Keeping up with the trends.

Describe a defining moment of your career. Having the opportunity to lead the international expansion for my previous company. After having built the brand playbook in the U.S., I was able to move to the U.K. and build a team and business from the ground up. It was a critical step in my career to jump way outside the lines of marketing with the added challenge of an entirely different consumer, regulatory and commercial ecosystem.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Celebrating the everyday milestones and small successes is really rewarding and helps contribute to our exceptional culture.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Being really clear on what has the most impact plays a big part in our day to day. It’s a constant discussion on prioritization and weighing the time and cost versus impact to keep our small team the most effective we possibly can be.

needed to address this somehow. It was in speaking up through the appropriate channels that I gained confidence in how to lead from within and trust my intuition.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Creating and executing shopper facing events that develop personal connections and experiences. Working with the retailers and CPG brands and understanding their unique go-to-market strategies of how they connect with shoppers.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Managing my time so I can work ahead on things I can control, and budget time for the ones I can’t.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media has always been important to me professionally to keep in contact, share in successes, learn different points of views on business and

in an inside business management role but really wanted to try customer facing sales. I went to my supervisor and asked if they would take a chance on me. They gave me the shot, and I became the first (and youngest) outside sales rep that the company had in retail. This was the start of a career in customer facing sales that I exceled at and grew to love.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Working with a customer enough that you build up trust, and it allows both parties to be transparent which usually helps improve on issues and open more doors for opportunities.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Explaining certain customer demands/expectations to some of my “internal customers” who have never had customer facing experience. How has social media helped or hindered your job?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Keeping an entire team engaged in a 24-hour dynamic environment. Every member of the team is integral to our business and makes us successful. Keeping a “One Team” mentality alive is an important focus to remain successful.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has transformed our jobs into a more immediate and interactive format allowing us to more quickly react and shape our business to meet the needs of our customers in the modern world. This is a definite challenge but one, if managed carefully, that can be very rewarding.

How do you spend your free time?

I have four passions: my family, Eagles football, the beach and Disney. Anything

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Accepting a position with Global Partners five years ago. In these five years, I’ve had four different roles within food service, all of which have influenced the trajectory of my career.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

It’s rewarding to see products/programs that I’ve worked on perform well and come to fruition.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Juggling competing priorities.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has been the best way to share the Alltown Fresh story with potential guests. As a new brand that’s intended to disrupt the c-store space by

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my grandson Jaxson Morse, who was born on my birthday.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Learn everything you can, it can only help you advance in your career.

Education:

Associate’s, Champlain College.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media continues to prove to be a great platform to help tell our story. We are also really interested in how we can amplify our efforts partnering with the right influencers.

How do you spend your free time?

I have an amazing husband and adventurous toddler, so we are pretty much chasing her around most of the time.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Maintain a strong sense of self and strive to be adaptable.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Member, Network of Executive Women (Cincinnati chapter).

Education:

B.S. in marketing and management, University of Delaware.

leadership, as well as keep up on trends in retail and shopper marketing. How do you spend your free time?

I am a huge fan of history and travel, so I like to pick a destination in the globe, research and explore. I also enjoy hunting for antiques, cooking, gardening and time with my family.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Invest time on the front end when building relationships to understand the needs, goals and personalities of who you are interacting with. It has proven to be an invaluable tool both personally and professionally.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women; Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Organization. Education:

MBA, Husson University; CPC, Fowler International.

Social media does help when I can show customers that we are doing targeted consumer marketing to their shoppers.

How do you spend your free time?

As a new mom to a 6-month-old, what free time? Watching my son Luke play and smile with his dad.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Take the time to listen and absorb as much as you can from anyone who has more experience than you—what you will learn can be invaluable.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Member, Network of Executive Women.

Education:

Bachelor’s in business management, minor in marketing, Moravian College.

that includes one of those four or incorporates them all is what I like to do in my spare time. To stay fit, I run 5Ks and half marathons with my husband and daughter.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Stay true to your values, respect individuality, work collaboratively, be adaptable and available, set goals and never forget to followup

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Member, District Mentor Group; member, LINC Business Resource Group.

Education:

B.A. in journalism; Temple University.

offering fresh food choices, smoothies and healthier made-to-order meals, we have an overwhelming amount of new information to share. Social allows us to tell our story visually and engage in dialogue directly with our guests in the communities in which we operate.

How do you spend your free time?

Traveling, cooking, spending time with loved ones, attending sport or live music events.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Never stop learning. Take advantage of opportunities when presented to you. Be kind to others. Be your biggest advocate.

Education: B.S. in marketing, Bentley University.

KARINA ORTIZ Fresh Operations Specialist NORTHGATE GONZALEZ MARKETS LLC

Immediate supervisor: Saul Ramirez

Years with the company: Nine

Please describe your job and why you love it. I love having the opportunity to work with all personnel in our Northgate team.

BRITTNEY PICKERING National Private Brands Sales Manager GOLD MEDAL BAKERY

Immediate supervisor: Justin Lecomte

Years with the company: Nine

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I develop and implement effective sales strategies and lead our sales teams to achieve sales targets. I am focused on helping customers solve their business problems, which can be a puzzle-like challenge. I live for that.

Describe a defining moment of your career. Having the courage to stand up for what was right even when it meant taking the risk to break away from business relationships that were just not working

JULIE PINARD

Human Resources Lead THE STOP & SHOP SUPERMARKET CO. LLC

Immediate supervisor: Maria Silvestri, SVP-human resources

Years with the company: 15

Do you have a defining moment of your career?

One of the defining moments of my career has been my role as the point person in the onboarding and training of associates from the 25 A&P and Pathmark stores Stop & Shop acquired in 2015. Through that experience, I learned that the relationships you build with people across the organization is critical to

JENNIFER PIZZUTTI Store Director BROTHERS MARKETPLACE, ROCHE BROS.

Immediate supervisor: Roger Bowles

Years with the company: 19

Please describe your job and why you love it. I am extremely proud to be the third female store director in company history. The best parts of my job are the bonds I have with my team and the encouragement from the company to get out and be a part of my stores’ community.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

A huge defining moment in my career was when I took the leap from Roche

Describe a defining moment of your career. Adapting to the different work environment from store to corporate. Transitioning my mentality in a broader scope of the company.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Having the opportunity to learn, increase my knowledge and expand my horizons of our company and industry.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Attracting others to desire change.

How do you spend your free time? Gatherings with my children, family and friends. I enjoy reading, listening and

anymore. I am proud to work for a company that supports my personal growth and creates defining moments.

What do you find most rewarding out your current position? Getting to build relationships with a wide range of professionals that I can learn from.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Balancing work and family life during busy times. I call it work/life-integration and I wear both hats proudly.

Describe the role of social media in your current position. It has enhanced my networking and educational capabilities, from LinkedIn to Instagram and Pinterest.

Has social media helped or hindered your job?

#HELPED! Through social media I stay up to date on industry trends, follow

dancing to music.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Put all your energy to everything you do to realize all the power you possess.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Team member of Nueva Esperanza and secretary of our Inspirista Committee.

Education:

B.S. in management; Western Association of Food Chains’ Retail Management and Human Resource Management Certificates; Effective Management Program, Cal State University, Fullerton, USC Food Industry Management Program.

competition (always have an eye on brand exposure) and while Pinterest is a hybrid of a visual search engine and social media platform, I use it to search for inspiration and information.

How do you spend your free time?

With my family and friends.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

I spend 10-15 percent of my time going to networking and industry events. Be authentic; don’t just build relationships when you need them.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women; Beta Gamma Sigma.

Education:

B.S. in business management, Nichols College; MBA, organizational leadership, UMASS.

your success, as well as the success of the organization. Ultimately, as a leader, what I carried away from that moment is that respect is earned through your character and the way you make people feel as opposed to your title. What is the most challenging part of your job?

We are in the business of people, which is both challenging and rewarding, but I find it most challenging to predict and understand the workforce of the future. How has social media helped or hindered your job? Generally, I think social media has helped my job as it helps me to be more connected and understanding of the workforce and our customers, as well as what motivates and drives them.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to entertain and cook for my family and friends. I like to stay active and spend as much time at the gym as possible and enjoy doing home improvement

Bros. to our smaller concept stores, Brothers Marketplace. Brothers is an environment where creativity is encouraged and thinking outside the box is a must, so I found myself fitting in quite naturally in this brand. It speaks to who I am as a person. We support local and offer great quality ingredients in our products; it’s something to be proud of.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The most rewarding part of my job is empowering and inspiring my team to grow. Not just as associates but as people, too. Whether you are teaching someone a new skill like cooking or baking, helping someone further their management skills, helping someone grow is the best feeling for your soul.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is being able to roll with the punches. Whether it’s sick calls, last-minute orders or a store issue, every day is different. You have to be able to pick up the pieces, not skip a beat and keep everything moving forward.

projects with my husband.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Be comfortable in your own skin. Balance cannot be defined for you; you need to establish it. Both personally and professionally, be focused and tuned in to whatever is in front of you.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Professional—Member of Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a member of Southern Connecticut Chapter of SHRM, SPHR certified three times through the Human Resource Certification Institute; Volunteer—I have been a volunteer with Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut for five years. I am affiliated with and have volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and have volunteered in different capacities for the Connecticut Food Bank.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media definitely helps my job. It is a great platform for sharing the fun events in our stores and communities. It allows us to highlight our local small business partners and is a great way to share the special extras that set us apart from other markets.

How do you spend your free time?

Most of my free time is spent chasing around my happy, energetic, 2-year-old son! I enjoy going on adventures with my family, spending time with loved ones, being creative, cooking new recipes and spending time in nature. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Think outside the box, don’t be afraid to stand out and be yourself.

Education:

Bachelor’s, fine arts and graphic design, Bridgewater State University.

JENNIFER REILLY VP, Retail Sales PERDUE FOODS

Immediate supervisor: Andy Urban

Years with the company: One

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I lead the Premium Prepared sales and category management organization for Perdue Foods, one of the leading food and agricultural companies in the U.S. I am accountable for building the shortand long-term sales plan and leading the team to deliver against all business objectives.

I have the pleasure of working for an organization that values quality, integrity, teamwork and stewardship. These values coupled with an incredible team and a high-quality portfolio of products provide me an incredible opportunity to do

what I love—working for an amazing organization.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

While there have been a handful of pivotal moments in my career, a key turning point for me was to make the decision to leave the first company I worked for to join another. Taking this leap was a turning point in my career and opened up unbelievable opportunities for new experiences.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Being a part of the team that is building the foundation for continued business growth over the long term.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

In the first year at Perdue, a challenging part of my position is learning a new industry. Perdue is an agricultural business as well as being a CPG company.

Describe the role of social media in your current position. Has it helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a critical component of the business as it’s the ideal platform to share the story of the Perdue brand and family with consumers as well as cascade product information.

How do you spend your free time?

Exploring our new community (eastern shore of Maryland) as my husband and I moved from Chicago to Maryland when I joined Perdue; Pilates; travel.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

As you chart your career and look to the future, focus on the competencies you want to learn and the experiences you want to have, not a specific position you aspire to have.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women.

Education:

B.A. in business administration, minor in marketing, Truman State University.

GWEN ROBBINS Lead Buyer

PEMBERTON FARMS MARKETPLACE

Supervisor: Tom Saidnawey,

Years with company: Five

owner

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am lead buyer for a large, high-volume independent grocery, wine and spirits market with a full kitchen, deli and cheese counter. I’m responsible for ordering all major vendors, meeting with brokers, food producers. I also attend large and small trade shows, farmers markets and the like from the West Coast to the East Coast. I negotiate deals, sales, case stacks deals/sales, etc., and oversee other department buyers.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Making the transition from small goods to food. The retail landscape was changing in early 2000s along with a recession. My love for food took me to culinary school in Los Angeles, where I entered the food world. I was catering to the stars, working at the top restaurants and teaching interactive cooking

JILL ROBBINS Founder, President, Manager HOMEFREE LLC

Please describe your job and why you love it. I love that my work is extremely varied. This includes sales and marketing, growth planning, product development and supporting our terrific team.

Describe a defining moment of your career. My career was as a clinical psychologist. Then my son was diagnosed with nut and peanut allergies, and his allergist strongly recommended that we never feed him anything made in a facility containing nuts or peanuts. This ruled out essentially all available baked goods. However, I didn’t want to leave my son on the outside of social interactions involving baked goods, which is most social occasions. So I got to work and created Homefree “treats you can trust” to make treats available that are delicious and wholesome for everyone and that

EILEEN ROGERS

Director

ACOSTA SALES & MARKETING

Immediate supervisor: Brian Ralston

Years with the company: 10

Please describe your job, and why you love it. Recently promoted to director, I am looking forward to training and mentoring our younger associates. In addition to that, I will continue to manage clients and make customer calls. I enjoy interacting with clients and collaborating to develop their plans. Selling these plans directly to category managers and seeing them come to life at retail is very rewarding.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I’m not sure there is one defining moment. My decision to opt out of the

ANGELA DANIELA ROSSI

Broker

GATTO SPECIALTY FOODS

(REPRESENTING

BELGIOIOSO CHEESE)

Immediate supervisor: Errico Auricchio

Years with the company: Regional sales manager for Belgioioso Cheese for 12 years; partners in GSF Brokers since 2018.

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am responsible for establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with food distributors and end-users by developing, maintaining and expanding customer relationships at multiple levels across the greater New York City area. I love my job because every day is different and every day presents a new challenge, and the fact that we have a strong team that is so amazing at what they do just makes it that more rewarding.

classes. By day, I took a buying position in a specialty ingredient-driven retail store, meeting the best chefs and stars in Los Angeles.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Teaching the “passion.” We can train and show someone how to do something, give them the right tools and encouragement, but we can’t really get them to love what they’re doing—that comes from within.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Finding the latest trends and getting it to our shelves first and watching the success of that grow into a bigger category. Plant-based is a good example of this. We were all over that three years ago, expanding the category as quick as product was available. The customers in Cambridge depend on us for the newest trends and life styles, and we deliver. I also find great reward in helping new local vendors to develop the best package and price for the retail shelf, something the creator hardly ever puts first when creating their product. I love to see a specialty spread, hot sauce, vegan cookie become successful and know that I had a little input in that.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

My responsibility is to share my product information, new items and more with

also safely include people with food allergies and most other special diets. You never know where your kids will lead you.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Hearing about Homefree products making a difference. Families frequently contact us to thank us. Businesses express excitement that Homefree cookies make it easy to delight their customers and employees with “one cookie for all” snacks.

What is the most challenging part of your job? That there is more to do than there is time to do it!

How has social media helped or hindered your job? We hired someone (part-time) knowledgeable and capable to handle this. We are also fortunate that our customers believe in Homefree and help spread the word.

How do you spend your free time? Free time?!! I enjoy hiking, singing, reading and cooking.

our social media team member. This does take time but is very helpful for so many reasons. We promote new items, specials, product information, events, upcoming events and upcoming demo tastings. We also use social media to promote our store using photos. A great way to share product information. How do you spend your free time?

I have a “you are what you eat” focus on functional foods. I’m a chocaholic, wine enthusiast, cheesemonger and runner. I love cooking, socializing and helping others. Free time is spent with my husband developing the “Portahaus” brand and creating shoes. I enjoy reading The Griffin Report as well as many other trade publications. I walk the local competition stores, review other stores’ weekly sales flyers, keep up with what our competition is doing, as well as keep up with all food/beverage trends. I’m always aware of the competition around us. I love to source new items from local farmers markets; local shared kitchens (commonwealth kitchen) and partake in many local food and beverage organizations like MSFA and SBA.

Education:

Le Cordon Bleu Culinary, 2008; retail management/merchandising, Fisher College.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Do what you love. If you have passion for your work, it will feel not like you are “going to work” but rather simply that you are working on something meaningful.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Company certifications: B Corporation for commitment to social and environmental responsibility; Women Owned Business; Safe Quality Food (SQF). Product certifications: Vegan, kosher pareve, gluten free, good source of whole grain, non-GMO, and some are organic. Community involvement includes donations of cookies to food banks and for disaster relief.

Education:

B.A., Wesleyan University, Connecticut; M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology, University of Massachusetts in Amherst; post-doctoral fellowship from McLean Hospital of Harvard Medical School.

workforce for 17 years to raise a family certainly helped shape my perspective and taught me invaluable lessons about organization and multi-tasking. The time away also left me energized to opt back in and raise my hand for challenges and opportunities. A few years ago, I took on a new role within the company that took me out of my comfort zone and, as challenging as it was, it rounded out my background to give me additional experiences that prepared me for my current role.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? The strong relationships I’ve built with my clients, customers and co-workers is of the utmost importance and most rewarding.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Managing the client’s and customer’s priorities to make the plan run and succeed for all involved.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Describe a defining moment of your career.

The position I am in today. I had set this goal during the early stages of my career and to achieve what you set your mind on is just a great feeling.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am very passionate about what I do. I also love and believe in the products I sell, which makes my job amazing. Setting growth strategies and achieving them is very rewarding to me.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

It’s not always easy to get someone to try something new or change their ingredients. Customers need to trust.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is the key of success nowadays. I am a big fan of Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. It helps you connect with your customers; helps you build new customers; increases awareness about your brand; and boosts your leads and sales. With the help of these platforms, creating a voice and overall brand image is important for your company.

Social media has helped by opening new ways to communicate with and reach your audience. It is very interesting to see the different ways clients and customers use social media to educate and incentivize their consumers. How do you spend your free time?

I always enjoy spending time with family and friends. In the last few years, I’ve enjoyed traveling internationally and exploring new cultures. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Ask a lot of questions and don’t hesitate to ask for help or guidance. Be open to change and accept challenges. Be a team player and a good teammate. Be flexible and willing to compromise.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Unity House.

Education: B.S. in business administration, Lehigh University.

How do you spend your free time?

I really enjoy traveling, cooking and since I am a big “foodie,” I love to always try new restaurants and build a relationship with the owners and chefs. The biggest part of my free time is spending quality time with my husband and my G-twins, Giada and Gregg, who are 6 years old; they are my whole world. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Work for a company with a great sales culture. Make your job about helping customers not just selling to them. Be authentic. Make your job fun. Always believe in yourself.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Italian American Chamber of Commerce; Girl Scout leader.

Education: The Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City.

JJ

SAMBA-GREEN Night Manager BIG Y FOODS

Immediate supervisor: Samantha Wilkerson, store

director

Years with the company: 11

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am responsible for the evening operations of a multimillion-dollar supermarket operation. I ensure the best customer and employee experience, including managing store conditions, inventory control, employee relations, food safety and security. I love that no two days are the same and I approach each day with my passion for people and food.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

The day I was approached by my district manager and offered this prestigious

SALLY SAMPSON Founder CHOPCHOP FAMILY

Years with the company: 10

Please describe your job and why you love it. As the founder of ChopChop Family, a 501(c)(3), I do a little bit of everything, although my focus is the creative side of our three magazines: ChopChop: The Fun Cooking Magazines for Families; Sprout: The First 1000 Days; and Seasoned: The Inspired Cooking Magazine for Older Adults. We are launching a new product in the spring, The Edible Alphabet, which is a learning deck for preschoolers. I honestly love everything about what I do. I work with an

SONA SAMVELIAN Division Allocation Manager FOOD 4 LESS

Immediate supervisor: Michael Callihan

Years with the company: 25

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I currently work in grocery merchandising as a division allocation manager. Having been on this job for a few months now, I love it because it gives me the opportunity to work in an area of our business that’s new to me and I get to learn new skills while continuing to support our stores. Describe a defining moment of your career.

JENNIFER SANDEL

position. I didn’t see it coming, and it was a defining moment in my career. To be considered capable was humbling, encouraging and empowering all at the same time.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I am most rewarded when I learn something new each day. I typically find it’s from an unexpected source.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

One of the most challenging parts of my job is always looking for ways to inspire all of our employees to wow our customers and being the person that sets that example.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has only helped me and my store work towards the goal of exceeding customer expectations. It has made it easier for my customers to share their shopping experience, celebrate my employees’ great service or give me a suggestion. I use this feedback to try new things, engage with our community and improve.

amazing team of people who are committed to enriching people’s lives by inspiring and teaching them to cook real food together. Describe a defining moment of your career.

In 2009, an idea began to take shape for a project that would match my skills as a food writer and recipe developer to my goal of addressing poor nutrition in kids. I would create a magazine that pediatricians could distribute during well-child visits. The kids would learn how to cook and take some responsibility for their own health. They would have fun, bond with their parents or caregivers and stop eating so much junk. They would achieve nutritional literacy. Ten years later, we reach more than 3 million children per year through pediatricians, schools, Indian reservations, community health centers, after-school programs, basically wherever you find kids. And we now have two other magazines that reach different populations with a very similar message—cook real food with your family.

When I accepted a job as a real estate analyst in our corporate office after having worked in our retail stores for 18 years. I had the opportunity to combine my education with my experience as a store director, grow into other leadership roles in the real estate and property management areas of our business.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I’m able to continue to learn new skills but also combine and apply my learnings from both school and on-the-job prior experiences to offer a new perspective.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Finding the most efficient and effective way to serve our stores, our customers. How has social media helped or hindered your job?

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy reading, attending church, spending time with family and friends and watching old movies.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Be open to listening to people at all levels in their careers. There is something to be said about seeing things from all sides. What better way than to spend time listening to the experienced as well as the new person with a fresh uninfluenced perspective? In other words, get wisdom.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Co-Leader of Women Leaders Engaged in Action & Development (Women L.E.A.D.), Big Y’s first Employee Resource Group; District Coach, traveling to the 14 locations in my district to support and engage all levels of employees to help them create solutions to solve pain points within their jobs; ServSafe Certified, 2016; Bethany Prayer Team, 2017.

Education:

Studied French and World History at SUNY Binghamton.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

There’s nothing quite so thrilling as seeing a kid cook a dish and then eat something they didn’t think they’d like.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Working on multiple issues of multiple magazines at the same time. How do you spend your free time?

Cooking with and for friends and family, gardening, reading. I recently went sky-diving.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

It’s cliché, but do what you love.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Boston Chamber of Commerce.

While social media does not play a direct role in my current position, I get a lot of industry news/related information on professional networking sites. How do you spend your free time?

I love spending my free time with my family and friends, and I love hiking, traveling and baking.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Never stop learning.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: California State PTA.

Education:

B.S. in accounting, Cal State LA, 2005, with a minor in economics; Food Industry Management Program, USC, 2004.

and it is exciting to think about how it will evolve in the coming years.

FIM

Student (formerly Category Sales Development Manager) NESTLÉ USA

Immediate supervisor: Anthony Villane

Years with the company: Eight

Please describe your job and why you love it. I am currently attending the Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California on behalf of Nestlé. Prior to the USC program, I was most recently a category sales development manager in the Nestlé Baking Division supporting the Toll House brand. In that role, I most enjoyed collaborating with multiple customer teams and cross-functional partners to drive strategy in a rapidly evolving category.

CHERYL SCHONDEK

SVP of Food Acquisition and Supply Chain THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK (GBFB)

Immediate supervisor: Catherine D’Amato, CEO

Years with the company: Seven

Please describe your job and why you love it. I oversee the entire operation including the warehouse, transportation, food donors, building, safety and a segment of fundraising. I am proud to be a contributor to the strategic plan to end hunger in 2028.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I spent 30 years in the retail food business, which offered so many opportunities for mentoring, teaching, coaching and training. I left the for-profit retail business and dove into the world of nonprofit food banking. I have been able to take prior experiences and apply structure and business acumen to my work at The Greater Boston Food Bank. We have an exceptional team with a passion for the mission.

Describe a defining moment of your career. Having the opportunity to call on a large national customer was a tremendous opportunity that was both challenging and rewarding. It further solidified my love for sales and CPG and afforded me the chance to meet and learn from talented and inspiring teammates and leaders.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Having the opportunity to think creatively to solve customer and consumer needs in an ever-changing food industry.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I believe traveling to different markets in the U.S. to stay up to date on all of the new things retailers and suppliers are doing to win in the marketplace is inspiring. However, that much time and travel is not always feasible.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has and will continue to have a massive influence on our industry,

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

The most rewarding part of my day is realizing that I am making a positive impact in the lives of our clients. Last year, we distributed 68.5 million pounds of food, and 65 percent represent the categories of produce, protein and dairy. GBFB could not accomplish the mission without phenomenal support of the food industry. Thanks to so many for your contributions toward the strategic plan of ending hunger by 2028.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

One in 11 residents in our service area is food insecure; that means they don’t know where their next meal is coming from. That staggering statistic keeps me up at night. My job will always be to acquire and distribute more nutritious food to those in need.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

All forms of media play an important role in our mission. Thanks for your ongoing support.

How do you spend your free time?

I have a passion to ‘give back’; it is part of my DNA. I spend a great deal of time volunteering in my community, especially visiting the elderly or reading

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy visiting friends and family, staying active, reading and spending time with my corgi, Boomer, who has been with me since the start of my career with Nestlé.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Show gratitude to the people who impact you in both big and small ways. We often spend more time with our “work family” than we do at home, and I think it is necessary as professionals that we take the time to reflect on the ways our peers, mentors, leaders, etc., lift us up.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women; American Heart Association.

Education:

B.A., Miami University (Ohio).

to elementary school age students. I enjoy spending time with my extremely supportive husband, Peter, my two exceptional daughters, Angela and Christine, and my adorable nephew Michael.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

My advice is the following: Be authentic and smile; embrace change as a positive; be a team player; provide a unique point of differentiation and always strive to be greater than average. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and you will be happy.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

VP, New England Food Foundation; board member, Hope and Comfort; Massachusetts Food Association; board member, New England Produce Council (during produce tenure); boar member, Network of Executive Women, New England Region; board member, St. Vincent de Paul Society; Support Stem Education.

Education:

Bachelor’s, University of Vermont; master’s, Bridgewater State University; Executive Education Course in Supply Chain, MIT; Executive Course in Produce Category Management, Cornell.

ALLISON SCHUMAN SVP of Sales WHISPS

Immediate supervisor: Ilana Fischer, CEO Years with the company: One

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I love it because of the amazing team I work with at Whisps. Ultimately, I look forward to coming into work every day because of the talented people I am surrounded by at all levels.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Building an entire sales team from scratch when we spun off Whisps from Schuman Cheese and creating a team culture I am proud to call my own. That culture allowed the company to grow 52 percent in the eight months we have been an independent company. That wouldn’t have been possible without the

DR. AMBER SCILIGO THE ORGANIC CENTER

Immediate supervisor: Dr. Jessica Shade

Years with the company: One

Please describe your job and why you love it.

My main role is to communicate science related to organic food and fiber production to various audiences like consumers, farmers, industry and policy makers. I help build teams of researchers and farmers to conduct science that fills our knowledge gaps in organic, and I write grant proposals to help fund those research projects. I love that I get to work with so many different stakeholders to help develop research to answer questions or find solutions to challenges the organic industry faces.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

When I was a post-doc, my work on organic farms started out narrowly focused on an interesting scientific, theoretical question. But when I presented my results to farmers who I thought would appreciate and benefit from the work, I learned that they didn’t value it in the same way. I had missed a huge opportunity to include them in the development of my research, which would

ELLE SIMONE SCOTT

Executive Editor, Inclusion Leader, Food Stylist and TV Talent

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN

Immediate supervisor: Jack Bishop Years with the company: Three

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I love my job because I get to do different projects all the time. I like that I can be as creative as I like, and I get to actually work towards the best interest of the teams at ATK.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

In 2015, I was recognized by Aetna Insurance company in their annual themed calendar. I was listed at one of the top Black Culinarians making strides in the industry. I was listed amongst the likes of Chef Leah Chase, Dr. Jessica Harris

LAUREN M. SCOTT Chief Marketing Officer PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION

Immediate supervisor: Cathy Burns

Years with the company: Four

Please describe your job and why you love it. The fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industries are filled with some of the most passionate, committed and resourceful minds. These are individuals who literally dedicate their talents to enhancing our lives through providing healthful food to nourish our bodies and incredible flowers and plants to nourish our minds. To be part of a sector that is the optimal solution in improving one’s well-being and deliver pure joy and cultural experiences through food and flowers is exciting and fulfilling.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

positive, scrappy, team-oriented culture we have today. What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Being part of a high-growth, high-energy company that is not only on-trend but thriving in the marketplace. To share in our retailers’ success and build a new category with them has been beyond rewarding.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

When you are a smaller team like we are, it can mean there is a lot of territories to cover with fewer heads. It has its challenges and long days but like all jobs, as long as you have a team that will stand by you and is willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work, it can be part of the fun.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

It plays a tremendous role in our jobs at Whisps. Social media is no longer optional when you are building a brand. It plays a pivotal role in growing brand awareness and recruitment and takes your business from B2B to B2C, allowing you to have a direct line of communication with people to show the personality

and tone of your brand.

How do you spend your free time?

I love traveling (not for work) with my husband, skiing, spending time with my family, and cooking and baking.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Find your support group and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. I think early in my career, I assumed that everyone knew that I was driven and was recognizing how hard I was working, and when I was ready, someone would pull me up to the next level of my career. It never happened. It was only when I started to ask for what I wanted that people started to recognize my worth.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Network of Executive Women.

Education: B.A., Skidmore College.

have made it more applicable and relevant. Since that lesson learned, I have been much more collaborative and always include the end-users of my research from the beginning of the scientific process.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Working with so many types of people to answer so many different questions for many different cropping systems all over the country to advance our collective understanding of organic farming.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

As one progresses through an academic career, she gets more and more specialized in her expertise on a topic that gets more and more focused. While I specialized in pollination and plant breeding in my academic training, in my current position, I have had to broaden my expertise at a staggering rate. I now work on science related to human health, plant health, soil health, climate change and biodiversity, to name a few.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Because our organization is outreach focused, we could not fulfill our mission without the use of social media tools to share information with our target audiences.

How do you spend your free time?

and more. I knew at that moment that my career was about to propel. It was humbling and also very exciting.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

All of my positions are extensions of my true self, so I think what’s most rewarding is that, through my work, I can still develop as an individual and challenge myself to find what makes people continue to feel passionate about their work. I also get to push myself to improve and gain new perspectives on food and food culture.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Learning how to determine how to prioritize tasks and also knowing when to close a task out. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and it’s hard for me to see the end of a project unless it’s perfect but there’s really no such thing as “perfect.” It’s just hard work and commitment to the end.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has helped my career overall. I love interacting with people and when you’re in front of the camera, you don’t really get a lot of that but people still want to feel as if you are just as much a part of your life as they are of yours

I was a senior in high school vying for a coveted Inroads internship in sales at Colgate-Palmolive. Seven students interviewed, and I got the job.

Four years later, the executive director shared that it came down to me and other candidates and they selected me for a reason I would never have guessed—I helped the sales rep carry the cases from the back room, and the other candidate stood and watched. It taught me that being yourself and doing what comes naturally can get you places in life.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

There’s nothing I enjoy more than visiting with our members, seeing their operations and learning about their challenges—and how PMA might be able to address those. Coming to a trade association after a career in CPG is not all that different because any marketing or strategy role is about solving problems and maximizing opportunity creatively. At the end of the day, the job is to be a valued, trusted resource to help your stakeholders achieve their goals...and have fun doing it.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Time is a challenge. There are always more I want to read and explore.

Working in my garden, both veggies and ornamentals; going for walks around the neighborhood; and creating in my pottery studio, where I incorporate things I find in nature, like leaves and pieces of bark, to make textures in functional pieces like plates and bowls.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

No matter what profession you are in, I believe that everyone can benefit from increasing collaboration with a diverse range of people. If there is someone who you’d never think to include when tackling a problem, then she’d probably be great to bring to the table. You never know what you’ll learn from other perspectives.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Member, Entomological Society of America; volunteer at Lexington, Kentucky, Pride Community Services Organization, helping with community food bank.

Education:

B.Sc., ecology and evolution, UC Berkeley; graduate diploma of Science, Ecology and Evolution, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand; Ph.D., Ecology and Evolution, Lincoln University, New Zealand; post-doctoral training, diversified farming systems focus area with concentration on pollination, UC Berkeley.

from TV. I also like to show other women of color that they can achieve all the things they want and more and that you can have a career doing your passion work.

How do you spend your free time?

I love traveling, reading a good book or watching classic movies. I also love vintage retail shopping.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Find a series of mentors for different areas of life, not just your career. Never be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask for what you want and don’t take no for an answer.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Advisory/board memberships: Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, Women In Hospitality United, NECAT, James Beard Foundations.

Education:

B.S. in human services; M.A. in entertainment business; CCP (a culinary certification).

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a great way to connect and experience ideas and culture coming to life…especially in a time-starved world. I can quickly share ideas and thoughts real time and get exposure to a wide range of people and topics. Exposure to an eclectic range of people and ideas is essential and exhilarating. How do you spend your free time?

Choral singing, going to restaurants, reading and hanging out with The Allens (husband and son).

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Never let lack of budget stifle your vision. As Emily Dickinson said, “Dwell in possibility.”

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Founding board member, Tap Uganda.

Education:

B.S. in marketing, Rutgers College-Rutgers University; M.S. in strategic communications, Columbia University; MBA in management, University of Maryland-Robert H. Smith School of Business.

KELLY

SHANAHAN

Regional Pharmacy Manager

GIANT FOOD

GIANT OF MARYLAND LLC)

Immediate supervisor: Paul Zvaleny, director of pharmacy operations

Years with the company: 17

Do you have a defining moment of your career?

An esteemed colleague once said, “You can’t teach what you don’t know; you can’t lead where you won’t go.” This has stuck with me and has served as a personal mantra for me. As leaders, we need to remember that we must have credibility by demonstrating knowledge in what we are asking our teams to do. What is the most challenging part of your job?

JENNIFER SHEEHAN

Director of Sales, Juice Division

PEPSICO

Immediate supervisor: Lucette Robillard

Years with the company: 20

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I spent much of my career as an individual contributor managing accounts. When I moved into a role managing people and taking responsibility for larger customers, I found my stride. I have had the pleasure of working with and managing some of the best people in the industry in my 20 years with PepsiCo.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Watching my team develop over the last few years has been very rewarding. The key to our success as a team is developing the individual.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The enjoyable aspect of a director role is the diversity of the everyday work. No

MONICA SIMMONS-DOLCE Director, Center Store-Edible Grocery, Dairy and Frozen GIANT FOOD (GIANT OF MARYLAND LLC)

Immediate supervisor: Michael Weinstock, VP, category management

Years with the company: Two at Giant Food; 16 with Ahold Delhaize USA companies.

Do you have a defining moment of your career?

The most rewarding moments in my career have happened when I have leaned in and taken a chance. Two years ago, when Ahold Delhaize USA embarked on its brand-centric operating model, I decided to move to the Maryland/ Washington, D.C., area for a lateral position. There was a director position open I did not think I was being considered for, but I applied anyway. I met with my

CORTLYN SLANINA

Associate Account Manager (Weis Markets account) IMPERIAL DISTRIBUTORS

Immediate supervisor: Derek Potter

Years with the company: One and a half

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I love my job because I always get to see my hard work on display when I am shopping in Weis Markets.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

IRIS SNYDER

CFO WHISPS

Immediate supervisor: Ilana Fischer, CEO

Years with the company: One

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I head up finance and operations for Whisps. I love my job because of the people I work with. Everyone is incredibly passionate about bringing our product to consumers, making it a fun work environment.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

About four years ago, I put my name into the ring for a big promotion. I wasn’t

It is challenging to motivate people who are driven by different things. Practicing situational leadership and learning what is important to each team member is critical to their success and overall business success.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has made it easy for customers to instantly share with their networks any experiences they have in our stores. Therefore, it is critical that we are better each day at what we do. It requires that we remain hyper-vigilant in ensuring every customer has an experience that exceeds expectations. Our managers need education and the confidence to step in and turn a negative experience into one that, if handled well, will build customer loyalty.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Stay passionate. When we lose passion, things suffer—teams, family and selfconfidence. When you feel yourself settling into a routine, switch it up. It is never too late to rediscover your passion.

two days are ever the same. That also makes it very challenging. I have learned that work/life balance is an important part of being a good leader, and I try to make sure my team has that balance as well. We all work better when we can bring our best self to work.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

For the most part, it is a help. In my current role, I use it to see how our customers speak to their customers. We use social media to communicate brand info to our consumers as well.

How do you spend your free time?

I try to spend as much time as I can with my two teenagers, Mackenzie and Conor. It’s challenging to be a working mom. I try to remember it is challenging at times for them as well, especially when I am away on business. I have a great support system of friends and family that have encouraged me throughout my career, and I enjoy spending as much time as I can with them. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Don’t forget where you started. I started in the industry at a very young age. I have so many people that helped me be successful along the way. There

supervisor and SVP to ensure they knew why I was applying, my deep desire for the role and to reiterate my credentials. I am happy to say that I was selected to be the director of center store.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Time. I have found that prioritization and balance are the key to getting the critical work done, managing the day-to-day, having one on one time with my team, allowing time for strategy development and scheduling “thinking time” to ensure I have time to focus on the future.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a good way to understand our customers, and it provides great insights to current trends. As we observe the health journey many people are on through both food and exercise, we tailor product assortment and communication approaches to proactively meet their needs. Social media has also helped us understand the sustainability expectations of our customers. To ensure we are focusing on our sustainability goals, I include the marketing and

Taking on my current position as an associate account manager, with zero experience in the grocery industry, as I previously worked in health care for six years. This experience has allowed me to grow tremendously, both personally and professionally, and is a constant reminder to always take chances.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Working with the customer to find ways to execute new and upcoming trends. It’s always great to see my ideas on display in the store.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Being the middle man between two businesses. I always need to make sure I am considering both parties when making decisions.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

certain I had the necessary experience, but I decided to go for it after a long debate with myself. After a formal vetting process with both internal and external candidates, I got the promotion. It helped me realize that great things can come when challenging oneself and stepping out of the comfort zone. While it may feel uncomfortable, it can bring on a lot of growth.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I get to work with everyone in the organization—finance, operations, marketing and sales. I like being able to see the entire organization and feel that I play a part in making things run just a little bit smoother.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Prioritization. As a company, we have long-term goals, and it takes a lot of focus to make sure we tackle those while still addressing the day-to day tasks that must get done.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy coaching field hockey. I not only get satisfaction from teaching young women the skills and strategies of the game, but I get greater satisfaction when players reap the rewards of mastering something and embracing the ideals of team before self, conflict resolution, sportsmanship, community involvement and watching them emerge as leaders. I think it is imperative for successful women to get involved with youth sports to be a role model. If young people see it, they can believe it.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association; USA Field Hockey Level 2 Certified Coach; Severna Park High School Assistant Field Hockey Coach; Women Adding Value Business Resource Group.

Education:

B.S. in pharmacy (BSP).

were people that I worked with at store level that helped me learn how to deal with customers face to face. Working with a broker taught me how to manage multiple priorities and working with a retailer helped me to hone my negotiating skills. Every job you do helps mold you into what you will become. I always sought out the people that had the most experience and developed relationships that I still value 30 years later. The most important things I learned could not be taught in a book. Relationships mean everything in sales, but they have to be genuine and not just for the sake of career advancement. When I mentor young people today, I always stress the need to know which situations need an email and which ones are better off talking live or face to face. Looking someone in the eyes and seeing their body language is so important. That is how trust and relationships develop.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Past board member, NEWFDA (Northeast Wholesale Food Distributors Association); president, American Legion Auxiliary; past board member, Dutchess Outreach; Pleasant Valley, New York, Fire Department Auxiliary.

Education:

B.B.A.; MBA in marketing.

sustainability teams in strategy discussions.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

We spend a lot of time working on our careers; it really helps if you love what you do. Indulge your natural curiosity about your field. Enjoy the journey, even when it is difficult, and you are unsure where it is headed. Keep learning. Our world is changing every day; learning will keep you in front of change. Continue to evolve as your career grows; your evolution will be key to your own success.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to travel and explore new places. I enjoy cooking, gardening, music and reading.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Mid Atlantic Steering Committee, Network of Executive Women.

Education:

B.A., Michigan State University.

Social media has helped me with staying on top of up coming trends as well as being knowledgeable on what competitors are doing in the market. How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Always believe in yourself, be willing to take risks and embrace new opportunities outside of your comfort zone.

Education:

B.S. in business administration, concentration in marketing, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

How do you spend your free time?

I live in New York City, and love to explore the city with my husband and two boys. I also love to read and participate in a book club with local friends. I also participate in the occasional 5k run.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Raise your hand for the extra project, even if you are already busy in your role. You will be able to contribute in ways you aren’t able to in your day to day job, as well as meet other people in your company you don’t ordinarily get to work with.

Education:

B.S. in industrial and operations engineering, University of Michigan; MBA, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern.

PAMELA STEWART SVP, National Retail Sales THE COCA-COLA CO.

Immediate supervisor: Jim Brennan, EVP-national retail sales

Years with the company: 20

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I currently lead a 100-person (55 of whom are sales) matrixed organization, responsible for a $3 billion revenue portfolio comprising global and national large store and club retailers. I love that the role provides me a perfect intersection of my passions—strategy, inspirational leadership, talent development and driving sustainable results through our partners.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

In my initial months as a people leader, I was searching for my voice. I registered for a leadership course shortly after that. In that session, I gained clarity on my personal missions: 1) to create environments where people are more comfortable in their own skin and 2) to stretch people beyond

LAURA STREHLE

Senior Director of Supply Chain Planning

HEINEKEN USA

Immediate supervisor: Laurens Van De Rotte

Years with the company: Three

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am responsible for planning the end-to-end supply chain to ensure our brands are available for our consumers to enjoy. I love that my role is connected all functions in the organization. It gives me a unique ability to collaborate cross functionally.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

AMANDA STROMGREN Director of Procurement C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Immediate supervisor: Jamie Lee King, VP of procurement

Years with the company: 12

Please describe your job and why you love it. I am a director of procurement, overseeing our independent customers across the nation. I am responsible for employee development, coordinating and implementing strategic actions to achieve the company’s key performance indicators. I love my job because every day is a new challenge. I get to work with great people, and I have an opportunity to impact the direction and success of our company through my voice, actions and leadership skills. Describe a defining moment of your career.

LAURIE STUCCHI VP, Divisional Merchandiser BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUBS

Immediate supervisor: Mike Leary

Years with company: 28

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I lead our team of very talented merchants in the dry grocery and dairy categories. What I love about my job, and have always loved about being in retail, is the constant need and challenge to think ahead to what’s next. Developing new strategies and ideas to remain relevant in an industry that is constantly changing keeps me energized.

Describe a defining moment in your career.

I’ve spent most of my career here at BJ’s as a buyer and was fortunate to have the opportunity to buy many different categories over the years. I enjoyed being close to the product, and I found designing and developing items and programs extremely rewarding. After 20-plus years of buying, I began to think about the

TINA SWEETSER Category Manager–Candy/GM/Seasonal HANNAFORD BROS. CO. LLC

Immediate supervisor: Tony Robidas, director of category management

Years with the company: 21 with Hannaford (2007-present and 1981-1997), as well as nine additional years with Ahold Delhaize USA companies.

Do you have a defining moment of your career?

A defining moment in my career was when I was promoted to a buyer/category

their perceived potential. This deep awareness required my sincere display of authenticity. It was then that I found my leadership style, confidence, significance and purpose.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I truly enjoy the fact that no one day is like another in this role. With more than 20 customer banners in the portfolio and given the evolving retail landscape, each moment is dynamic. This, coupled with the ability to fulfill my personal life missions, makes this role rewarding.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part about this role is making sure every single teammate on my watch feels like he/she/they matter(s). It is the single thing that keeps me up at night. I have an innate desire to create safe spaces alongside others and any second someone feels invisible, unheard or unimportant always will be my greatest challenge to prevent.

Describe the role of social media in your current position. Has it helped or hindered your job? Social media is integrated in most of our customer marketing programs today because consumers leverage the tools to make buying decisions. Additionally,

Becoming a people leader. Developing my personal leadership skills in order to lead high-performing teams is a continuous journey. Developing myself and others is my No. 1 priority and is the most important role I have in my organization.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

A global supply chain can be turbulent and every day brings new challenges. I enjoy the diversity of the business and supply chain challenges. It continues to push me to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. What is the most challenging part of your job? Planning is all about balance. My role requires me to take key decisions based on the unknown. Having trust in my people and confidence in my experience allows me to balance that risk.

I had the opportunity to integrate three supporting business units within Procurement; Project Management, Solutions & Optimization; and Learning & Development, into a singular entity to increase the efficiencies and effectiveness for the Procurement department. I personally did not have the tactical skills to do the individual job functions, which led me to rely solely on my leadership skills and business acumen. Collectively, we increased our supply chain knowledge, allowing us to drive change within the department. I learned that to continue challenging and educating myself, I need to make the most of every situation and to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Equipping my team members with the knowledge and tools to grow into the best version of themselves and, then, watching them build confidence and ownership of their responsibilities and driving for success.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Adapting to industry and economic challenges while minimizing the impact to my team and maintaining consistency to our customers.

possibility of pursuing a leadership role. I received so much encouragement from people in the organization, as well as my family, I decided to take the leap. Through a lot of hard work and coaching I was promoted into my current role, which has been even more rewarding than I ever could have expected.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The things I enjoy most about my job are building and executing successful strategies and supporting and guiding my team.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Ensuring my team and I are executing on all long- and short-term strategic priorities while managing the day-to-day business that changes so quickly can be a challenge. Balancing the bandwidth requires a lot of attention to detail, organization and prioritization with the ability to pivot quickly when necessary. How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is an important part of reinforcing and delivering our value message. Engaging with existing and potential members creatively through social media allows us to showcase and educate these consumers about the products and services we offer and the savings we can provide them.

manager for Hannaford in 1990, at the age of 27. Neither my age nor my lack of a college education held me back from achieving this goal. This achievement boosted my confidence and drive to continue to grow and succeed within this industry.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Feeling comfortable with the level of risk I need to take to drive our seasonal business is the most challenging part of my job. The seasonal business is unique and requires a higher level of risk than any other grocery category I’ve managed.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media is helpful for receiving feedback from consumers on product

I seek it for talent scouting and engaging with fans of the Coca-Cola brands. It helps me continue to contemporize our collective team approach to the business.

How do you spend your free time?

I am a globetrotter, enjoying different cultures and landscapes around the world. Additionally, I am a voracious reader, avid writer and art/music aficionado.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Never compromise your authenticity, continue to learn and to be curious, give others (and yourself) the latitude to evolve and grow and dream boldly.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Chair, GLAAD; co-chair, Atlanta Mayor Advisory Council; Board member, The Coca-Cola Co.’s Global Women’s Leadership Council; Executive member, Network of Executive Women; and member of Camp Twin Lakes communications and marketing committee.

Education:

B.B.A., Georgia State University; MBA, Oglethorpe University; executive education, Harvard Business School.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a great way for me to connect with people inside and outside of my organization. It’s also a tool for me to reward and recognize my team and peers for outstanding accomplishments in a public way.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to travel and experience new adventures. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Do what you love and take risks.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Board chair, Woman’s Leadership Forum.

Education:

Bachelor’s in international business; MBA.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Having social media allows me the ability to understand a different aspect of my customers and internal business partners influences that can help strengthen our relationship.

How do you spend your free time?

Spending time and making memories with my husband and two small children.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Work hard. Never stop learning. Be comfortable being uncomfortable in new challenging positions and make the most of it. Don’t let yourself stand in your own way; be your own biggest cheerleader.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

PMP (Project Management Professional), certified July 2019.

Education:

B.S., dual majors in business management and economics, Keene State College.

How do you spend your free time?

Doing anything outdoors, spending as much time as possible at our cottage on Cape Cod and traveling outside the U.S. to new and interesting places to learn about different cultures and history, take in the architecture and, of course, eat and drink delicious food and wine.

Do you have advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Embrace change! When I reflect on some of the most satisfying moments in my career, they have all happened at pivotal change points. Whether I was asked to take on additional responsibility, given a new program or project to spearhead or moved to a new area of responsibility, I went in with an open mind and a positive attitude even when they were difficult adjustments and transitions. Each time, I’ve come away with broader knowledge and experience that has benefited me in future roles and responsibilities.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Network of Executive Women; Saint Joseph’s University Academy of Food Marketing Board of Governors.

Education:

B.S. in business management, Newbury College.

offerings and a great way to view product trends. How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy golfing. I play in a women’s league and golf with my husband on the weekends. I also enjoy traveling.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Be your true self at work. Work hard but don’t forget to have fun. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Learn from your mistakes. Be sure to lean into your co-workers as needed for support and knowledge sharing. Strong working relationships are extremely important.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: United Way; Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter.

Krystyna Testa Procurement Manager of the Health and Beauty Division

We honor Krystyna Testa, for her commitment as a Woman of Influence in the Food Industry. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our associates and our customers.

From your friends and colleagues at Wakefern

-Estée Lauder

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”

KRYSTYNA TESTA Procurement Manager, Health and Beauty Division WAKEFERN FOOD CORP.

Please describe your job and why you love it. I oversee the category management and beauty advisor teams and am responsible for growing sales while achieving all our financial budgets and meeting the needs of our members and customers. I love my job because every day is different and fast paced. I love my company’s mission— “helping small business succeed in a big business world”—and the lifelong lessons that Wakefern’s leaders and members have taught me. Describe a defining moment of your career.

After spending more than 12 years in various category management positions within Wakefern’s grocery division, I was promoted to my current role in health and beauty. It was a great challenge transitioning to my role because the nature of the two categories were so different. I had to learn new ways to negotiate

MELISSA THURBER

Director, IT Project Management Office

C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Immediate supervisor: Salil Sinha

Years with the company: 10

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I was managing a customer service team when the company I was working for decided to implement an ERP system. I quickly went from customer service to business partner to trainer, to production

SHANNON TRACY

Senior Manager–Corporate Projects

C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS

Immediate supervisor: Margot LaPointe

Years with the company: 20

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I manage C&S’ PMO (Project Management Office), which is responsible for delivering on the strategy and execution of the company’s business goals. Describe a defining moment of your career.

NANCY J. TUCKER, CAE

with our vendor partners and how to engage our 50 members in the business. What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I have had the pleasure of being able to witness many of my team’s successes, including watching category managers create new categories from the ground up and hosting meaningful community events that support our purpose. It’s also exciting to hit and surpass our budgets, but the most rewarding experience is seeing the team work together and develop their technical and individual skills over time.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

With so much rapid change occurring, it’s impossible to do it all. The most challenging aspect of my job is prioritizing my day to day, along with keeping the team motivated in such a demanding environment. Our customer is always our number one priority. Despite the challenges, we stay focused on delivering a best-in-class experience through assortment, value and service.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media is another tool that we can utilize to communicate to our

support and business analyst in IT. It was then that I found my niche in project management.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I really enjoy working with the business, IT and our customers to bring successful changes to improve our business. I speak both business and IT so I get to translate and bring the two together in our projects.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Staying ahead of the constant change that drives this business. How do you spend your free time?

Leading our team in the successful opening of C&S’ new 727,000-s.f. dry grocery and GM/HBC warehouse in Houston, Texas. I couldn’t have asked for a better team, truly working as one team, delivering our project on time, under budget and within scope.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I love to see the positive impact my team has through mentoring, developing and coaching project team members to be successful executing complex, crossfunctional projects of strategic significance. What is the most challenging part of your job? Balancing competing priorities and creating time for my team’s growth and development.

How do you spend your free time?

ShopRite customers on a much more personal level. We use it in addition to our standard circular that features product and price.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy time outdoors gardening, spending time at the beach and watching my kids play sports.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

My best advice would be to start. At times, a new job, project or goal might seem too big or hard to accomplish. However, the only way to achieve your goals is to take the first step and tackle it one piece at a time. Once you’ve achieved something great, find a way to share out these successes in a tactful way so that others can learn from the path that you’ve paved.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women, Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Education:

B.A., MBA, Montclair State University.

I enjoy singing, attending music festivals and spending time with my friends and my large family. Especially my 11 grandkids.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Be open minded. You never know when an unexpected opportunity will arise and change your direction.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Network of Executive Women, PMI (Project Management Institute).

Education: PMP certification.

I enjoy the outdoors: camping, hiking and gardening. My passion is running agility with my dog, Riley. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Make sure you find a good work/life balance and find what inspires you, no matter your age.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Network of Executive Women; Women’s Informal Network Group; Elks Lodge #1499; Bragnet; run in various 5Ks supporting a host of causes.

Education:

Certified PMP (Project Management Professional); pursuing a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in project management (2021).

I enjoy hiking, jogging, travel, reading and, especially, spending time with family and friends.

Global

VP,

Central

&

South America/Mexico PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION

Immediate supervisor: Yvonne Bull, Ph.D.

Years with the company: 40 as of March 17

Please describe your job and why you love it. I work to provide value to PMA’s members through programs, research, information and events. Being able to add to the development of the produce industry in these countries and work with the association’s volunteer leaders is why I love what I do.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

DONNA TWEETEN EVP, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Customer Officer HY-VEE INC.

Immediate supervisor: Randy Edeker, chairman,

CEO

and president

Years with the company: 14

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I oversee all our marketing efforts and our customer experience efforts— everything from television commercials to customer service training. I’m responsible for the entire brand experience of Hy-Vee for all our current and potential customers. My team and I have to make sure we’re reaching our customers in all the ways and places that resonate with them most today.

I took the risk to create a new position within the association that dealt exclusively with our international programs and members. My business plan was accepted and, over the years, I’ve been a pivotal force in growing PMA into a global organization.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Connecting people and seeing their business grow, building loyalty to the association and seeing tangible results are rewarding to me.

What is the most challenging part of your job? There are more programs, needs, activities and follow up than can be accomplished, so it is important to prioritize, communicate and delegate. How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media expands outreach and helps make connections, which is important to association work.

How do you spend your free time?

Describe a defining moment of your career.

The day that Helpful Smiles Television (HSTV) launched in October 2018. We were the first grocery retailer to create a free, online video streaming network targeted to our customers, and we had almost 4 million views in the first year. That was an incredibly defining moment at this point in my career.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Seeing a television ad or social media post that totally resonates with our customers. When I see them share it with their networks or interact with it on social media, then I know that we’ve done exactly what we should do from a marketing standpoint.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Having to talk to shoppers differently and to be flexible to consumer needs, which are constantly changing, remains one of the most challenging yet fulfilling aspects of my roles.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Connections are incredibly important. Be part of your profession’s association and get involved as a volunteer. You’ll make valuable relationships that will lead to increased business and job opportunities.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

American Society of Association Executives (chair of the International Section twice and have been a Certified Association Executive since 1990); volunteer leadership positions at my church; past board member at the Food Bank of Delaware.

Education:

B.S. in food and nutrition, University of Delaware; MBA in marketing, University of Delaware.

Social media has completely transformed the way my teams and I do our jobs. It’s multiplied the reach we can have to get our message to customers and is changing every single day. It’s definitely kept my job interesting!

How do you spend your free time?

My husband and I recently welcomed our first grandchild, so I’m getting as much time with her as possible. Aside from that, I enjoy camping, volunteer work, reading, attending movies and am a big fan of the Chicago Bulls, Cubs, Blackhawks and Bears since I was born and raised in the Chicago area. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Never stop learning and evolving, whether that’s in your professional specialization or any other area of life. Our world is moving so quickly; anyone who doesn’t make constant learning and evolution a key part of their career will never achieve all they were destined to achieve.

Education:

B.A. in journalism, Drake University, Des Moines.

DONNA TYNDALL SVP of Operations

GELSON’S MARKETS

Immediate supervisor: Rob McDougall

Years with the company: 46

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am SVP of operations for our chain of 27 grocery stores. My job is to ensure the smooth operation of all our stores, while providing a great shopping experience for our customers and a great place to work for our associates.

Describe a defining moment of your career. In the early years of my career at Gelson’s, I worked as a checker while I was

MELISSA VILLAREAL VP of Finance/Controller

NATURE

NATE’S

HONEY CO.

Immediate supervisor: Nathan Sheets

Years with company: Three

Please describe your job and why you love it.

My role with Nature Nate’s involves oversight of the accounting and technology teams. I love my job because I have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the business. Every day is different with new opportunities to learn more about our business. There is never a dull moment.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

That was the first time I had a direct report who rose from being an underachiever to a valuable contributor promoted into another department. To develop high-performing teams, it is important to consider each employee on the team and focus on their strengths and self-awareness of these strengths.

TRICIA WALLWORK

Chairman and CEO

MILO’S TEA CO.

Years with the company: Joined Milo’s in 2004 as VP and general counsel and was promoted to chairman and CEO in 2012.

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I love this job because I am passionate about our heritage, our all-natural products and our family-based culture and TEAm. The opportunity to do all this while focusing significant resources into our responsibility programming (environmental stewardship, giving back and diversity/inclusion) gives me the confidence to know we are having a positive impact one sip at a time.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

In 2014, we had the opportunity to take our regional tea company nationwide and position ourselves as a national beverage brand. Today, Milo’s has the

KELLI WALTER Dairy Category Manager SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET

Immediate supervisor: Scott Romano

Years with the company: 13

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I specifically manage milk and eggs. I love the fast pace of dairy, working directly with farmers, understanding farming today and what consumers want.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

When I first started category management, my biggest category had some challenges and my obvious goal was to fix it. In the process, I took a risk

HEIDI WEISS

Director, Membership Development & Retention INTERNATIONAL FOODSERVICE DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

going to college. After I graduated from UCLA, I was asked to join the ranks of store management, at a time when there were no female managers in our company. I was reluctant to take the leap but I did, and it changed the course of my life. I love the challenges of leading others and am proud that I helped open the doors for other women to enter the management ranks in our company.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? Helping our employees to be successful in their job and seeing them grow in their career.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

As our company grows, the demands of the job don’t allow me to spend as much time in the stores with our employees.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media has added a new dimension to the way we communicate with

Seeing this employee and others that I have mentored move on in their roles is proof to me that I have been impactful in this important aspect of my own success. I believe that one of the greatest validations as a leader is to see those that you have mentored grow in their career.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I work with amazing people who are passionate about our product and the mission to honor God by helping others and their families live healthy lives.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Prioritization and focus. We have a very entrepreneurial culture which is exciting and challenging at the same time.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has an extremely important role in my current position because it has proven to be a valuable vehicle for sharing our company mission, culture and product with a very diverse audience.

How do you spend your free time?

My time outside of work involves tending to our menagerie of pets (horses, cats,

No. 1 tea item in United States grocery and, recently, has become the No. 1 refrigerated tea brand.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I have the privilege of continuing my grandparents’ values of focusing on the consumer and never sacrificing quality. A driving force for me personally is the opportunity not only to build an exceptional business but to make a difference in the lives of our associates and the communities we serve through our robust responsibility programming that focuses on environmental stewardship, giving back and diversity/inclusion.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Every day, we compete against Goliaths (international big food), with budgets and resources far more expansive. Yet, we continue to win because our products are different, our go-to-market tactics are different and our company is different.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is not relevant to my position (unless you’re talking as a parent) but is a key tactic for our brand as it gives us the opportunity to build deeper

bringing in a new brand and giving it significant space in the category. I told the brand we were going to hit a certain sales number for its first year. We exceeded that number and the category turned around to where it needed to be. It was the moment I knew category management was the right place for me. I still keep the brand’s picture in my office to remind me.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Seeing the results of my work, watching categories, brands and people grow and succeed. Building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that drive growth and innovation.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There are many challenges that farmers face today and seeing a small family dairy have to close its doors is the hardest part of my job and something I have seen more this year than in the past. It is an unfortunate reality of dairy farming today.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

I came upon my first job with a trade association by chance and haven’t looked back for 30-plus years. The association world is my oyster.

customers. It helps us to reach potential new customers from different age groups and demographics.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy traveling and golfing with my husband, Mike.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

It is important to treat others the way you want to be treated, even when no one is watching!

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Director, Western Association of Food Chains; founding member, SoCal chapter of Network of Executive Women; City of Hope Food Industries Circle.

Education:

B.A., UCLA; graduate, USC Food Industry Management Program.

dogs, chickens) with my husband and working towards my permit as a wildlife rehabilitator. My husband and I also enjoy live music events and spending time with our grandbabies.

Do you have any advice to up-and-coming professionals?

Practice integrity and sincerity, others will support you and trust you. Be humble and be quick to give praise when it is earned. Find someone that you respect and adopt them as your mentor. Take the opportunity to lead projects even if they are not fun or flashy—it is a great opportunity to show your dedication, great attitude and ability. You might even learn something new about yourself. Make work/life balance a nonnegotiable.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Certified Public Accountant; Network of Executive Women; CFO Leadership Council; Texas Metro Wildlife Rehabilitation; National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.

Education:

Bachelor’s in business administration.

connections and brand equity with our consumers. How do you spend your free time?

When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, reading, music, art and exercise. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Experience has taught me to embrace mistakes as lessons learned and opportunities for continuous improvement. Allowing the team and yourself to fail fast in new and experimental initiatives is fuel for growth organizations and A Players. Enjoy the journey and be self-aware.

Professional and volunteer affiliations:

Currently, I serve on the Board of Trustees for the Birmingham Museum of Art and Birmingham Business Alliance and am a director for Glenwood (The Autism and Behavioral Center of Alabama). I am an active member of Young Presidents Organization and Women’s President Organization.

Education:

Summa cum laude graduate, University of Alabama School of Law; B.A. in philosophy, Auburn University.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

It has enhanced the ability to communicate brand stories to consumers, and that is a win for everyone from the brand to the retailer and the consumer, in my opinion.

How do you spend your free time?

Being with my family. Golfing, hiking, playing games, watching my beautiful 6-year-old daughter do karate and yoga, or anything. She is amazing and makes all the hard work worth it.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Have integrity. At the end of the day, people will respect the honesty and being true to yourself.

Education: Associate’s of science.

How do you spend your free time?

All things dog related. I am involved in the dog rescue community and have two rescue dogs who keep me very busy. Also, I’m a total “foodie.”

(IFDA)

Immediate supervisor: Mark S. Allen, president and CEO

Years with the company: Eight

Please describe your job and why you love it.

A passionate industry and people.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Constant contact with our members, providing the highest level of customer service, learning something new about the food industry every day

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Dealing with industry consolidation.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a plus, and part of everyday life these days. A recruiter found me on LinkedIn which is how I came to be with IFDA. I connect with members and prospective members regularly via social media.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

My advice would be to surround yourself with people who are better than you: wiser, more experienced, inspirational. Learn from them, connect with a mentor.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Member of ASAE; Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF); board member, GoodDogz.org.

Education: Virginia Commonwealth University; Commonwealth College.

STEPHANIE WENDELL Senior Director of Sales and Merchandising, Own Brands ALBERTSONS COS.

Immediate supervisor: Alice Chan

Years with the company: 11

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I have the responsibility for seven of our 13 divisions. My team and I drive all Own Brands business metrics in our markets—innovation acceptance, portfolio optimization and expansion, sales, volume and profit growth, penetration targets, campaign execution.

JULIANNE WHITE Project Director, Hunger Free 2028 THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK

Immediate supervisor: Cheryl Schondek

Years with the company: 1

Please describe your job and why you love it.

I am project director for Hunger Free 2028, the Greater Boston Food Bank’s 10-year strategic plan to end hunger in Eastern Massachusetts by providing access to three meals a day to those in need. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of our organization’s thinking and planning on how to provide innovative solutions to accelerate our operation to meet this important objective.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

My recent transition to a nonprofit has been one of the most defining moments of my career journey to date. After spending my entire career up to this point in large for-profit organizations, it was a big change but it’s been a transition that has helped me more closely align my career with my personal and professional goals.

JENNIFER WINTNER VP-Supply Chain IMPERIAL DISTRIBUTORS

Immediate supervisor: Joe Kirby Years with the company: One Please describe your job and why you love it. I really like working with a team and collaborating to improve safety, quality and productivity.

ANDREA YOUNG President, Experiential Marketing ADVANTAGE SOLUTIONS

Immediate supervisor: Jill Griffin, chief commercial officer

Years with company: Eight

Please describe your job and why you love it. My role as president is to enable our teams with the resources to best service our clients and customers. Ultimately, I am accountable for setting the strategic vision for our organization, charting our growth plan, building or buying the business solutions we need to win and bringing the best talent in to the organization and up within the organization.

I love the role because of the ability it affords me to work with great thought partners as clients and as team members. Describe a defining moment of your career.

JENNY ZASTROW

Sales Team Leader, Central Region NESTLÉ

Immediate supervisor: Tim Imhoff

Years with the company: 12

Please describe your job and why you love it.

My role at Nestlé is to lead, develop and inspire a team of account managers and sales reps to achieve business objectives and customer performance in the small format channel of trade. I enjoy my job because I get to do a variety of things and no two days look the same. However, what I love most is that every day includes both learning from and coaching people.

Describe a defining moment of your career.

Describe a defining moment in your career.

I found my passion when I moved into a role in category development with an inspiring leader who helped develop and influence my business acumen, team leadership and understanding of the power of relationship building.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Having success in a decentralized business model is very rewarding as businesses are built on relationships and being sound partners. I love the opportunity to make an impact and travel to different parts of the country and solve problems/be a trusted resource while driving successful Own Brands and total category growth.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Balancing the needs of all stakeholders in a decentralized model. It’s the most rewarding when we get a win, but it is the most challenging as well.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

Working in a project-based role allows me to work cross-functionally and focus on high-priority initiatives for the organization. It is so rewarding to work with team members from various departments and better understand their work and priorities, which has helped me understand how our organization functions in a holistic way. It’s also very meaningful to help shepherd initiatives that are important to the organization and will positively impact the clients and communities we serve.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Prioritization. There’s so much important work to be done and many worthwhile initiatives to pursue that I feel we must be continually focused on the most impactful investments of time and resources.

How has social media helped or hindered your job? Social media allows us to spread our message, get people excited about our mission and galvanize support. GBFB cannot reach our goals alone, so social media is an important outreach mechanism to raise awareness of the work we are doing and opportunities to engage and support us in our mission to end hunger here.

Describe a defining moment of your career. Earlier in my career, I was able to achieve a real sense of flow. I had the domain expertise and role to really make things happen with no barriers or boundaries. I’ve since changed jobs, but I know I want to get there again.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

I love hearing from customers that we’re meeting their needs. If not, I focus on how to recover and exceed expectations next time.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Sometimes I don’t have the right tools to be as effective as I’d like to be.

The most defining moment of my career was in 2000. To that point in my career, I had roles that made me accountable for client management but not business development, business strategy or acquisition involvement. Our CEO at the time “forced me” down a path where business development became central to my accountability. That learning curve and period of discomfort pushed me to the paths that lead me here.

What do you find most rewarding about your current position? The ability to solve business problems for clients and customers I respect and with people I enjoy working beside.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Ensuring that we are consistently growing so that we can continue to support opportunities for our associates and the families they lead. My most sleepless nights come when we have to make a decision that will in some way negatively affect our associates.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media is a platform that, for me, enables us to showcase our work and

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

We leverage social media around new innovation and brand campaigns. It continues to reinforce the exclusivity message and drives loyalty with our key brands.

How do you spend your free time?

My downtime is spent with family and friends. I love to explore new places and restaurants, unwind with a good book and enjoy watching my daughter play in her many sports events.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

Never be afraid or opposed to doing the “impossible”—it can lead to new doors and opportunities. I always say, “get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Member of WISE and NEW.

How do you spend your free time?

Most of my hobbies tend to involve food (no wonder I was drawn to the food industry!). I love to cook and enjoy experimenting with new recipes. My husband and I also enjoy finding great new restaurants and revisiting old favorites.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

I would recommend spending intentional time understanding what you’re passionate about and what kind of work gets you excited. That path of exploration and discovery can take some time, but it also takes intentionality. Perhaps what you discover will lead you to make a change—a different role, a different organization, a different industry—but I am willing to bet that the leap of faith will be worth it.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Harvard Club of Boston; University of Florida Alumni Association; Beacon Hill Women’s Forum; Park Street Church.

Education:

B.S. in food and resource economics, University of Florida; MBA, Harvard Business School.

How do you spend your free time?

Tennis is a great way to get exercise and have fun with friends. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Be visible to your extended team, network and ask questions. Opportunity will come to you if you’re known.

Education: B.A., University of Washington.

talent behind our work more broadly. I would not call myself an expert at it, but I have committed to making it a structured part of my week and our communication strategy.

How do you spend your free time?

Golf for sure. Golf in the sun, with my mom as my cart mate and coach, is at the top of the list.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals? Stay hungry; be curious; remain humble.

Professional and volunteer affiliations: Involved with organizations that champion the advancement of women, including Network of Executive Women, Cosmetic Executive Women, Orange County Women Entrepreneurs & Executives and Executive Women’s Golf Association. Also a member of the Advantage Diversity and Inclusion Executive Council.

Education:

B.A. in economics and sports management, Rice University.

My very first promotion was pivotal for my career. I was settled in my entrylevel role for far too long, and it was comfortable. However, I was lucky enough to have a leader who recognized my potential and all but forced me to make a change. I’ve never looked back since and am continually grateful for his “encouragement.”

What do you find most rewarding about your current position?

People are my passion, and I love watching others learn, grow and achieve their goals while helping however I can along the way.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The industry is in a constant state of change and while it is exciting and vital to engage in this new “normal,” it is sometimes challenging and uncomfortable to stay agile and fluid in business practices and decision-making.

How has social media helped or hindered your job?

Social media has unlocked a whole new medium with which to communicate

to our consumers. Both suppliers and retailers are building this capability each day and those who are successful will have an advantage over the rest.

How do you spend your free time?

My latest obsession is my Peloton. I am not a workout junkie or even a cyclist, but I am such a fan of the bike and the positive, uplifting community that comes with Peloton.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming professionals?

I am still learning this one, but being uncomfortable unlocks growth so put yourself in those situations. Ask the question, volunteer for the project or take the new job because at a minimum, you are going to learn. Everything else is a bonus on top.

Education:

B.S. in chemistry, Wartburg College; graduate, Food Industry Management Program, USC Marshall School of Business.