2023 West Emerging Leaders

The Shelby Report of the West is pleased to honor...

EMERGING

LEADERS Karla Ash Gelson's Senior Director of Human Resources With an illustrious career spanning almost 18 years at Gelson's Markets, Karla has consistently exhibited qualities that make her a true leader and role model.

Throughout her tenure, Karla's commitment to excellence has been evident. She has initiated positive changes within the organization through her positive attitude and willingness to lead by example. Her wealth of knowledge, including being a PHR-certified human professional, has been instrumental in shaping Gelson's culture and nurturing a caring environment for fellow employees, all while effectively balancing regulatory responsibilities.

Alondra Carcamo Food 4 Less/Foods Co. Store Leader Alondra Carcamo is one of the top store leaders at Food 4 Less/Foods Co. She manages an inner-city store in Los Angeles, with average weekly sales of more than $1 million. Her effective communication style led her team to top scores on the company’s full/in stock, fresh perishables and friendly service

Jackie LaPointe PepsiCo Commercial Sales Director, West Blue Cloud (Alcohol Division) Jackie's exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication, positive and infectious attitude, optimistic outlook and significant contributions to the food industry make her the exemplary emerging leader our industry needs.

Throughout her career, Jackie has consistently proven herself as a top performer, consistently ranking within the top 1 percent of sales professionals. Her ability to think innovatively, mentor her teams and foster a culture of

Beyond her leadership within the personnel department, Karla has played an integral part in the formation of Gelson's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Council. Her thoughtful contributions have led to significant policy changes, including the creation of the company's DEIB Commitment Statement, exemplifying her passion for making a positive impact.

Karla's pursuit of personal development and education is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing various challenges, she has successfully earned her AA degree in business management from Cerritos College and completed the Retail Management Certificate Program through the Western Association of Food Chains. Currently working toward a bachelor's degree in leadership at Cal Poly Humboldt University, Karla's dedication to lifelong learning underscores her commitment to excel in her field.

In her role as a mentor and leader, Karla has demonstrated exceptional integrity and trustworthiness. Her ability to build

strong relationships across all levels of the company, from store-level personnel to senior leadership, speaks volumes about her leadership capabilities.

Karla's resourcefulness and empathy have been particularly evident during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest, where she has shown thoughtfulness and compassion in addressing challenges.

As a mentor for the Black Girls Leadership Academy, Karla is committed to providing a nurturing and empowering environment where bright young minds can flourish, express their unique voices and embrace their cultural identity.

Karla's contributions to the grocery industry are exemplary, and her journey serves as an inspiration to others. Her unwavering commitment to personal growth, leadership abilities and dedication to fostering a positive work environment make her a standout figure within the industry.

priorities in 2022.

Carcamo was chosen to be a training store leader, training new store and assistant store leaders. She was also selected to be her district’s education champion, encouraging associates to continue their education though college and beyond.

Carcamo was the only Food 4 Less/Foods Co. associate chosen to attend this year’s Food Industry Management program at the University of Southern California. She graduated from the prestigious program in April with high marks.

She also holds an associate degree in business from Cerritos Community College. Aspiring to enhance her skillset, Carcamo will be continuing her education this fall through

San Diego State University’s online business administration degree program.

Carcamo is also committed to the community her store serves. In 2022, her store donated thousands of pounds of food to local food banks through the company’s Zero Hunger I Zero Waste Food Rescue Program.

Carcamo is one of Food 4 Less/Foods Co.’s most-inspiring success stories. She joined the company in 2005 as a parttime customer first clerk. Since then, she’s held a number of store-level positions, including frozen food clerk, night crew lead, customer first lead and assistant store leader. She was promoted to her current position in October 2018.

creativity has earned her numerous accolades, including awards for team culture and creativity.

Notably, Jackie's favorite recognition, the "Culture Keeper" award, exemplifies her commitment to cultivating a positive and empowering work environment.

Jackie's influence extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. She is a true champion of diversity and mentorship, actively guiding and empowering more than a dozen people in the grocery industry. Her mentorship has led to significant achievements for her mentees, including promotions, improved compensation packages and successful career transitions.

By sharing insights and experiences through her captivating video series, "Quick 5 with Upside," Jackie has become a source of inspiration for aspiring women executives. Through this platform, she connects the next generation of female leaders, encouraging them to break barriers and catalyze positive change.

Jackie's impact on the industry cannot be understated. Her unwavering commitment, inspiring leadership and contagious positive energy make her a true role model for emerging leaders in the food industry. She leads by example, setting the standard for excellence, innovation and compassion in the workplace. Her genuine dedication to uplifting others and fostering a supportive community has made a profound impact on the lives and careers of those fortunate enough to work with her.

Her outstanding professional achievements, combined with her selfless commitment to mentorship and community service, set her apart as an extraordinary emerging leader.

Jackie's contributions have made a lasting and meaningful impact in the food industry, inspiring others to embrace their potential and strive for greatness.

We wholeheartedly congratulate Jackie on this welldeserved recognition and are confident that she will continue to be a driving force in shaping the future of the food industry.

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AUGUST 2023 • THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE WEST

Ania Nasser Chedruai USA (Smart & Final and El Super) Senior Director, Customer Analytics and Insights Ania is a transformational change leader, serving for seven years in the grocery retail sector, who evangelizes the importance of data-driven decision making for all Chedraui USA brands.

Prior to grocery retail, she served at The Los Angeles Times, Gateway Computers, Mattel and Autobytel.com. Ania attained a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA in finance from Cal State Long Beach. She is the recipient of lifetime Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society membership from the UCB chapter and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society membership from the CSLB chapter.

Ania directs all marketing measurement analytical efforts with aim to increase customer engagement, acquisition,

Kori Pierson Foods Etc. Owner Kori Pierson is a secondgeneration grocer who owns Foods Etc. alongside her husband, Andrew, in the small town of Clearlake, California.

Foods is known for being a huge supporter of the community. It gives back by donating food each year at Christmastime to the local Rotary Club for its Christmas dinner. The event serves more than 500 families a hot meal while giving the children an opportunity

retention and sales outcomes.

She uses data science to streamline all analytical efforts and is always eager to build new models, such as basket analytics, to uncover most fruitful opportunities for grocery retail categories.

Ania disseminates customer insights to the organization that lead to changes in merchandising, promotions and marketing channels to successfully meet customer needs and create better fit with market and macro-economic conditions.

She implemented the customer database platform that functions as the core engine and foundation for highly effective targeted and personalized marketing campaigns. The CDP, along with other custom research studies, was key to the development of upcoming loyalty membership programs.

Ania developed methodologies for customer segmentation via statistical clustering and RFM modeling, which serve as a foundation for customer retention efforts.

She is intricately involved in the company’s digitization initiative, serving on the digital and marketing steering committee.

Ania is a strong team developer who encourages team

members to be empowered, always curious yet logical and rational in decision-making to ensure solid company outcomes. She is able to identify roadblocks and EMERGING inefficiencies and drive to eliminate them.

She actively participates in NextUp, women in leadership and is an active member of St. Bruno Parish, where she volunteers for community and holiday events and donation efforts.

Ania is an active supporter of the Future Club at La Mirada High School, a new career-oriented student group founded by her son, Evan.

Ania immigrated to the United States at age 9 from Poland, along with her younger sister and parents, who were active leaders in the Solidarity Movement. She was naturalized in the United States in the early 1990s and speaks fluent English, Polish and Spanish.

to meet Santa. In addition, the effort also builds hundreds of bags worth of food that get passed out to people in the town, making sure they have plenty to eat for the holiday season.

Recently, Foods was the first grocery store in Lake County to become Blue Zones certified. This means it has committed to making itself and its community a healthier, more sustainable place to live.

Kori spent several years running Kidsfest, a free carnival for all the children in town. It featured jump houses, crafting stations, face painting, food, drinks and a raffle for a free bike. The local police and fire departments also came and gave tours of their vehicles while passing out free helmets and talking to the kids about health and safety. Kori plans to reintroduce this event in 2024, following a few years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kori also has a hand in the Christmas party for Foods’ employees every year. While most stores have drifted away from the idea, Kori and Andrew embrace it as a way to show the people who work so hard for them a little kindness at the end of each year. With Secret Santa, free giveaways, dinner and drinks, it is a night that is truly special for the whole team to be able to come together as a family and enjoy each other’s company.

Having been around it her entire life, Kori understands the dedication and drive it takes to run a business of this standing while maintaining the moral and family-friendly environment that is so coveted at Foods Etc. Kori is excited to officially be taking over the store and work side-by-side with her husband to bring new life and opportunities to their community and business for many years to come.

LEADERS

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AUGUST 2023 • THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE WEST

Elliott Stone Mollie Stone’s Markets General Manager Elliott began working for Mollie Stone's Markets when he was a teenager, starting as a courtesy clerk and barista, then working his way up in different departments.

Over time, he became a manager

Steven Tang Drunk Fruit Founder and CEO Steven is one of the co-founders of Drunk Fruit. He and co-founder Kenn Miller grew up enjoying fruits like lychee and yuzu. Now, with their take on hard seltzer, the longtime friends are sharing their Asian-American inspiration with the world.

Steven is leading the way for young entrepreneurs. As they saw new brands enter the market with the exact same

ELLIOTT STONE

EMERGING

of three different stores in the chain. In his current role, nine store managers report to him.

After graduating from Arizona State University with a business degree, he completed the FIM program at the University of Southern California. Elliott is currently on the California Grocers Association board/executive committee and chairman of the independent operators committee.

He successfully navigated the company through COVID-19 and has been instrumental in the execution of operations at the stores while having a excellent rapport with

all the company’s team members.

Elliott is well connected to all of his peers, respected by suppliers, manufacturers and the whole organization at Mollie Stone's EMERGING Markets for his decisionmaking, common sense approach and inclusion of his team and grocery community.

He loves what he does with an unwavering passion to satisfy his customers.

flavor profiles and branding, he and Kenn wondered why none featured the Asian fruits that they dearly loved. Why make another black cherry product when lychee would be so much more delicious?

Realizing the lack of Asian representation was a problem in the American beverage industry, Steven and Kenn wanted to fix that. Now, with Drunk Fruit, they're building a brand that’s fun and approachable with the hope that they can share more of their culture along the way.

And beating any obstacle that has hit this emerging leader, Steven didn’t have previous experience in making beverage products. On top of that, they started right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The first brewer they partnered with had to shut their doors right before they

were set to brew the first batch. They elected to make hand sanitizer instead.

Defying all odds, they learned and launched. They got a chance to share their story to West Coast retailers and signed up for the first-ever slam pitch at the California Grocers Association Convention. Drunk Fruit took first place on stage and received a golden ticket, giving it instant distribution in many retailers.

Steven and his partners have a genuine passion for Asian food and beverage culture. He is leading the way in bringing diverse brands and taste profiles to the grocery industry. This is an emerging leader launching an emerging brand.

LEADERS

Congratulations to Elliott Stone for being named a 2023 Shelby Report Emerging Leaders winner

LEADERS

“Elliott Stone is a leader who has rapidly developed and who truly understands the business and its stakeholders. He is passionate about the industry, its innovation advances and focuses on the power of the details our employees deliver to our customers daily.”

— Erika Deschodt, HR Director

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AUGUST 2023 • THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE WEST

Student Case Study Competition leverages emerging leaders

by Jim Dudlicek NGA director, communications and external affairs Employee recruitment and retention remains a top issue facing the independent retail industry. According to many industry and academic research studies, at least 58 percent of U.S. retailers said they have experienced hiring challenges over the past two years that have negatively impacted their business.

During this time, most of these retailers increased wages and benefits for full-time employees, yet they still saw a significant increase in their employee turnover rate.

Independent grocery retailers must assess how they should structure their financial plans and team activities to increase recruiting and retention. How can companies develop a comprehensive strategy that delivers the best combination of internal benefits with competitive corporate positioning?

As part of the NGA Student Case Study Competition in February, 11 colleges worked on strategies and tactics for marketing and implementation of this program. Auburn University emerged as champion.

The National Grocers Association and the NGA Foundation hosted a recent webinar to explain more about how this program can benefit independent grocery retailers.

Moderated by Kelly Hanson, the foundation’s senior project manager, the discussion included: Erica Campbell, director of talent management at St. Louis-based grocery retailer Dierbergs (the retailer at the center of this year’s case study contest); and Jarrett Prizel, a supply chain management student at Auburn University and a member of Auburn’s winning case study team.

Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:

The contest promotes industry leadership and innovative thinking. The competition provides college students considering careers in the grocery industry with hands-on, real-world experience, exposure to the independent grocery sector and a chance to develop solutions that can impact the industry, amid a spirit of fair competition and good sportsmanship.

After researching, developing and finalizing solutions presented during three rounds at the NGA Show, the winning school receives $4,000, with each student team member taking home $1,000.

Students were uniquely equipped to address this year’s topic. Grocers are seeking to enhance their employee recruitment and retention, and students are of the age group representing the industry’s emerging work force.

Teams could bring personal perspectives to these questions: What can grocery retail do to improve the connection points with employees of all ages and reduce turnover rates? How can grocers position themselves as a top potential employer for younger generations seeking fulfillment beyond financial in their career? How should independent grocers restructure their team to support employees’ needs during the hiring and training process? What are unique offerings independent grocers can offer both full-time and part-time employees that will encourage retention?

The contest offered students a real-life challenge. In Prizel’s case, his team brainstormed for about a month and created a network of professors to assist in developing his team’s skills in different business areas, including finance, supply chain management, entrepreneurship and consulting.

Students tackled how to fit solutions to case requirements and company culture; structure teaching while allowing for

worker autonomy; identify EMERGING industry-leading strategies; and explain how their solution worked financially and strategically.

Auburn’s winning solution. The team impressed Dierbergs and contest judges with its three-phase plan that encompassed employee education, recognition, gamification of work processes, career coaching, employee retreats and networking groups.

Retailer takeaways from the contest? Dierbergs aims to focus on digital marketing to enhance its recruitment and culture; establish a mentoring program; increase its investment in scholarships, SAT/ACT prep courses and GED programs; and invest in learning and leadership development.

I’m a retailer and want to participate – what do I have to do? Dierbergs was asked to collect and provide data that would support the student’s research and solutions; coordinate with the NGA Foundation to answer student questions; and participate in the judging of the competition at the NGA Show.

In addition, Dierbergs sent a delegation of seven senior leaders to attend the NGA Show, sponsored a lunch for students at the show and hosted two of the competing teams, one to participate in a share group and another to spend a day with the management team in St. Louis.

Engagement opportunities for next year’s contest – a retailer partner, sponsorship partner, topic ideas and contest judges.

LEADERS

Online Learn more about the NGA Foundation’s student programs at www.nationalgrocers.org/ foundation/ student-case-study or contact nga-foundation@nationalgrocers.org.

RBS associate programming celebrated service members throughout July Retail Business Services, the services company of grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA, honored and celebrated veteran and active-duty associates and military families in July.

The month-long celebration was in partnership with Salute + Allies – the Retail Business Services internal business resource group. It is dedicated to the growth and advancement of active military associates and veterans through networking, career development and service opportunities. The company’s BRGs are an associate-led organization, and they all include “+ Allies.”

“It's really important to our organization to not only have people that are represented in that group, as veterans, but also those that are family members and friends of those that are in the military,” said Valencia Hill, diversity, equity and inclusion lead for RBS. “All of our groups are fantastic, but this group in particular, they make a huge impact to the community. They do a lot of Valencia Hill community service, a lot of donations to their community.

And they also have really impacted our business quite a bit.

They've proposed different opportunities for us to stand up new offerings within Retail Business Services. We're just really proud of this group.”

During July, the company offered several supportive and educational programs and events, including: • A 30-minute lunchtime walk session with veteran Ryan Vander Weit of Home Base, a national nonprofit dedicated to veterans of all eras, service members, military families and families of the fallen, who led a conversation on the four main barriers to reaching fitness goals.

• A lunch-and-learn program to benefit Semper Fi and America’s Fund.

• A keynote speaker session with Darren McBurnett, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, combat veteran, professional photographer, author and motivational speaker. He discussed

his military experience and promoted personal growth by sharing how to navigate adverse environments.

• The creation of a Wall of Honor on the RBS intranet to spotlight veteran and active-duty associates, recognizing their service and sharing their stories.

“My military background has served me well in my career,” said Gary Newell, a U.S. Navy veteran and a special projects and store development specialist at RBS. “Skills I learned in the Navy – team development, fostering morale and collaboration, working with diverse groups – has helped me succeed not only in my role at RBS, but also in my Gary Newell everyday life.”

Newell served four years on board the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3). He was forward deployed to the Far East and based out of Sasebo, Japan. He participated in Run to Home Base in July as part of the Salute + Allies BRG. “With over 125,000 veterans who have lost their lives to suicide since 2001, what Home Base does to help got my attention instantly. I have the honor and privilege to be a part of something bigger than myself. This year I run in honor of Josh and Joey Smith, brothers of a colleague here at RBS.” Beth Sampson is chair of the Salute + Allies BRG. “I come from a military family, and the support from both RBS and our military-focused business resource group, Salute, is incredible. Military associates and their family members are able to connect on their shared experiences, and our entire company is able to learn more about their fellow associates.”

In addition to the programming and events held in July, donations were made via RBS Cares, the charitable arm of Retail Business Services, to both Semper Fi and Home Base to further the support and care of military personnel and their families.

Hill said the Salute + Allies group had approached her department about designating a heritage month for veterans,

active-duty military and their families.

“They started thinking through what programming they wanted to bring forth for the organization for the month of July, so they prepared quite a bit. They proposed it to us. We not only agreed with all that they proposed for the month, but we also showed them how we can cross support some of the things that they're doing. And we're so proud of what they've put together.”

Hill said her department works with the BRGs to “remove barriers, to empower them, to source for them.”

When it comes to the heritage month observations, she said they always come up with some offering for all associates.

If the BRG creates something else as a bonus, the associates can enjoy that, too.

In addition to Salute + Allies, Retail Business Services also has: Balance + Allies (Caregivers Business Resource Group); Conexíon + Allies (Hispanic BRG); Elevate + Allies (Women’s BRG); Heritage + Allies (Native American BRG); Edge + Allies (Black BRG); Next + Allies (Generations BRG); Tradition + Allies (Asian/Pacific BRG); Pride + Allies (LGBTQIA BRG); and Thrive + Allies (Disabilities BRG).

Quincy, Massachusetts-based Retail Business Services provides services to five omnichannel grocery brands: Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Co., Hannaford and Stop & Shop.

Retail Business Services leverages the scale of the local brands to drive synergies and provides expertise, insights and analytics to local brands to support their strategies.

It does so through services that include Business Integrity Services (legal, risk management, quality assurance), Business Services (HR technology systems and process management), communications, omnichannel services, finance business services, financial planning and analysis, human resources, indirect sourcing, procurement, information technology, pharmacy services, store development, leasing, facilities support, and strategy and business development.