A celebration o� in�uential �omen in the �ood industr�
Twenty-eight from across West share insight into their careers
Our loyal readers, particularly those in the Northeast, may be familiar with The Griffin Report of the Northeast’s annual Women of Influence section. Now in its 16th year, the special tribute salutes female executives who are among the leaders in their respective fields.
For years, the popular feature has drawn interest from across the nation. And in response to reader requests, we have expanded Women of Influence this year to include our other four regions – West, Midwest, Southeast and Southwest.
In our November print editions and online, you’ll hear from some inspirational
women as they share advice for up-and-coming professionals, as well as detail some of the challenges and rewards they’ve experienced along the way. In addition, you’ll learn about the defining moments in their careers.
And if you know of a deserving candidate who is not featured this year, don’t worry. We’ll soon be accepting nominations for our 2022 Women of Influence program, which will appear in the second quarter of next year.
In the meantime, join us in the following pages as we celebrate the 2021 Women of Influence in the West.
Julie Adam
The Performance Group - Northern California
Years with the company: 15
In January of this year, I became the general manager of The Performance Group Northern California, a strategic sales company representing grocery manufacturers. This was a defining moment in my career and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
I started my career in the food broker industry as an administrative assistant. I was fortunate to be working for a company that encouraged me to try new things and grow into other positions.
I've spent most of my career working as a business manager for center store grocery products. What I enjoy most about my current position is the opportunity to work with all of our business partners across all departments of the grocery store.
The most challenging part has been helping my team navigate through the pandemic. Unprecedented supply shortages and safety concerns have been stressful for everyone. Our team has handled it beautifully.
My advice for upcoming professionals in any industry is to find some industry mentors outside of your own company. I was lucky to have several and they have been there for me throughout my career.
I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State East Bay.
Cynthia Alt Alt Consulting/ University of Southern California
Years with the company: 21
Cynthia Alt has over 28 years consulting to both Fortune 200 companies and entrepreneurs.
Her background of organizational development, systems dynamics and “hands on” experience in business has been invaluable in guiding both individuals and organizations through successful change adaptation.
Prior to becoming a consultant, she held leadership positions in organizations ranging from manufacturing to finance technology. She received her doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (currently Alliant International University); her dissertation focused on ways to induce team creativity.
She is a full member of the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (participating on its certification expert panel), the Society for Industrial Organizational Psychologists, Association of Business Communication and American Psychological Association.
She works seamlessly with C-suite and business owners, as well as managers and high potential individual contributors. Her strength rests in her ability to act as a thought partner who listens carefully, asks reflective questions and provides a different perspective and new approaches.
In her coaching engagements, she creates a safe environment to discuss hot issues while providing the necessary challenge to current perspectives.
Diane Badame
University of Southern California
Years with the company: 24
I am the academic and program director of the MS in Marketing Program and clinical professor, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. A defining moment of my career was being hired to be a professor in the Marketing Department of the Marshall School of Business at USC in 1997.
I have the honor and opportunity to not only be a marketing professor teaching a variety of graduate courses but also administer a Masters of Marketing Program as an academic and program director over the past six years. I have the pleasure of watching students learn marketing skills and be successful.
The most challenging part of my job is keeping up with all of the changes in the marketplace regarding technology, social media, the impact of COVID-19 and other aspects of marketing.
As for advice, understand your customers' needs, be a curious and lifetime learner, prolific reader, don't be afraid to take risks, and keep up to date with all of the changes in the marketplace.
Dennis Ready, head of Marketing Research at the Pillsbury Company, has been a mentor.
I am the co-chair of the Social Sciences Sub-Committee of the University of Southern California Curriculum Committee and serve a member of the Promotion Committee for Clinical Professors in the Marshall School of Business at USC.
My education includes a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.
Kim Brower USC
Years with the company: 10
I am the assistant director of the Food Industry Programs at USC Marshall School of Business
Meeting Cynthia McCloud, who introduced me to the food industry and who has been a role model for integrity and perseverance during an incredibly difficult 2020, was a defining moment.
Working with the students in our programs is so rewarding. Our residential intensive weeks are physically and mentally very challenging – with a lot of moving parts – but they are also the most rewarding in terms of getting to know the students and to share in their academic visions.
My advice for young professionals is UPOD – Under Promise and Over Deliver. Also, look for ways to add value, above-and-beyond what you’ve been paid to do, even if it’s not part of your job description.
Richard Buskirk, one of the founding directors of USC Marshall’s Entrepreneur Program, taught me the value of innovation and forward thinking in organizations; and Thomas O’Malia, former director of USC’s Center for Learning, urged me to explore the possibility of online education before most people in higher education were even thinking in those terms.
My degrees include and Ed.D. in educational psychology, master’s of professional writing and a bachelor’s degree in business from USC.
Robin Burgin Chosen Foods
Years with the company: Five
In short, people are my passion. In length, I am currently the director of marketing for Chosen Foods.
I lead a team that manages internal and external branding, marketing, and communications strategies. I have been with Chosen Foods for five years. Since joining this team, I have realized how passionate I am about how people interact with brands and products.
As a marketer, I love analyzing and dissecting how people operate and what motivates them. I believe in a healthy, natural lifestyle and understand how important it is for people to eat real, healthy food to nourish themselves.
My position at Chosen Foods allows me to use marketing to teach people about the value of eating fresh, nourishing food.
I find it is important to have my career and personal passions align. It has definitely made my career more rewarding and the journey more fruitful.
Odete Da Silva Chosen Foods LLC
Years with the company: Three
I have the joy and privilege of being the director of human resources at Chosen Foods in San Diego.
The most important and rewarding aspect of my role is to help build a culture that fosters caring for the human being, creativity, inclusion, potential, readiness to risk failure, trusted long term partnerships, thinking out of the box, transparency, humor, heart and the nurturing of the best version of ourselves.
If I have one piece of advice to share, is to always opt for doing the right thing, in honesty and humility. It requires courage and it has deep and lasting transformative energy.
Carmen Dauer
DPI Specialty Foods
Years with the company: 32
I am currently VP of sales and marketing for DPI Specialty Foods West.
As I reflect back on the most defining moment of my career, it would have to be when I realized that I have been working at DPI for more than 30 years. Undoubtedly, all the people I work with – my colleagues, customers, business partners and many others in our industry – have been and are truly the reward of sparkle of my career.
The most challenging part of my job is sometimes not having enough hours in the day.
Things that have steadied me as grew in my career have been faith, family and friends.
If I were to give advice to upcoming professionals, it would be to know yourself and to have a clear understanding of your career goals and balance that out with personal goals. Professional achievements nurture personal achievements and vice versa. Most of all, balance is key and have fun along the way.
Early in my career, and as a young mother, I had the privilege of working with wonderful managers, who encouraged me to take the next step forward and it is my aspiration to always do the same for my team.
Working with many dedicated, kind-hearted individuals on the City of Hope Harvest Ball and Olive Crest's Pick A Purse fund raising committees is near and dear to my heart. I graduated from LACC then went on to Cal State Los Angeles, where I studied business administration.
Jennifer Fisher University of Southern California
Years with the company: 15
Jennifer Fisher is the assistant director of Food Industry Programs at the USC Marshall School of Business. She grew up in the food industry in Southern California, where her mother worked for a food distribution company located on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles. She followed the same path and has worked in many different areas of the industry, including distribution, retail manufacturing, and food brokerage.
She joined USC in 2006 creating training programs for university faculty and staff. In 2008, an opportunity arose within the business school that brought her back to her food industry roots while incorporating her love for developing leaders. This is how she was brought to what she calls her dream job.
She also currently serves on the board of trustees for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she volunteers and leads a top fundraising team in the Orange County Inland Empire Chapter. She has made it her mission to fund research to find a cure for blood cancers. She even hiked to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, while raising over $50,000 for organization.
She is passionate about her Hawaiian heritage, loves staying active, traveling and spending time with family.
Sheila Dy Juanco Albertsons Cos.
Years with the company: Two
There’s not just one reason I love my job, there are plenty. From our exclusive Albertsons Own Brands that our guests love and trust to our incredible customers and the passionate people I get to work with, I wake up energized for work every day.
I was fortunate to hold multiple global technical strategy roles leading crosscultural teams across Asia, Europe and the Americas. My team worked tirelessly to launch food and beverage products globally while working closely with our local affiliates team and the local government agencies.
Most rewarding for me is building the look of success with my team – from building undisputed consumer fanaticism with inspiring food, exceptional value and unparalleled variety to growing our exclusive Own Brands. I work collaboratively with Albertsons leaders to navigate multiple layers of state, county, and federal regulations involving a multitude of laws.
My professional and volunteer affiliations include: Network of Executive Women; Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence; CBA Regulatory & Scientific Advisory Board; FMI Private Brand Leadership Council; and Smart Label Advisory Board.
I have an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from Lyceum University.
Sandy Garcia Chosen Foods
Years with the company: 2.5
I am the general counsel of Chosen Foods. A defining moment in my career was when I was able to describe the type of company I wanted to work at and when I identified those values during the interview process at Chosen Foods.
Taking care of my health is one of my highest priorities. Family, kindness, working hard and doing what's right are as well. These are the pillars and values that Chosen Foods believes in and it was a true defining moment in my career and the true foundation for my success.
I work very closely with the co-founder, CEO, executive leadership team and now Butterfly, a brilliant team specialized in the food sector that acquired us. The experience of watching such talented people around me make decisions on a day-to-day basis and run a company is the most rewarding experience of my life.
My job as an attorney is to help the business thrive and understanding their goals is important for my role as in-house counsel.
My advice to younger professionals is to take the time to learn the business the first six months to year and understand their relationships before making decisions. This is key to legal strategy and risk mitigation.
I worked for some of the best attorney mentors at Cooley and Sony Pictures Entertainment for 10 years. They taught me strength, humility, excellence, hard work ethic and kindness.
Stacy Geck
University of Southern California Marshall School of Business
Years with the company: 23
I am an assistant professor of clinical at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
Having been raised in a family with a strong grocery industry background (my father was a store manager at Ralphs, and my grandfather owned an independent grocery store in Chicago), it was very natural for me to start my working career at Ralphs when I was young. By the time I graduated from college, I had worked my way up to a management position.
I enjoy the face-to-face interactions with my students. They have such diverse personal backgrounds, and I enjoy learning from each and every one of them.
Currently, during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, I teach both in-class and online students simultaneously. Keeping my lessons engaging and interactive across multiple time zones and in multiple mediums is a challenge.
As for advice, never settle. You deserve to achieve all that you can imagine and more. Ultimately, you need to become comfortable being uncomfortable, so you can grow.
During my time in graduate school, I was mentored by my graduate advisor, John Reinard. Our professional relationship lasted long past my graduation.
My professional affiliations include Association for Talent Development, Association for Psychological Type and the National Communication Association.
I have a master’s in speech communication and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and speech communications.
Evelyn Gonzalez Northgate Gonzalez Market
Years with the company: 10
I am the wellness supervisor. Working with Northgate's Viva la Salud customer health initiative, I realized how the Food Industry can serve our communities in so many meaningful ways. I was inspired to become a registered dietitian and it led to my current role directing our associate well-being program.
What I find most rewarding is analyzing the needs of Northgate's associates (and sometimes customers) and then working with partners outside, as well as within Northgate, to brainstorm and bring programs to life that create positive outcomes.
Catering to the diverse needs within our Northgate population and community can be challenging. This means creating programs to meet these differing situations, but also knowing when to focus on what's most important and of the highest value to our associates and community.
Don't be afraid to try new things is my advice. Also, always be a team player and learn to build bridges with peers and mentors outside your direct team or company.
Female mentors like Teresa Blanco via the Viva la Salud initiative, as well as Clara Alonso in the realm of HR and associate well-being, have been mentors, as has CoPresident Oscar Gonzalez.
I am a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Society for Human Resource Management and Network of Executive Women.
My education includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of California Irvine and a master's from Loma Linda University.
Lauren Johnson Rudy's Markets Inc.
Years with the company: 10
I am CEO and president. The opportunity to return to our family company and then lead it into employee ownership has been defining moments.
I find the chance to surround myself with good people, both colleagues and customers, to be most rewarding.
The last year and a half of radically changing regulations during a global pandemic has proved challenging.
We are in the relationship business, both with our colleagues and customers. Take the blame and share the success. Be a merchant, sell what people want to buy. Up and coming professionals could follow that advice.
My parents were my biggest mentors. They are two big pairs of shoes to fill.
Professional affiliations include: the NGA; former chairwoman and current board member of NWGA; co-sponsor of IP 31 and 32 for modernizing liquor sales in Oregon; and public face for No on Measure 97 (we won).
Tracy Lape Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs LLC
Years with the company: Four
I am humbled and thankful to receive this recognition and so very proud of our industry and the way it has led by example since "the COVID period." The industry retailers and vendors have proven to be essential and on the front lines of customer and employee safety, while still providing quality products.
Obviously, there are still COVID-related challenges and our lives will never be the same, but the industry has proven quick to adapt. A key learning in my career is to give back to the industry.
I have been an Illuminator for over 15 years and served as Headlite in 2019-20 as COVID began. That was both the biggest challenge and most rewarding periods of my career. Representing an organization with such rich history with retailers in the West was truly an honor.
I recommend that young leaders get involved with Illuminators and other trade organizations to learn about all facets of the industry. At the end of the day, your resume is built on your reputation and your actions to maintain it. Make great relationships, cultivate them over time and do the right thing and you will be successful for many years.
Thank you to Pete and Gerry's for providing great, healthy products to sell and a great place to work.
Kayla Leganza
The Myers Group LLC
Years with the company: Eight
My current position is a store director with independent retailer the Myers Group LLC.
I would say the most defining moment of my career was the decision to leave the company I had been with for nearly 11 years and join an independent retailer. It has been the most rewarding chance I have ever taken.
I get the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people on a daily basis and face dynamic challenges in an ever-changing industry.
Even before COVID-19, the retail world was about change and the ability to adapt. While that is the most difficult part of our jobs, it is also the part that I find the most fulfilling.
If I were to give advice to upcoming professionals, it would be to never stop learning and move without fear. We are our own biggest obstacle so aim high, have confidence as well as humility, and take learning opportunities wherever they may be found.
My educational degrees include a retail management certificate from Clover Park Technical School. I also was a member of the USC Food Industry Management Program’s class of 2020.
Yvonne Manganaro
Gelson's
Years with the company: 18
I am VP of marketing. Gelson's was presented with the ability to clarify and enhance our branding in 2015-16. This initiative was a defining moment for both my career, but also for our company as a whole.
The ability to mentor, inspire and teach associates throughout the company is extremely rewarding. I love that I can combine my passion for teaching into the communication and support our department provides within the company.
We don't want to ever disappoint a customer. So for me, the most challenging part of the job is when we cannot figure out a way to say “yes.” We challenge ourselves to find creative work-arounds.
The best advice for someone coming up in the industry is to stay curious. Never be afraid to ask a question, do your research, and keep exposing yourself to new ideas.
My earliest mentor at Gelson's is our outgoing SVP of Operations, Donna Tyndall, who showed me how to lead with integrity, intelligence and inclusion. I have been fortunate more recently to report to both our CEO Rob McDougall and to our CMO John Bagan. Great mentors come from all genders, ethnicities and backgrounds.
I currently serve on the PTA of my son's school, and try to stay as active as possible in his development.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA and an MBA from UCLA's Anderson School of Management, with an emphasis in marketing and strategy. Go Bruins.
Ana Macias Chosen Foods
Years with the company: 8.5
I am currently the director of finance and accounting at Chosen Foods, where I have been since 2013 – at the onset of the company's rapid growth.
Chosen Foods ranked No. 47 on the 2016 Inc. 500 List of Fast-Growing Private Companies in the Nation with an impressive 5,147 percent growth. I now oversee accounting, tax, FP&A, treasury and risk management.
A defining moment in my career was mentoring under a retired CFO who taught me the difference between accounting and FP&A and the importance of developing a supportive FP&A dept within an organization.
One of the rewarding aspects of my role is the ability to develop creative reporting to help drive the company forward. However, this is equally challenging because of the continued expansion and growth we experience on a regular basis.
With that said, the best advice I can offer is to remain flexible and to be honest with yourself and your abilities. As my CFO mentor would always say, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” So continually learning from those who have been there and done that is critical to your career growth.
I hold an MBA and a bachelors's degree in business administration from San Diego State University and a master's degree in diplomacy and international relations from Seton Hall University.
I sit on the board of a non-profit dedicated to helping people experience their best lives and have healthy relationships from the inside out.
Adriana G. Martinez
Casa Martinez
Years with the company: 12
I am president of Casa Martinez Food Company.
A defining moment of my career was when I made the decision to join the family’s businesses instead of pursuing a career in accounting.
Most rewarding for me is seeing the growth of our company over the years since we started it and the results of the work we do every day.
To maintain our customer base and grow is a challenge. Another challenging part is taking the necessary steps to compete with big companies.
My advice for professionals early in their careers is to follow your dreams, and not be afraid of the hard work, sacrifice and effort. It is worth it and it will pay off – go for it.
My father has always been my greatest mentor. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration-accounting and a masters of accounting from the University of Arizona.
Kathleen McCarron
Portland Pet Food Company
Years with the company: Six
I am Top Dog/CEO.
A defining moment in my career would be realizing that you do not have to be an expert in the field, but need to be unafraid to ask questions.
Giving consumers an alternative option to feeding their dogs that is wholesome and healthy is so rewarding. Internally, developing a team that shares the same goals of the mission of the company and collaborate with each other to build a better company.
One of the challenges is balancing rapid growth and leading change in the work place when everyone is balancing the pressures of increased demands on time and meeting business goals.
I tell young professionals to embrace failure and be humble but confident. They should also be willing to sacrifice some things to build the career you want.
My mother was my mentor, as she was a single mother raising two children after the death of her husband. She went to work in her late 40s and supported our family. She was instrumental in ensuring her children could achieve anything that they put their mind too with hard work and empathy for others.
My professional affiliations include: member of WBENC; Pet Sustainability Coalition; Women Presidents Organization; APPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Taylor Nations ECOS
Years with the company: Nine
I am the regulatory compliance director.
Getting the opportunity to develop our internal regulatory department has been a big moment in my career.
Learning new things is rewarding. Regulations are always changing and this job requires a lot of research and learning, which I appreciate.
As a company with an international presence, it's challenging to stay up to date with regulations across the globe. It takes vigilance and a lot of work, but also keeps things exciting.
I tell those starting out to take advantage of any education or professional development opportunities. Your education stays with you no matter where you go.
I've been lucky enough to work in a company full of people who teach me things every day, including members of our executive team and of course our operations and production staff who work so hard and keep our company running.
My education includes: a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Evergreen State College; master’s degree in engineering and technology management, Washington State University; and Food Industry Management Program, University of Southern California.
Hee-Sook Nelson
Gelson's Years with the company: 32
I am VP of employee development and public affairs.
I am the first Asian-American and fifth woman to chair the California Grocers Association. Getting my master’s degree from USC is something on my bucket list. Mentoring and helping others through their growth and educational journey can be quite rewarding.
One of the things that is most challenging is legislation that is not well thought out and makes it hard to operate our business.
I suggest young professionals find a mentor inside and outside their company, someone who will help champion and advocate for them.
Bill Roulette, my former SVP, who challenged, championed and mentored me. Also, Donna Tyndall is a trailblazer for women in our industry.
My professional and volunteer affiliations include: chair of the California Grocers Association Advisory Board for CCEJ; California Conference for Equality and Justice; NEW Network of Executive Women; and City of Hope.
My education includes a achelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and master’s of science degree, Food Industry Leadership, candidate (completed in 2021), University of Southern California.
Julia Gardner Plotts
USC Marshal School of Business
Years with the company: 19
I am a professor of clinical finance and academic director of the MS Finance Program at the USC Marshall School of Business. I joined the faculty from the financial services industry, where I was working as a retail and consumer investment banker.
Many people have preconceived opinions about the subject of finance (too challenging and quantitative). I try to make the subject more approachable to students and to help them apply the concepts to make better decisions for their organizations.
Having an impact in a student’s life and career is the most rewarding aspect of my current role. I am passionate about sparking their interest in the subject and helping them to be more confident. I have been recognized in the form of the numerous teaching and mentoring awards including 11 USC Marshall Golden Apple Teaching Awards.
An early mentor in my career was Thomas Gilligan. He served as dean at USC Marshall School of Business, University of Texas-Austin McCombs School of Business and director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He took a risk in hiring a young woman without a doctorate to teach USC undergraduate classes because he believed my industry experience and ability to connect with students would set me apart.
My advice to young professionals is to be “young scrappy and hungry” (Hamilton: My Shot). I believe “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” (Seneca).
Maddalena Riboli
Riboli Family Wines
Years with the company: 75
I am the matriarch of Riboli Family Wines, which is currently run by the third- and fourth-generation family members
There have been several defining moments for me – opening the first winery tasting room concept in 1947; opening Maddalena Restaurant in 1974; and creating a namesake wine label, Maddalena Wines, in the early 1980s. Overall, I am proud that I helped build a small, local winery in LA into a successful global business.
At this point in my life, I find it rewarding to watch my family take over responsibility for the winery. Seeing the younger generations take something I created and grow it to new levels is my greatest achievement.
The biggest challenge I faced during my career was being a woman in a maledominated industry with no role models or guidelines to follow. A huge challenge of this job was paving my own path and making a name for myself.
Never let anyone tell you “you can’t.” If you want something, you can always find a way to make it happen. Just because something is difficult or has never been done, does not mean you cannot achieve it, it just means you need to work harder to prove people wrong.
Being a woman in a career with not many/any role models to look up to, I turned to my parents and husband. Seeing my family work hard for everything they had inspired me to always strive for more. My husband always encouraged and supported me to do more and that made me want to do more too.
The Italian community in Los Angeles has always been a professional and personal affiliation close to my heart. In addition, I have been very involved in both the Catholic Church in downtown Los Angeles and the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua in Italy.
Angela Rosenquist
InnovAsian Cuisine
Years with the company: Six
I currently serve as VP of sales for InnovAsian and reside in Northern California.
Early in my career, I was grateful to have many mentors throughout my life to teach me time management, focus, discipline, drive, motivation and the insight on how to build successful teams.
At each stage of my life, I have been fortunate to work and grow alongside impactful industry leaders. A truly defining moment of my career was joining InnovAsian, which has been a fulfilling experience from day one.
The most rewarding part is working alongside my sales team. The company provides a smart, high-octane, influential, fun (as well as funny) and incredible atmosphere daily.
My current professional and volunteer affiliations include: NFRA, Promotions Committee incoming chair; board member, Eberhardt School of Business, Pacific; member, Athena International
Educational history includes: California Southern University, doctorate, business administration (December 2021); University of the Pacific: MBA, finance; bachelor’s degrees in business marketing and sport sciences.
Advice to share: I believe a winning mindset is an attitude, energy and habit. Create the process with your team, then trust it. Whatever you feed your mind, soul and body, you become. Choose wisely what you put on your plate.
Donna Simpson
Certified Federal Credit Union
Years with the company: 16
I have gone from grocery checker to Vons/Safeway DM to Grocers’ Credit Union COO. I have enthusiastically served customers and developed leadership skills, allowing me to mentor and inspire future leaders, which is so rewarding. A job “just until I earn my bachelor’s degree,” was the beginning of a 24-year career, for which I am eternally grateful.
I have learned the quality of life is directly proportionate to the quality of the questions I ask. “Do or do not, there is no try.” Having courage and not allowing fear to hold me back from my full potential, have all served me well.
The USC FIM Program was life-changing, and one of my career’s defining moments. Volunteering on the Board of Vons Credit Union led to becoming their COO, 16 years ago. We now serve grocers in California and beyond under the banner of Certified Federal CU.
My mentor & CEO, Steve Weakley, taught me it’s “better to be kind that right.” My Vons’ team achieved record-setting fundraising for cancer research, ranking our district first in all of Safeway, four years in a row.
It was an inspirational experience, reaching goals our team never thought possible. It’s about making a positive difference and finding joy throughout the journey. “People helping people” is the credit union motto, which fits me perfectly, as I love serving grocers with financial services they need, while protecting their best interests.
Jacquie Slobom
Gelson's
Years with the company: 39
I am senior director of store operations. Becoming the chair for the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation was a defining moment.
I have the opportunity to work with a group of trustees that help make a difference in our employees lives by giving them the opportunity invest in their careers by offering Scholarships and Continuing Education.
Working with so many amazing employees who have passion for what they do is rewarding. I also love that we as a company give back to the community and help fight hunger.
My challenges include handling unforeseen issues that come up daily, especially during the pandemic.
Advice: Love what you do and always believe in yourself. My mentors include Bill Roulette, VP of Gelson's, now retired, along with my good friend, George Frahm, retired president of Stater Bros.
I help oversee our Making Change program with our VP Hee-Sook Nelson, who also is chair of the CGA. I also helped get our food bank donation program off the ground thanks to Bill Roulette many years ago and am proud to be able to feed those in need.
Kathleen Triou
Fresh Solutions Network
Years with the company: Seven
As an executive in the produce industry, Kathleen asks the questions that matter to get the results that matter most.
She has mastered the art of asking questions to uncover the root of issues thus encouraging working groups to grow, develop and avoid pitfalls. She brings the perspective of a CEO and president, knowledge of agricultural commodities, branded produce and CPG marketer and experience leading a private company board.
Her career has been on the leading edge of consumer product innovation in food and beverage in the U.S. She is effective and comfortable working with and presenting at all levels.
As the VP of domestic marketing for Potatoes USA, she established a record of delivering innovative solutions across a range of marketing sectors and audiences. She is a change agent who creates high-performance teams with consistent growth targets.
Currently, she is a trusted advisor to six board members (C-suite titles and owners) and their leadership teams within the Fresh Solutions Network.
After 26 years in the food and beverage sector, she transfers her real-world knowledge to enhance the business at hand. She currently serves on the Marketing Advisory Council of United Fresh and is a member of Vistage.
She has a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and an MBA from Midwestern State University.
Donna Tyndall Gelson's
Years with the company: 48
I am the SVP of Operations for Gelson's, a chain of 27 stores. I got my start as a clerk's helper 48 years ago and worked my way up through the store ranks at a time when there were no other women in management in our company.
My mentors were some of the leaders in our company at that time (Bill, Bob, Allan) and they were generous with their time. I attended the Food Industry Management Program at USC, which opened doors for my future growth.
After graduating, I took on a supervisory role in operations, then had the opportunity to oversee buying, merchandising, distribution and marketing before taking over as SVP of operations.
The most rewarding aspect of my job is to help others grow and be successful in their roles. I hope that my role in management opened the door for other women to move up and take on positions of responsibility.
My advice for up and coming professionals is to work hard and keep an open mind to opportunities in all areas of the business. The more you learn, the bigger impact you can have. I also believe it is important to treat people the way you want to be treated, even if no one is watching.
My professional organizations include: Western Association of Food ChainsAdvisory Board; NEW SoCal founding member; City of Hope Food Industries Circle; and past member of the CGA Board.
I have a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and USC FIM Certificate.
Shelby Publishing is expanding our popular Women of Influence section from the Northeast to the other four regions of the nation. Look for the following outstanding female leaders from across the country to be featured in our upcoming November editions…
SOUTHEAST
Michelle Almarode
Josanna Busby
Cammie Chatterton
Tekla Toohey Cutlip
Melissa Eads
Katie Georges
Beth Governale
Lucy Greer
Tiffany Jackson
Lindsay Koch
Lindsey Kueffner
Kathy Kuzava
Megan Lacroix
Ellen McGeeney
Cherri Means
Alison Pierce
Jill Robertson
Lynn Rushing
Lori Spencer
Ellie Taylor
LeeAnn Taylor
Kristin Thayer
Bethany Timmes
NORTHEAST
Jaime Audiss
Twyla Bailey
Ashley Cox
Jessi East
Alona Florenz
Kimberly Snow
Katerina Thompson
Maria Wilson
Emily Zraunig
MIDWEST
Candie Baker
Stephanie Becker
Amy Bosek
Sue Bowden
Kim Cates
Adrienne Chance
Emily Coborn
Sarah Decorah
Shaquanda Shari’ Gordon
Diane M. Guerrero
Kari Hansen
Janice L. Honigberg
Heidi A. Huff
Anna Johnson
Jody Kotab
Michelle Kussow
Cheryl Lytle
Kristina Maurer
Amy McClellan
Tiffany Menyhart
Amy Niemetscheck
Tracy Ohl
Ashley Page
Kristin Popp
Jen Schultz
Heather Sigmon
Cindy Sorensen
Nanette Strennen
Donna Tweeten
Georgia Van Gundy
Jennifer Williams
Kristin Williams
Emilie Williamson
SOUTHWEST
Taylor Avery
Dawnna Bowen
Angel Brown
Deborah Brown
Noma Burr
Julie Butner
Jessica Carreno
Nikki Carver
Mary Lou Chapman
Barbara Charlet
Michelle Davalos
Suan Grant
Charise Gutierrez
April Henry
Beth Hoffer
Rosemary Jones
Merrilee Kick
Kathleen Krantz
Christy Lara
Elizabeth Hoffer
Theresa Motter
Gena Norris
Rita Reid
Emily Shuping
Cheryl Pick Sommer
Courtney Talbot
Elisabeth "Liz" Urtado-Holzheauser
