R osema Ry Jones

2022 Southwest Woman Executive of the Year

From page 38

“It was kind of like a midlife crisis,” she recalled with a laugh. “I left school, then I left Dallas and I liked where I was. Loved it. But I had eventually figured out that I’d done everything in my legal career. What was my next challenge?”

Her long-established sense of community helped guide her. She felt that BGC and the people within shared this quality.

“It’s a matter seeing the importance of giving back to the communities that you serve and Brookshire’s has and continues to,” she said. “That’s the only reason I left a very good law practice to come over is because they had the same core values. Brookshire’s looks at every community they work in and wants to be a significant contributor.”

Her position as EVP, chief people officer/legal encompasses a variety of responsibilities that include people and culture: benefits, compensation, partner relations and development; communications and community involvement; risk management (general liability and workers’ compensation), asset protection and safety. In addition, she is the lead legal counsel for the company. “I wear a lot

Honors and awards

  Louise Brookshire Spirit Award

  Award of Excellence - Smith County Bar Association

  Shelby Report - Women of Influence

  Volunteer of the Year for Tyler Chamber of Commerce

  President, Smith County Bar Association Women’s Division

  Paul Harris Rotary Award of hats,” she said.

When Brad Brookshire brought Jones on, the company was looking for a catalyst of change. “I think that Brad brought me in to help to continue to develop our culture and our people to make this a great place to work,” Jones said.

One of the biggest additions to the culture within BGC is the Partner Care Fund.

“I’d have to say it was one of the best things we’ve done since I came to BGC. We’ve been able to help so many people. It’s just been amazing,” she said.

Jones continues to work toward the betterment of BGC and its partners, appreciating the challenges the grocery industry brings.

“I think that’s one of the driving reasons behind me making the switch,” she said. “When Brad talked to me about his job, I knew I needed a new challenge because my whole world had kind of changed. But it was a long and great time in life and I’ve enjoyed having the challenge to distract me from the sadness of [the kids leaving home]. And it has really kept me young.

“It has been a great challenge to further my career later in life. I look forward to this whole new career…I know the future is going to be exciting.”

‘No doubt’ about her commitment level

“Rosemary never stops working. She will work at a high level…there is no doubt about the level of commitment that she has. From having worked with her, she’s very tenacious. It seems she always has time. I would talk to her at all various hours of the day, sometimes on weekends. She’s an extremely hard worker.”

– Henry Bell, president of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce