Women Of Influence 2016

the Griffin report / shelby publishinG present

Women of 2016

Influence in the food industry

11th

Edition

www.foodindustrywomen.com

The Women of Influence is an exclusive product of The Griffin Report and Shelby Publishing Company.

TGR_WOI_2016_cover.indd 1

2/24/16 1:52 PM

Welcome

2

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

The Griffin Report of the Northeast 2

March 2016

to The Griffin Report’s 11th Annual Showcase of

Women

Karen Harty

of Influence

We are proud to present the 11th edition of “Women of Influence in the Food Industry.”

The honorees represent companies coast to coast and include various backgrounds, experience and channels. The categories include brokers, distributors, retailers, franchises, manufacturers, organizations/ associations, restaurants, universities and culinary institutes.

Meet these women trendsetters who are qualified for inclusion in this prestigious listing because their leadership, skills and dedication made—and are making—a difference in the food industry.

The honorees were chosen for their highly visible contributions to our industry, their professionalism and the awareness they

In the Food Industry

have generated for the potential of other women in our business. These women play a significant role in their companies through their leadership, expertise and dedication, and beyond their companies through their charity, philanthropy and civic work.

This high-energy group includes a gardener, interior decorator, skier, golfer, painter, yoga/Zumba enthusiast, photographer, hiker, sailor, equestrian, writer, runner, tennis player, volleyball player, Tae Kwon Do enthusiast, marathon runner and rock climber. These women also are passionate about their families, companies, customers and communities.

Shelby Publishing Co. will continue to recognize women who make a difference.

As always, we welcome your feedback and

comments, and if you know a female leader, innovator, trendsetter or someone special that you feel might qualify for our Women of Influence in the Food Industry list, I would love to hear from you.

You can nominate an honoree by going to our website—foodindustrywomen.com— and click the Nominate link.

Please join me in applauding these phenomenal Women of Influence. I hope you enjoy reading their stories and thoughtful reflections.

Karen Harty Executive Vice President The Griffin Report of the Northeast Shelby Publishing Co.

11th n

www.foodindustrywomen.com I N

T H E

F O O D

risks. Their willingness to give their time and share their feedback has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am so proud of the team I work with today.

Their desire to win and tenacity to overcome challenges is inspirational. The defining moment of my career was when I was offered a position as regional VP. I was honored to be viewed as someone who could lead a large team and deliver results.

LISA ANGELES Kraft Heinz Co. Years with company: 22

Current position: Customer VP

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: BS, Marketing, MBA Monmouth University Board Member, New Jersey Food Council Member, Network of Executive of Women

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I have been so fortunate to have several professional and personal mentors who have encouraged me to be confident and take

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Balance—whether it is between my company and customer or my career and family.

Prioritizing and allocating my day to always meet the customer’s need while driving profitable growth.

What is your advice for up-and-coming coming executives?

Believe in yourself, take risks and learn as much as you can in each assignment. Passion, attitude and networks are just as important as learning new skills.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I love to spend time with my husband Billy and our two children, John and Jamie.

Editio

I N D U S T R Y

PATRICIA DAVENPORT ARRUDA

Ahold USA, Stop & Shop Supermarkets Years with company: 39

Current position: Director of Deli/Bakeshop Sales and Merchandising, New England Division

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: I studied at Regis College and Bentley College. I support United Way and Greater Boston Food Bank.

Who are your mentors and

how have they assisted you in your career?

through 10 periods.

Mentors are those people who steer us into the right direction of thinking. They help expand our minds by asking questions and making us take a step back to analyze the opportunity and potential courses of action. I have had two great mentors in my long career, and both of them did exactly this. I continue this approach when working with the next group of leaders in my company. It is better to form minds that work well in analysis and deductive thinking than to fill minds with facts.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

The achievement of which I am most proud is building a very successful team during a time of company transition. Assuming my current role a year ago, eight of my 12 team members were new to their positions. With a laser focus on key initiatives, the team produced great fourth quarter selling results and year to date have hit their financial targets

Setting a great example for work/life balance for my team. We work in a fastpaced industry, and it is important that we maintain our personal relationships and have time to recharge our souls. This remains a work in progress and is even more important for the next generation.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Keep organized and remember to delegate appropriately so that the work assigned can also be a training tool for the designee. Take every opportunity to teach, train and mentor those around you, as the team delivers the accomplishments not an individual.

Remember to keep solid time blocked out for your personal and family life.

Hobbies: Travel, cooking, reading and grandchildren.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

3

Congratulations to

Kristin Zierau, 2016’s Women of Influence in the Food Industry Honoree

for all your hard work, your dedication, professionalism and innovative spirit.

Northern California Division

Safeway_03_GR_WOI.indd 1

2/10/16 11:46 AM

4

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

Education, degrees and professional/volunteer organizations: BS and MS, University of Akron

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

There have been so many! I have been blessed to work with many amazing business leaders and resources through both professional triumph and defeat. It has been very enlightening to see professionals evolve through both sides of business transitions.

MELODY BEACHER

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Years with company:

I don’t think that I have had the defining moment of my career yet. That would feel a bit finite to me. My opinion is that each day is a new beginning, and unknown and different opportunities are always going to present themselves. With each opportunity, I learn

C&S Wholesale Grocers Five

Current position: VP of Information Technology, Retail Systems

Assurance, Loss Prevention, and Government Relations.

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: JD, University of Pennsylvania, 1990 BS, Business Administration (summa cum laude), State University of New York, Binghamton, 1987 New Jersey State Bar Association, Association of Corporate Counsel, Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics, Food Marketing Institute

ALLISON BERGER Wakefern Food Corp.

Years with company: Nearly eight

Current position: Group VP and General Counsel I oversee the following divisions: Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, Safety, Quality

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I have had many mentors over my 25-plusyear career, both personally and professionally. They have not only provided me with invaluable feedback in key professional areas, such as technical abilities, communications, interpersonal relationships and leadership skills, but also skills and knowledge necessary to further my personal goals. Here at Wakefern, CFO Doug Wille has been instrumental in my transition from private practice to inhouse counsel, providing me with corporate

Current position:

Years with company: 1.5; more than 20 years in the CPG industry

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Juggling all of the priorities. I want to make sure that I have the time to pay attention to my employees, both as people and as resources satisfying business objectives. In addition to my employees, it is also important to me that their work is meeting the needs of my key stakeholders, so I need to also maintain good communication with my peers and supervisors. While I am handling all of the human aspects of my job, I also have to be mindful of the technology because in my role, a mistake can have significant impact on the business.

From there, I also need to make sure that I have time for my family and myself, so balance is definitely a challenge.

Enjoy it. Maintain an attitude of helpfulness.

Don’t internalize the reaction of others to a situation; maintain your own point of view and learn from every experience. Catch your breath and make a plan. Be patient while continuing to drive the agenda forward, which may seem like a bit of an oxymoron, but that is the art of leadership to me, especially in IT. While you can change a computer in the blink of an eye with a key stroke, humans aren’t always so quick to adjust.

Hobbies: Rubbing boxer puppy bellies, searching for sand dollars on the beach, reversing the effects of sitting all day with some yoga, and doing whatever I can to find a way to make my husband laugh when we are lucky enough to steal some time together.

compliance areas to address identified risks to ensure ethical and compliant conduct.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Wakefern Food Corp. enjoys a reputation of integrity in its business dealings and relationships with associates and customers, and in the communities served by our cooperative members. The organization realized that, as it moved forward, it had the responsibility and ability to preserve this reputation. I was tasked with reinforcing Wakefern’s thencurrent program into a comprehensive compliance program. I am very proud of the program we built, which includes a new compliance function board director, senior management support and oversight, new and updated policies and procedures, employee training and accountability, and formal reporting and response mechanisms.

The program is designed to foster a transparent culture of accountability that promotes ethical conduct and lawful compliance, and promotes proactive best practices in major

Education and professional/volunteer organizations:

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I have had several exceptional professional mentors throughout my career that have helped me. The most influential were managers and peers that provided direct, constructive feedback that helped me grow professionally.

Personally, my mother has always been my biggest mentor and advocate, encouraging me to achieve what I wanted through hard

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

and financial insight into the company and its cooperative membership.

work, discipline, persistence and reminding me to be resilient and think positive.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

Acosta Sales & Marketing

a little more, and continue to feel pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I am proud that I have been able to embrace change in my career, and hopefully I have been a resource to help others do the same.

Business Manager

BS, Marketing, Rutgers University School of Business Member, Network of Executive Women

CHRISTINE BOETTCHER

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

I am most proud of the achievements that I have had where I went out of my comfort zone and took an outside-the-box approach to a problem or opportunity to achieve results.

A defining moment was when I was offered an opportunity to move during my career. I had always resided in New Jersey and was offered an opportunity to move to the New England area for a promotion. Moving away from family, friends and the familiar was challenging, but allowed me to grow in my career and have a broader experience in the industry, exposing me to a new region, customers and go-tomarket strategies and personally exposed me to an area that I really enjoy and still reside in today.

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailerowned food cooperative in the United States.

The combination of this corporate structure and food industry regulation makes the general counsel role particularly challenging.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Don’t let fear hold you back. Take on the tough projects, put yourself out there and be the steward of your own career. Don’t underestimate the positive impact of compassion and kindness—they are not akin to weakness.

Hobbies: When time permits, I enjoy reading, yoga, meditation and spending time with family and friends.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I love the challenges of my job, which are juggling the daily priorities with all the constant changes that occur with our clients and customers. Also challenging is maintaining a positive work/life balance.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

I would advise others to not be afraid to take risks, work hard and go beyond what is expected of you in your role and share your results with others.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my awesome family, baking, going to the beach and traveling.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

5

Congratulations

Debbie Martins-greene Vice President & Partner

a well-deserved honor for your 27 years of dedication and commitment to golick Martins, inc. and the Food industry

Your Family & associates at golick Martins, inc.

GolickMartins_GR_03_WOI.indd 1

2/24/16 10:18 AM

6

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

KRISTEN BODENSTEIN

Daymon Worldwide Years with company: Six

Current position: Director

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois BS/BA, Boston University

Who are your mentors and

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

how have they assisted you in your career?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I am fortunate to have had some very helpful mentors that have been trusted advisors at pivotal moments in my career. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was that “sometimes in life, we need to play the cards we have been dealt” (even if they are not the best). That enables me to get beyond my emotions during challenging times in order to focus on a solution.

The most challenging part of my job is influencing without authority. This has helped me to be flexible and become an active listener. A mindset that everyone adds value and we are working towards something greater than ourselves also helps to drive success.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

One of the things I work towards in my career is to develop my ability to step outside my comfort zone in order to grow. By doing this, I build confidence to be able to tackle greater responsibilities. Once I had to give a presentation in front of 1,000-plus people, and after it was over I felt I could conquer the world.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Stay confident in your abilities even if things don’t always go as you have planned, and try to learn from every setback or challenge. There most likely is another path for you to follow that could be greater than you ever imagined.

Hobbies: Spending time with family and learning how to cook!

ecutive Women Mid-Atlantic Chapter Membership Chair, Founding Chair, Utz Women’s Mentoring Group

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

HALEY BOWMAN

Utz Quality Foods Inc. Years with company: 13

Current position: Senior Category Director, Mass

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BA, American Studies, Yale University, 2000 Member, Network of Ex-

I have been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career so far. My mentors helped me to develop both hard and soft skills, including always trying to view things from various perspectives.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

advancement and leadership in a nurturing environment that promotes learning, mentoring and support.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging and also the most rewarding part of my job is positively influencing others to implement the strategy for the project at hand. I truly enjoy including others in success.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Choose to lead by example and surround yourself with positive people.

I believe that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. Over the last two years, I am most proud of working with a team of ladies to develop the Utz Women’s Mentoring Group.

UWMG is an internal organization with the purpose of providing opportunities for the women of Utz to develop skills that focus on personal

Hobbies:

thinking about this particular question, I didn’t have any mentors until I started working with Paul Wahlberg. I already knew the importance of doing the right thing, being compassionate and understanding, and at the end of the day “just make ’em happy” when it came to customer service, but it wasn’t until I started working for Chef Paul that it actually came to life and was implemented. Chef Paul Wahlberg has taught me that these standards can actually be put into place and produce very very successful outcomes, both in life and in business.

You name it, she’s involved.”

Taking care of my children, including helping to coach their sports teams.

www.foodindustrywomen.com I N

THERESA BRESTEN HP Hood LLC Current position: VP and Treasurer

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Bentley University BA, Economics/Accounting, College of the Holy Cross I am active in community groups, professional associations and academic institutions. Currently I serve on boards such as Atrius Health Inc., a large physicians group, the Industry and Local 338 Pension Fund, the

Dairy Industry Union Pension Fund, the Charles H. Hood (scholarship) Foundation and Roca, a social service nonprofit which helps at-risk young people. I was elected to the Women of the Harvard Club Leadership Committee in 2015. I am a member of Bentley University’s business advisory board.

Former board member for Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, former advisor to the micro-finance initiative of Bentley University and past president of the Treasurers’ Club of Boston.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

Mentors have played a key role for me over the years, providing coaching, support and encouragement. Some have opened doors to provide opportunities to challenge myself, develop leadership skills, build confidence and broaden my skills.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

T H E

F O O D

I N D U S T R Y

There hasn’t been one defining moment but rather a series of progressions over time. Throughout many years at Hood, my role has changed frequently, enabling me to grow with the organization. Never a dull moment through company centralization projects, decentralization projects, acquisitions, divestitures, expansion, contraction and several different ownership scenarios. The experience has been intellectually stimulating, challenging and rewarding.

KARI BURKE

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Years with company:

Balancing work, volunteer commitments and family life is indeed a challenge. It helps to be a high-energy person!

Key skills are the ability to prioritize, delegate and maintain perspective. It is really about picking your “battles” and focusing your energy on those projects that truly add value to the organization.

You also have to be realistic, flexible and adaptable.

Wahlburgers and Alma Nove Four

Current position: Operations Coordinator

Education and professional / volunteer organizations: Associate’s degree, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted in your career?

I have to admit, after really

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I guess each time someone asks me how I started in the company and ended up where I am now, that story always brings up special feelings of achievement. Long story short, I was hired to scan documents and file, and now this is my normal introduction: “I’m looping in Kari, who handles pretty much everything at Wahlburgers.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is being able to handle all of the “things” that are thrown my way on a daily basis. My phone...goes off a few hundred times a day.

Each text and each question and each need is different from the one before. My true duties (are) being Chef Paul Wahlberg and our CEO Rick Vanzura’s executive administrative assistant, but that is actually about a tenth of what I do. I love when people sit in my office for a time and see how many things I juggle at once!

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Take it all on! Get involved!

Volunteer! Don’t ever say, “I can’t” or “I’m too busy”! If something is over your head, admit it, but make sure that is after you have exhausted every effort to see if you could do it yourself.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

7

8

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

KAREN CAPLAN

Frieda’s Specialty Produce Years with company: 38

Current position: President and CEO

Education and professional/volunteer organizations:

KIMBERLI CARROLL

Ruiz Foods Products Years with the company: 15

Current Position: SVP of Sales-Foodservice Business Unit

Education and professional/ volunteer associations: BA, Business Management and Organizational Development, Fresno Pacific University UFFVA Leadership Program

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

My very first mentor was my father, who was up and out the door at 5 a.m. nearly every day and didn’t get home until after dark. He was all about work and family and had very little time for anything else. He taught me that if you want to

BS, Agricultural Economics and Business Management, University of California-Davis Member, Produce Marketing Association (PMA); student mentor, PMA Foundation for Industry Talent Member, United Fresh Produce Association; co-chairman, United Fresh Foundation Let’s Move Salad Bars to California Schools; United Fresh Start Foundation Board of Trustees Member, The Trusteeship, Los Angeles Chapter of the International Women’s Forum Member and past president, Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Member, Vistage CEO Group Advisory Board Member, University of California Agricultural Issues Center Blogger: “What’s on Karen’s Plate,” (friedas. com/karensblog) Columnist: Fresh Fruit Portal, Orange County Breeze and The Shelby Report

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

My mother, Frieda Rapoport Caplan, founder

make something happen, then you have to get after it and make it happen. He always said, “Don’t expect others to do what you are not willing to do yourself.” That has stuck with me throughout my career.

Additionally, I have had several unofficial mentors who have advocated for me and challenged me to improve. Early in my professional career, I had the opportunity to work with David Lopez, who was the director of foodservice sales for Ready Pac Produce. He had an easy and thoughtful style that put people at ease and was gracious, always giving the credit to others. I have endeavored to embrace those qualities in my own style of leadership. I am also fortunate to work with wonderful people who I can rely on to help guide me when the need arises. I feel grateful to be surrounded by such a great group of people.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I feel that I have been very fortunate to work for aggressive companies that have embraced an entrepreneurial approach to building their businesses.

Taking a chance on something that has never been done before is both exciting and scary.

In 2001, right after I started working for Ruiz Foods, an idea came to us to create a tortilla-enrobed taquito-like product for the roller grill. I had to

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

of Frieda’s Specialty Produce. She showed me that anything is possible and obstacles can be overlooked.

What are you most proud of in your achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

In 1986, at the age of 30, promoted to president and CEO of the company.

In 1990, Karen and her sister Jackie Caplan Wiggins became owners of the company, purchasing it from their parents.

In 1990, Karen was the first-ever female chairman of the Los Angeles Fresh Produce Council (now known as the Fresh Produce & Floral Council).

In 1993, Karen founded “Women in Produce,” a produce industry annual networking event for women to network and share ideas.

In 2003, Karen was the first female chairperson of the United Fresh Produce Association.

In 2003, The Packer newspaper named Caplan “Produce Person of the Year.”

In 2005, Karen served a three-year term as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank, 12th District, Los Angeles.

In 2015, Karen was the Women in Produce

the good fortune of being on the early team that developed the product and the marketing campaign for what is now known as Tornados, a meaty, cheesy snack for the roller grill that we sell in convenience stores across the country. This brand has been hugely successful and continues to be successful even after more than 12 years in the market. Working with the team to create and build the Tornados business has certainly been a high point in my career.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I certainly feel the tug of work/ life balance from time to time.

I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband who shares that burden with me and we make it work. Another big challenge is staying on top of all the current opportunities while carving out strategies for the future.

What is your advice for up-andcoming executives?

Listen and try to learn from everyone. Build relationships inside and outside your organization and make an effort to help others succeed. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. Growth comes outside the comfort zone.

Hobbies: I enjoy weight training and spending time with husband and daughter.

Honoree from the United Fresh Produce Association.

In 2012, Karen’s eldest daughter, Alex Jackson, joined the business.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The perishable nature of the products is always a challenge, as are the challenges managing hundreds of different products with a wide range of seasons and, of course, the challenges Mother Nature puts on the growers and suppliers of our products.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Be authentic. Don’t believe the press about you. Question everything.

Hobbies: Traveling to new places around the country and the world. Cooking and finding the best places to dine.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

Rick Rayford, president and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Co. Rick has understood the importance of communication within a large company and has opened doors to make my team a vital part of daily operations.

DR. RAE CHAMPAGNE

Brookshire Grocery Co. Years with company: 14

Current position: VP of Education & Communications

Education and professional volunteer organizations: Ph.D., Literature, University of Texas, Dallas MA, English, University of Louisiana, Monroe BA, English, BA, Journalism, Louisiana College Board Member, Junior Achievement; Board Member, Business Education Council; Board Member, Goodwill Industries; Member, FMI Future Leaders Planning Committee; Graduate, Leadership Tyler.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I’m especially proud to have implemented university programs for our employees. Through the retail management certificate, especially, it’s been rewarding to see adults return to college or attend college for the first time.

I’m also proud to have pushed through many changes that have updated communication within our company. I believe that, together with my team, I’ve been able to modernize the way we communicate, add structure to our processes and increase engagement in a way that really helps drive our company’s unique culture.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

In my world, the most challenging thing is to keep things fresh and new.

Employees need to hear a message repeatedly for it to stick, and it becomes difficult at times to find new ways to say the same thing.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Find your unique niche. I would’ve never dreamed that an English professor would do so well at a grocery company, but my background was just what was needed to grow people (through education, internships and recruiting) and shape our culture (through engagement with the corporate intranet, social media, publications and recognition programs).

I would also say it’s very important to be humble.

And, always be authentic.

Hobbies: Traveling! I love those exhausting guide-led tours that visit all of the major cities in a country or just hit the highlights of several countries in one trip.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

9

10

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

Ahold is a company where leaders take a genuine interest in the development of women, and I am truly fortunate and grateful for the many mentors who have shaped my career. Don Sussman, Mark McGowan, Kathy Russello, James McCann, Maria Silvestri and Nick Bertram are leaders I learn from every day. And Maureen McGurl is a mentor who took a chance on me early on in my career, and she still provides excellent career advice.

SARAH CHARTRAND

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Years with company:

I am most proud of the people I work with and paving the way for their success. At Ahold, we are truly building a winning team, and that is the most exciting part of my job.

Ahold USA 16

Current position: SVP of Human Resources and Head HR Business Partner

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: Master’s, Labor Relations and Human Resources, Michigan State University MBA, Boston College Board Member, Network of Executive Women Alumni Mentor, School of Labor Relations & Human Resources, Michigan State University

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Mentor others as you have been mentored.

Spend time developing people, even though it may take longer than just doing the job yourself. Learn to lead teams in addition to managing tasks. And, above all, take the time to give back: to your team, to the community, to the industry and to your family!!

Hobbies: Photography

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you?

KATIE COLLETT PepsiCo

Years with company: 13

Current position: Director of Large Format Strategy, working for Rebecca Kerr, VP of Large Format Sales

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: Bachelor’s, Seton Hall University Member, Network of Executive Women, Metro New York Region Women’s Inclusion Network, PepsiCo

Throughout my career I have found mentors in some of the brightest and most dynamic leaders Pepsi has to offer.

One in particular showed me how to stand up for what I believe in while bringing others along. The Pepsi ship is a big one to turn and you often need to recruit others slowly to get an organizational shift. He was a leader that I would run through a wall for and I aspire to be. I’ve also found some outside mentors through the Network of Executive women.

These brilliant women have helped expand my industry network and industry knowledge. They’ve helped me overcome many challenges that I might not discuss with internal mentors. These relationships have made me more valuable to Pepsi and the customers I’ve called on.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

My career isn’t defined by one big moment but a series of small wins. Every day can

LIBBY CHRISTMAN Ahold USA

Years with company: 18

Current position: VP of Risk Management & Safety

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Lebanon Valley College BA, Economics, Ursinus College Food Executive Program, Cornell University Chair, Risk & Safety Council,

Food Marketing Institute Member, Network of Executive Women Risk Management Summit Advisory Board Member for Business Insurance Magazine Board Member/Secretary, Central Penn Chapter, Risk & Insurance Management Society Advisory Council, Workers’ Comp Research Institute Member, PA Chamber Workers Compensation Work Group Women’s Leadership Network, Capital Area United Way

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

The moments that make me proud are when our retail managers advise that I or my team have been instrumental in solving a problem and made a positive impact on their operation. That makes me proud.

I’m also proud of improving safety and reducing risk in the workplace, properties and for our customers. We’ve reduced injuries and costs over

the past five years. That’s a benefit to our associates/customers, first and foremost, as well as for Ahold.

My career definition changed when I began to see myself differently than I had in the past. When people at Ahold and outside of work began to seek me out for opinions, advice and mentoring, I realized that I was having an impact on others. That realization from many years ago inspired my desire to mentor and increased my confidence about what I have to offer.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I am consistently looking for more innovative ways to communicate to retail associates and to our senior management. Risk management and safety can get lost in companies that do not have a strong focus on ensuring safe and resilient operations. My intent is to keep risk reduction front and center and bring new and innovative methods to communicate its significance.

be a battle, and having the enthusiasm to start each day like it’s my first is what I’m most proud of.

assisted you in your career?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am currently transitioning into a new role. While exciting, these transition times can be extremely challenging. New roles come with new contacts and a new set of standards to be set. While frequent change can be difficult to manage, it helps to keep things exciting.

I have learned as much from the people reporting to me as I have from the people I have reported up to.

KAREN CONONETZ Unified Grocers

What is your advice for upcoming younger executives?

Years with company :

Evaluate all facts available from every lens and make choices that result in the best outcome. Having facts to support your decisions will give you confidence and the support of others. Ensure you keep a healthy balance in life to ensure career longevity.

Current position:

Hobbies: Competitive volleyball and playing with my children.

Both activities are necessary to keep me balanced.

18 Director of Center Store Procurement

Education and professional /volunteer organizations: Edmonds Community College Bachelor, Business Management, University of Phoenix Past President, City of Hope, and current board member, Pacific Northwest Food Industries Circle

Who are your mentors and how have they

I am most proud of the individuals whom I have been a part of their career advancement. There is nothing better in life than knowing you helped someone else with their achievement. I don’t have a certain defining moment but rather a journey of moments that have evolved my career.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is the delicate balance of work and home life and remembering to be present at all times.

What is your advice for younger executives?

Ask for forgiveness, NOT permission.

FISH PHILOSOPHY—Chose your attitude every day, Be Present, Have a good time, and Make someone’s day!

Margaret Thatcher says it best: “Success is having a mixture of having a flair for the thing you are doing knowing it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a sense of purpose.”

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career:

STEPHANIE CRIMMINS Panera Bread

Years with company: 10

Current position: VP/GM, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: Mount Holyoke College MBA, Harvard Business School Launchpad Venture Group Harvard Business School Development Section Chair

Mentors have played an enormous role in my life. In fact, I was actually brought to Panera by a former boss whom I worked for when I was at Fidelity Investments years ago. Early in my career I was hesitant about seeking advice and guidance; now it is a critical part of my career. I have realized people like to help others, and there is something really powerful about calling up a former or existing colleague and saying you really need their help or advice.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am really proud of the consumer packaged goods business I’ve helped build for Panera. My team and I started with just a concept—bringing our guests’ favorite parts of the Panera menu to retail—and built it into a sizeable business with significant growth potential for the company. It has been a tremendous amount of fun

March 2016

to take an idea and bring it to life. Plus, I’ve had the privilege to build and lead a team of extremely talented individuals.

Management Board and currently serve on the board of directors for Associated Black Charities.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There is never enough time!

What is your advice for upcoming younger executives?

Send short notes to former colleagues to let them know you are thinking of them and don’t hesitate to ask for their advice or counsel.

Don’t be afraid to fail—failure often leads to significant personal growth.

Have fun! Find a role that brings you joy and satisfaction.

Hobbies: I like to hang out with my husband and two children.

We live outside of Boston and try to take advantage of all the seasons by skiing in the winter and going to the beach in the summer. I also love hot yoga, playing soccer with my children and going hiking in the woods.

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

REGINA CURRY

McCormick & Co. Years with company: 10.5

Current position: Senior Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BA, Psychology, Northern Kentucky University Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification (SPHR) I have the title of Emeritus from McCormick’s Multiple

Mentors have been critical components of my career development and success.

I had a mentor very early in my career that helped me navigate the corporate environment and the company’s culture. He opened my eyes to seeing beyond the face value of daily interactions, meetings, etc., into how things were truly accomplished. The relationship was built on trust and open communication, and I received feedback whether I wanted to or not!...I am thankful of that relationship and still utilize the lessons learned today.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

In my journey I’ve been able to recognize and take advantage of opportunities to advance my career. I am most proud of the work that I am doing now in diversity

and inclusion and the impact it has had for individuals and our organization. McCormick has a unique culture built on the “power of people” which provides a great platform for diversity and inclusion initiatives. I remember receiving the call about taking on the role and feeling not quite sure if it was the right move for me.

As an African American woman, diversity and inclusion has always been an important part of my life but didn’t want it to define me as a professional. I am so grateful that I made the decision, as I’ve found my passion and feel this is the most rewarding work in my career. It transcends any category and brings all parts of what I’ve learned from HR and the business together.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is to always keep a global lens. McCormick is a multinational corporation and has customers in more than 110 countries. It is very easy to get engulfed in the culture you are a part of and live daily.

11

12

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

Volunteer, St. Gregory Armenian Church, Parish Council

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

ANN DAW

Specialty Food Association Years with company:

Various mentors at General Foods, Kraft and Philip Morris International. David Dangoor taught me how to internalize a brand and have a vision for where it could go. Steve Dimowitz coached and challenged me to make my leadership style more effective. I learn from the members of my association every day on their challenges and aspirations.

9.5

Current position: Immediate Past President

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Marketing, Boston University BA, Mathematics, Merrimack College Executive Forum, AIWF, Board Member, World Education Services (WES)

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Developing people to unlock their potential by giving them the tools to be great. I am proudest when they succeed.

I tend not to reflect on the past as the future is always ahead of us. My focus is to ensure that when I move from one position to another that the organization in better shape to continue to

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

ALONA FLORENZ

C&S Wholesale Grocers Years with company: Seven

Current position: Senior Director of Corporate Development

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Sloan School of Management, MIT BA, Williams College Volunteer, C&S Mentorship Program, C&S Coaching Program Board Member, Montessori Schoolhouse

My mentors have been wideranging. Almost every boss I have ever had has pushed me to reach beyond what I think are my capabilities. They raise the bar to make sure I am not complacent about my skill set. Mentors have been peers who remind me that there is a bigger world beyond my own narrow focus and that when we share challenges, we find collective ways to improve the whole.

These folks are the ones I look to for advice when I reach a crossroads, and the people who are in my cheering squad when it feels like we are in a marathon.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Seeing my team reach their potential and accomplish projects that have a real impact to the business is something I value. Being able to have an influence on others through project work, through mentorship, through development has been important to me.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

grow than when I arrived.

drive for achievement at a young age. They taught me that hard work and ambition would allow me to reach my goals. Another influential mentor in my career was Kris Olewine-Milke. I worked for her when she was VP at Sysco of Central Pennsylvania. Kris taught me how to refine my approach to executing creative ideas that bring people and programs together to attain success.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Ensuring that change is part of the DNA of the organization and keeping eyes and ears open to trends so that we can support our members and the growth of the industry.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Be sure to learn the basics in whatever field you are in.

Not learning them will ultimately catch up with you.

Make sure you always love what you are doing.

Hobbies: Golf, ping-pong, skiing, watching my daughter play softball. Learning Chinese with my daughter, calligraphy.

Volunteering at my church.

Any time I get to spend with my husband and two daughters.

LISA DUBS Ettline Foods

Years with company: Three-plus

Current position: Director of Organizational Development & Training

Education: BS, Food Technology & Nutrition

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

My parents taught me to have a strong work ethic and

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Push yourself to find the hardest challenges. If something appears more complicated than you can handle and requires more than your current skill set, seek out that project and rise to the occasion. You will learn more than you can imagine.

Also, remember that you never know how helping others will pay off. This is a small world, and paths cross, so as you offer assistance, you may be seeding your future in some way.

Hobbies: Reading (British literature), cross-country skiing, spending time with my family.

I’m most proud of the people who I mentored to develop their own potential and take their talent to the next level of success. When someone is coachable, they can be guided to achieve their dreams through their own effort.

Seeing their goals come to fruition gives me the greatest satisfaction.

A defining moment of my career was when I became Northeast regional director of training for Sysco corporate. I was responsible

Edwards Deming Center for Quality, Productivity and Competitiveness at Columbia Business School Also: Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Business at Iowa State University; Executive Advisory Board of SCM World; Chair, Twin Cities Go Red for Women (American Heart Association), 2016.

The most dynamic part of my job—and the most challenging—is solving complicated problems that arise when I least expect them.

It is the reason I wake up in the morning excited to go to work—because I know I am involved in something that makes me think critically and requires me to react quickly.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

BETH FORD Land O’Lakes

Years with company: Four

Current position: Group EVP and COO for Food and Feed

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Columbia Business School Bachelor’s, Iowa State University Boards: PACCAR since 2015; Clearwater Papers since 2013; Children’s Theater Company of Minneapolis; Greater Twin Cities United Way. Advisory Board: The W.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

One of the most significant mentors I’ve had in my career is my current boss, Chris Policinski at Land O’Lakes. I’ve had numerous sponsors in my career who have taken an interest in my development and have supported me and moved my career forward. In terms of very direct learning, Chris has provided not only opportunity but has acted as a role model in how to lead, grow a company and stay focused on critical issues while developing key talent. As well, he has shaped the culture of the organization to be active participants in the community. He’s a terrific reminder of the importance of active leadership.

for 13 operating companies from Maine to Virginia. I requested additional leadership and coaching classes for myself. I felt that if I was going to be responsible for the growth of others, I needed to continue to develop my own education.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The hardest part of my job is teaching people to respect co-workers’ individual talents, strengths and styles.

Coaching people to understand diverse personalities is what makes a cohesive team that achieves results more quickly and effectively.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Life is a journey. Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take risks. Get involved by joining different professional groups. Never stop learning.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I have worked in six industries for seven companies, so learnings have been broad.

What has defined my career, I believe, is talent development and leadership...I believe my most significant accomplishment will be the number of future leaders I’ve worked with and have developed in my almost 30 years of business. They will have an impact long after I am finished with my career.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

My challenges are opportunities, and I see them as such. There is significant commodity volatility in our businesses so that can be challenging but it is an opportunity to outperform if we manage that volatility and risk better than competition. Talent is another area.

There is always a “war” for talent, and identifying, attracting, developing and retaining top talent leaders is the most significant challenge but, again, most significant opportunity.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast ment Resource Association; Women’s Business Enterprise National Council; Food & Beverage of Wisconsin (FaB).

UW-W, WCTC, Marquette-Continued Education Coursework, MRA-Leadership.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

PATRICIA “PATTY” GOTO Asenzya Inc.

Years with company: 32

Current position: President and CEO

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: Member, American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

Retired board member: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Southeastern Wisconsin; Manage-

My dad has been by far my biggest mentor in my career.

He has taught me that hard work, fairness and great passion can take you places you may never have thought possible. I’ve been very fortunate to have a strong influence by both my parents to help guide and support me through so many years.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am very proud to have grown the company to where it is today, along with maintaining our strong reputation in the food industry, and to be able to provide south-

March 2016

how have they assisted you in career?

east Wisconsin with great job opportunities and to be a part of the community.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job has been finding enough time in a day. It’s a matter of making sure you prioritize your responsibilities appropriately to keep our objectives moving forward.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Follow your passion. Whatever career path you choose, be sure it’s something you enjoy and truly have an interest in. Work hard, learn everything you can and always be respectful of others.

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, walking, swimming, reading and most definitely cooking!

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

KAREN GOZZI Wakefern Food Corp.

Years with company: 15

Current position: VP of Corporate Advertising

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: New Jersey Advertising Club, Network of Executive Women, Girl Scouts of Central New Jersey.

Who are your mentors and

Jim Sumas, ShopRite member, and chairman of our advertising committee Dean Janeway, former president of Wakefern Food Corp., and Ron Gianettino, president and owner of Gianettino & Meredith Advertising.

Ron allowed me to discover my creativity, and both Dean and Jim taught me about the supermarket business and made me passionate about what I do.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud of the staff of professionals in the advertising division of Wakefern Food Corp. Their ability to connect and react and produce great consumer communications in all forms of media is unmatched by any other group in the business.

My defining moment was when I made a leap of faith and left the agency business and joined Wakefern Food Corp. It had a tremendous

13

impact on my professional growth and business acumen. I’ve been very fortunate to have such great leadership throughout my entire career—agency and corporate side.

What is the most challenging part of the job?

Challenging and exciting is the move to digital and how we engage with consumers today, particularly Millennials.

What is your advice for younger executives?

Stay passionate and take risks.

Hobbies: Fishing, watercolor painting, hanging out with my great husband Joe.

14

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

New England

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

DANA GIFFIN

The JM Smucker Co. Years with company: Two and a half

Current position: National Account ManagerChain Drug and Mass

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: Bachelor’s, Business Administration, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Regional Secretary, Network of Executive Women-

The NEW New England women have been hugely influential to my career. I have been involved in the organization since my first year in the industry (almost seven years), and I have developed strong mentor relationships.

These ladies supported me during my move from Acosta to Smucker and have been extremely encouraging that even though I am still young in this industry, I can still offer value to the region as a member of the leadership committee for New England.

I have been fortunate to have very strong male mentors in the industry: Phil Gelinas (JOH), Peter Martin (JOH), John Desimone (Acosta) and Mike McConnell (JM Smucker) have all been direct or indirect supervisors to me, and have all supported me fully in my aspirations in sales.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am proud that I was able to excel at the many opportunities that were handed to me during my first four years in the industry. It is always a good feeling to see your experiences and hard work at building relationships are recognized even outside of your company, and so my defining moment so far was when I was offered a sales position at the JM Smucker Co., which was and is a very well respected company in the CPG industry.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Working on national accounts such as CVS and Rite Aid can be a challenge because the nature of over 10,000 points of distribution means very big wins but equally big losses.

LISA CHILDERS GLORIOSO Brookshire Grocery Co. Years with company 22

Current position: VP of Pharmacy

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe Member, Texas Pharmacy

Association and American Pharmacy Association NACDS RxIMPACT Pharmacy Advocate Top Women in Grocery, Rising Star recipient, 2010 Louise Brookshire Service Award

ogy standpoint has melded nicely with my passion to develop a pharmacy department known for providing outstanding customer care.

Jim has been a supporter of all initiatives that I have pursued to benefit our company and profession.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I’ve been fortunate to have had many mentors during my career, both personally and professionally. These people have encouraged me, challenged me and provided honest feedback that influenced me greatly. There are two special mentors. My dad, who taught me that I could do anything that I set my mind to and to whom I owe my work ethic and love of all people. Also, Jim Cousineau, SVP-pharmacy, has been my supervisor through various levels of leadership over the past 22 years. His goal of being on the cutting edge of pharmacy from a technol-

Keeping up with the changes in the profession of pharmacy is a constant challenge, balancing financial accountability with the commitment to achieving optimal health outcomes for every patient by providing the best care possible. Just as the “people” part of the job is the most rewarding, it is definitely the most challenging as well.

People are amazingly created with so many different influences that affect their perspectives; helping them see and realize their potential can sometimes be a challenge!

www.foodindustrywomen.com I N

BRIDGET GRABOWSKI C&S Wholesale Grocers Years with company: 15

Current position: Director of Deli and Bakery

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: Studied business at Clarkson University

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career ?

T H E

I have been very fortunate to have had many mentors throughout my life that have helped shape me into the person that I am today. My parents, who instilled a strong work ethic and the importance of truth and honesty in me; coaches who taught me that hard work and dedication pay off; and supervisors and colleagues that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years that have helped coach and guide me in the daily tasks and situations that arise in the day-to-day of our industry. I am grateful that I have had the support and guidance from so many great mentors throughout my career, and I am fortunate enough to still have many of them in my life today in one aspect or another.

their own limitations and empowering them with the tools needed to grow is very rewarding. I am also very proud of the Deli & Bakery team that we have built and the continued success we have had through startups, transitions and many other accomplishments.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

My advice is to be true to yourself, enjoy what you are doing, honesty is always the best policy, and empower and mentor associates to achieve their long-term career goals.

I am most proud that I have been able to mentor and coach associates on their career paths within the organization. Challenging team members to push beyond

F O O D

I N D U S T R Y

achievement in the marketing discipline, University of Massachusetts.

Academic Excellence Award for High Scholastic Achievement, University of Massachusetts School of Management

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part about my job has been juggling a fast-paced, retailfocused business with multiple customers and regions across the country and maintaining the level of excellence we pride ourselves on.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

DEBBIE GREENE Golick Martins Inc. Years with company: 27

Current position: VP

Education and professional / volunteer organizations: BS, Business Administration, University of Massachusetts Member, Beta Gamma Sigma, University of Massachusetts Member, Alpha Mu Alpha National Marketing Honorary Society for recognition of outstanding scholastic

My mentor for 27 years has been Manny Martins, president of Golick Martins. Manny taught me how to conduct myself in a professional manner in all aspects of the business, from working with manufacturers to calling on customers in all classes of trade: grocery, specialty, wholesale and special markets. Manny’s passion for the business showed me that a strong commitment to success and a positive attitude will inspire your peers to strive to have the same qualities that will result in a solid business with strong growth potential.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining mo-

ment of your career to date?

Being named vice president of Golick Martins in July 1991 and becoming a partner in January 2016.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

With my focus on specialty foods, I deal with many small emerging companies that do not have the knowledge of the business practices in the Metro New York market, which requires the time-consuming task of educating them. It is challenging to manage the demands from the manufacturers and customers and meeting their expectations while trying to achieve the ultimate objective of selling product and attaining the desired sales results.

It is important to stay enthusiastic and motivated as you face the daily challenges because your attitude will be rewarded with positive sales results.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

President of the Center for Food Integrity Board Member, Share our Strength’s Dineout for No Kid Hungry Board Member, American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Women in Lodging Council.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

SUE HENSLEY

National Restaurant Association Years with company: 11

Current position: SVP of Public Affairs and Communications

Education degrees and professional/volunteer organizations: BA, Journalism, University of Illinois; Kellogg School of Management Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) Executive Leadership Program, 2014-15.

Certified Association Executive credential

Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, has been an exceptional mentor. She has given me the opportunity to help create initiatives like Kids LiveWell and the Conserve sustainability platform, and has encouraged me to grow through professional development opportunities like the WFF’s Kellogg Executive Education program.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I was privileged to help spearhead “Dine for America” after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, in which nearly 18,000 restaurants raised $13 million for the American Red Cross in a single day.

March 2016

That memorable event embodies the restaurant industry’s commitment to providing for those in need.

Being involved in the creation and launch of Kids LiveWell has also been a highlight of my career. Kids LiveWell— a program requiring restaurants to meet specific nutritional guidelines for their children’s menu items—has grown to 43,000 restaurant locations over the past four years as well as museums, theme parks and even military bases. Kids LiveWell has won numerous awards, but the continued growth of participants and menu items is a more important measure of the program’s impact.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

One of the more challenging parts of the job is the breadth of issues, ranging from food safety to operational issues to crisis scenarios. I am fortunate to lead a tremendously talented team. We are always thinking of new ways to communicate our message and tell the industry’s story.

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

tion from the American Society of Association Executives Received the 2013 Stephen Styron award from the Georgia Society of Association Executives

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

ANGELA HOLLAND

Georgia Association of Convenience Stores Years with company: Nine

Current position: President

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: Graduate of Kennesaw State University Earned the Certified Association Executive designa-

Outside of my parents, my career mentor is Jim Tudor. He has taught me a tremendous amount and, in the process, I learned a lot about myself. He has a way of bringing out the best in people, and he certainly does that for me.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

The work I do touches so many people, and if I can help store owners operate better stores, then I’ve made a contribution to the community as well as the industry.

My defining moment: In

15

2011 I knew for certain that I was where I needed to be. My board implemented a strategic plan that included Jim’s retirement and asked if I had an interest in serving as the next president. Their support has been overwhelming. They’ve supported me during the transition, provided educational opportunities and various resources and, most importantly, entrusted me with their state association.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The biggest challenge, to date, has been finding the right life balance.

Although I’ve been with GACS for nine years, I’m only two months into the presidency. It is a very different role than my previous one, and I’m finding that I want to get it all done now, today. That’s just not feasible. There are days when I have to make myself stop working.

16

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

PATRICIA JOHNSON Stop & Shop

Years with company: 30

Current position: District Director in New England

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and I play an active role in the Network of Executive Women and Women Adding Value (WAV) for Ahold USA organizations.

I have had the opportunity to work with and for several outstanding leaders within the Ahold and Stop & Shop companies. The diversity of these mentors has enabled me to develop my own leadership style that incorporates the importance of people development as well as overall store operations.

The opportunity to leverage these relationships to develop my own style of leadership has had a significant influence on my career.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud when I see those that I have had the opportunity to coach and mentor continue to develop in their own careers and succeed to the next level.

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Harvard Business School BS, Cornell University Combined Jewish Philanthropies

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

DENA ZIGUN KOWALOFF Roche Bros.

Supermarkets

Years with company: Three

Current position: Director of Marketing

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you

Rarely does a marketing executive get to design and launch a brand from scratch with the full support and re-

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

My advice to upcoming executives is to continue to focus on your leadership, be strategic, own your own career, never be afraid to ask for help and celebrate successes.

Hobbies: My hobbies are spending time with family, traveling, volunteering, and attending sporting events.

THERESA KESSLER

International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) Years with company: 26

Current position: VP of Finance and Administration

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations:

The most challenging part

Laura Kuykendall, whom I worked with at the Claridge Food Group, helped me elevate my role from an individual contributor to a leader. She empowered me with decision-making authority, strengthening management capacity, encouraging risks and learning from failures.

At Roche Bros., Aimee Morgida and Jennie Fotovich have been excellent female role models and supporters. I’m also grateful for an amazing network of talented and creative strategic thinkers who’ve strengthened my capacity through outside collaboration, including Lisa Lazarczyk and Reni Gertner of LAZ PR, Julie Vail and Martin Sorger of Marquis Design, Rachel Vidoni, Lauren Tully, Jeff Vetstein and Vanessa Karliss at Topco, and Marci Sapers and Paige Arnoff Fenn of Mavens and Moguls.

Member, Women’s Foodservice Forum

of the district director’s position is developing a knowledgeable, cohesive team, focused on delivering and sustaining positive results, who consistently support one another while celebrating the teams’ accomplishments.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

in your career?

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

sources of a well-established market leader, but I had the amazing opportunity to do so with Roche Bros.’ new Brothers Marketplace banner. This project brought together research and strategy skills, customer profiling, branding and design, and integrated marketing.

I collaborated with excellent operations executives, merchants, architects and more to bring the brand to life through every aspect of this innovative new format.

To be able to walk around and watch customers shop in the new store is an amazing culmination.

George Mason University, Business Administration Member, American Society of Association Executives Member, Society for Human Resource Management

DEBRA KULTZOW

What is the most challenging part of your job?

RDD Associates

Making time for strategic projects while keeping up with the fast pace of day-today tactical needs is quite a challenge!

17 (35 years in the food industry)

Years with company: Current position: Business Manager

What is your advice for upcoming younger executives?

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations:

Say yes! Try new things that push you.

BBA, Marketing, Pace University Pleasantville, New York

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

The first and most important mentors in my life are my mother and father. They taught me at a young age the importance of hard work, being a good citizen and caring for others.

Scott Robinson, who I worked for at the beginning of my career at Cornell University’s student dining department, instilled confidence in me and encouraged me to move on when the time was right for bigger and better things.

My current supervisor, Mark Allen (President and CEO, of IFDA), has been instrumental in allowing me to develop professionally. He has provided me opportunities to enhance my skill set beyond finance and has challenged me to become a well-rounded leader.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

work and dedication it took me to get here. I am proud of the team of people I work with today, and I believe that our organization does a great job focusing on our members’ needs and helping our members succeed. I am honored to be involved with IFDA’s newest leadership committee, The Women In Foodservice Distribution Leadership Committee. It has afforded me the opportunity to work with some amazing women in the industry.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

One of my biggest challenges has always been maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Seek out new assignments that will challenge you. Be passionate, respectful and truthful. Don’t ever think that any job or task is too small, because consistently showing that you are willing and able to take on new responsibilities will eventually pay off. Be patient.

I am proud of where I am in my career today and the I have been fortunate to have both personal and professional mentors through the years. Mom and Dad are credited for teaching me the importance of morals and integrity. My husband, Anthony, and my children Stephanie and Steven, have been my sounding and advisory board that keeps me grounded.

Professionally, there have been many mentors, but Frank Fiumano, a kind, gentle and intelligent man, took me under his wing in 1996 and taught me the importance of humor, tenacity and “not to sweat the small stuff.”

What is the most challenging part of your job?

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

My defining moment and the one I’m most proud of was taking a leap of faith in leaving an established food brokerage and starting all over at ground level with a new unknown food broker and growing along with RDD’s success.

There are several challenging parts of the job. Personally, it is managing the work/ life balance. Technology has forced us to become available way past the normal 10-hour days.

Professionally, the challenge is meeting the objectives of our clients and at the same time achieving our company goals. Working for a food broker, the changing market conditions, cost of goods, the economy and the supermarket consolidations certainly have shifted the way we approach our business.

My advice for young executives is to work hard but smart, be honest, ask questions, enjoy what you are doing and have a positive attitude. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy kickboxing and baking.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

17

18

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

LEE ELLEN KIRK

The Culinary Institute of America Years with company: 13

Current position: Senior Advancement Officer, Corporate Relations

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations:

LINDA LAWSON Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. Years with company: 20

Current position: SVP, Division Manager, Ft. Worth, Texas, Division

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: BA, Business Administration, Mt. St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, Ohio (formerly The College of Mt. St. Joseph) Board Member, Tarrant Area Foodbank, Ft. Worth, Texas Mentor, Vision Ft. Worth Mentoring Program

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career?

I have had many mentors and people that have helped me and

BS, Hospitality Services Administration/Marketing Center for Creative Leadership Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) Master Hotel Supplier (MHS) Women’s Foodservice Forum board member, nine years; Executive Committee member, two years; Marketing & Communications chair, three years.

International Foodservice Manufacturers Association committee member.

Board Member, Performing Arts Council, PSU Board Member/Executive Committee, Kishacoquillas Historical Society, six years.

Reedsville Presbyterian Church Audit and Events Committee Meals for Wheels State Hotel and Restaurant Associations (various)

guided me throughout my career. First, you have to want to be mentored and be able to accept criticism as well as advice. The folks that have had the most influence on my career are Bob Pickerill, SVP, Division Manager, Kansas City, and Gerald Cockerham, Executive Director of Inventory Management, Kansas City. Both of these gentlemen have a wealth of knowledge and were willing to share their experiences while working for each of them.

Their advice and guidance was invaluable. This is the reason I mentor today. Successful people always have had help along the way, and I want to give back!

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud of the fact that I am the first female division president of an AWG division.

This industry is male-dominated, but more women are achieving leadership positions.

My defining moment was being offered this position. I was humbled and proud that the leadership of my company had the faith in me to lead the Ft. Worth Division.

The most challenging part of the job are the changes day to

tificate Member, Network of Executive Women (NEW) Women Impacting Store Brands Excellence (WISE) Volunteer Girls Inc.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

My life mentor is my father.

He instilled in me a very strong work ethic and taught me the importance of being fair and treating both internal and external customers with respect. Also, since we moved a lot due to his career with IBM, I learned to become very adaptable and flexible at an early age.

My work mentor is Dan Gescheidle. He took me under his wings when I first joined the NRAEF and pushed me to achieve excellence in everything I did. He encouraged me and allowed me to create and manage new initiatives for the organization. He challenged and provided me a platform to test my unskilled areas and grow within a safe environment.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

TONYA HERRING Ahold

Years with company: 10 months

Current position: SVP of Grocery & Fuel

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: Harvard Business School Leadership Academy Cer-

I have had many mentors in my career, and each supported and helped me in different ways. While some created paths for me to grow, others were just sounding boards. However, the ones who impacted me the most gave honest feedback and pushed me well outside my comfort zone. During these times is when I learned the most about myself and had the biggest career challenges and jumps.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

What is your advice for upcoming younger executives?

The biggest piece of advice is to be patient when wanting to move up. As I am mentoring now, I see a lot of talented young folks with so much potential that want to move too fast. A lot of learning happens along the way. You have to be good and master the job that you are currently doing to give you the foundation for the future. I learned this during my tenure here at AWG. I was in the same job for seven years, then was promoted four times in eight years. Sometimes, the time is just not right. Take time to learn as much as you can as you are pursuing advancement.

It will pay off in the long run.

Hobbies:

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

My proudest moments in my career is watching the people I mentor/sponsor/train achieve their career goals.

The most recent defining moment in my career was changing companies after 23 years and moving across the country while leaving my family behind. I have learned more about true courage, how to embrace it and the true definition of taking a chance.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

While all roles are challenging, I still believe taking the time for true people development is the biggest challenge. It’s the easiest thing to say “get it done later,” but it has the biggest negative and positive impacts on the business.

the company. I truly believe that his guidance has helped me tremendously with my career as well as my overall professional confidence.

day. No day is ever the same.

There are a lot of moving pieces.

Also, dealing with the folks that make everything happen and the different personalities make it a challenge, but fun. It is a challenge to me to develop people and see them grow. It is rewarding to see them succeed and have a part in growing our company.

Golf, travel and photography.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

What are you most proud of your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Technical Services Manager

My first year at Blount I was given an MVP award and hold myself to that standard in all I do. I am also a proud continuing education honor student.

My defining moment is the day I answered a job posting on Craigslist for a temporary food technician position at an ingredient company located two hours from home. What started as a 12-week position lasted nearly four years, sparking my passion for food science and providing me with necessary experience to begin my journey in the industry. I have since developed my career at Blount, bringing together both engineering and culinary backgrounds in a unique way.

Education and professional/volunteer organizations:

What is the most challenging part of your job?

ROBIN LEATHERWOOD Blount Fine Foods Years with company: Five

Position:

AS, Mechanical Engineering; working toward BS in Food Science and Technology.

Member, Institute of Food Technologists

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted in career?

Rajen Mehta, Ph.D., a former colleague during my first job in the industry, saw the makings of a food scientist within me even though I did not have a degree. The great deal of respect and encouragement he showed resounds with me to this day.

William Bigelow is a huge proponent of my professional development and has encouraged me to continue to grow within

Staying aware of the constant evolution of consumer wants and needs as well as changing legal regulations in labeling.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Never, ever stop learning!

Hobbies: Baking (it can be the perfect blend of science and art and is both challenging and relaxing not to mention delicious), spending time outdoors and live music of any kind.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

I N

T H E

March 2016

F O O D

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

19

I N D U S T R Y

CONGRATULATIONS Naomi Sleeper and all the 2016 Honorees!

We are so proud that the third generation of the Sleeper family is part of the Imperial team.

We thank Naomi for her vision, dedication, and significant accomplishments. www.ImperialDistributors.com | 508.756.5156 Imperial_03_GR_WOI.indd 1

Karen Stout Congratulations to

2/24/16 11:29 AM

www.ImperialDistributors.com | 508.756.5156

2016 Woman of Influence

from

FreshMarket_03_GR_WOI.indd 1

2/24/16 2:06 PM

20

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

NICOLE LEMAIRE

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

VP of U.S. Sales and Operations

Early in my career, I had two incredible female mentors that were highly influential. I worked alongside the owner of a talent agency in Los Angeles from 19-21 years old, which provided me with real-world experience before I graduated college. I believe that experience and her mentoring helped to shape my professional career.

Once I landed at Interactions, I was fortunate to work closely with the director at the time who gave me every opportunity to learn and get involved in all aspects of the business. She has forever inspired me with her leadership, intelligence and generosity.

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations:

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Interactions Marketing, a Daymon Worldwide Co. Years with company: 7.5

Current position:

Political Science, San Diego State University

me honest, direct feedback. In addition, I have had mentors who have been instrumental in helping me consider career opportunities that would give me opportunities to develop skills in areas that my current and previous positions wouldn’t allow.

Years with company:

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment in your career to date?

18

Current Position: Director of Deli, Bakery and HMS

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Business Administration, minor in marketing, University of Maine, Orono, 1998.

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career?

I have had many mentors throughout my career. The ones that I have appreciated the most are those who are willing to give

MAUREEN LINDER

Bimbo Bakeries USA Years with company: Nearly two

Current position: VP of Marketing, Premium Bread and Innovation

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Kellogg Graduate School of Management,

Northwestern University BA, Purdue University Current: Marketing Committee Member, Grain Foods Foundation Past: American Baker’s Association Board Member The Ad Council board member, including member of the Executive Committee

What is the most challenging part of your job?

As our team has grown and has become more spread out across the U.S., it becomes more challenging to connect with each person as often as I’d like to.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Treat others as you would want to be treated.

Hobbies: Travel adventures, concerts, running, yoga, biking, swimming in the ocean.

My most proud achievement is building a highly motivated, passionate and talented team of creatives, sales people, operators, managers, marketers and brand ambassadors.

NICOLE DEVOE LEWIS Delhaize America, Hannaford Division

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

I am most proud of the risks I have taken to move into areas of the business that I was not the expert in. Those are the times that I’ve learned the most about myself and about the business.

Those experiences were defining moments for me. Specifically, I remember a time when I moved from a category management position to a leadership position in human resources. At the time we had just announced a major change in the structure of our organization. I was learning what it meant to be a leader in an area that I had no experience in and I was responsible for supporting leaders and associates through a large organizational change. It taught me to have courage, trust my intuition and how to lean into others for support.

and bakery. I get really energized about all that we could do.

The challenge is prioritizing having the right balance of patience and impatience for change.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Always be curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn all that you can in position/project you’re involved with. Have a voice, be confident, speak up if you have something to contribute, even though you’re the most junior. Find mentors that will give you open and honest feedback and then take action!

Hobbies: Right now, my husband and I spend a lot of time enjoying the hobbies of our children. When I am not spending my time supporting their events, I like to exercise, try new recipes and listen to music.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The fresh part of our business is so exciting, especially in deli

The Grain Foods Foundation Board Member Campbell Soup Foundation Board Member Fairfield County Community Foundation Board Member

an important challenge for me to discern what could become a disruption in our industry, how quickly the disruption will occur and how to respond and adapt appropriately to maintain healthy business growth.

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted in your career?

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

It has been my good fortune to learn from many very talented senior leaders, supervisors and colleagues throughout my career. I have learned general management, marketing and leadership skills from observation of and interaction with all of them.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am proud of driving profitable business growth, building strong brands and developing high-performing teams throughout my career. There have been many wonderful moments throughout my career, but none that stands out as more exceptional than all the rest.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There are disruptions occurring in many industries, and it’s

It’s satisfying and rewarding to do something you love, so follow your dreams and be willing to work hard to achieve them.

Hobbies: When I am not working, I like to spend time with my family and my friends.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

21

Congratulations to:

Betania Neto of

Christmas Tree Shops on induction into the :

75 W. Century Road Paramus, NJ 07652 Metro NY --- New England --- Mid-Atlantic --- Upstate NY EA-Berg_03_GR_WOI.indd 1

2/24/16 12:15 PM

Congratulations

Theresa Bresten HP HOOD_03_GriffinWOI.indd 1

1/19/16 8:31 AM

22

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

BRENDA LOTESTA

of Sales & Marketing Companies, National Food Brokers Association Steering committee, Business Information Network: Founding Member and President.

Years with company:

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

KeyImpact Sales & Systems Inc. Eight

Current position: Chief Marketing Officer

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: Education Certifications: Kellogg School of Management, MBA, Institute of Professional Advancement, Certification C.P.F.B. Stephens College, BFA Volunteer: Feeding America, Women’s Foodservice Forum Board Service: Women’s Foodservice Forum, Board of Directors, Foodservice Sales & Marketing Association, Association

JILL MCINTOSH The Kroger Co. Years with company: 13

Current position: VP of Natural Foods Merchandising

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Business Administration, Xavier University Juris Doctorate, University of

Toledo College of Law Co-chair, Network of Executive Women YWCA, in both Portland, Oregon, and Cincinnati, Ohio Board of Directors, ProKids

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I’ve had many wonderful mentors. Former Kroger EVP Don Becker and Kroger Personal Finance President Kathy Kelly

GRACE MIKULSKI

Years with the company: Two and a half Manager,

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Ahold

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Food Marketing, Saint Joseph’s University Active participant in the Network of Executive Women, Acosta Mechanicsburg Culture Committee and volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

show of strength and resolve to “weather a storm” in order to achieve long-term sustainable success, as well as the leadership positions taken to assist others in advancing their own careers and personal growth.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Challenges come every day in many different forms, and that is what keeps work exciting! If it were easy, everyone would do it. For me, not having new challenges is a challenge.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

The most meaningful advice I can share would be, number one, always look to learn something new. Some ways to do this is to step up to the plate and take on new responsibility whenever possible, join associations and give back. Number two: make continuing education a priority. Number three: do not let negative people run you off course, and never, ever give up on yourself and those who support you.

I am most proud of building lifelong relationships and the

encouraged me to take a position outside the law department and learn other parts of our business. I was the first leader of money services at KPF and helped it grow into a strong business. I then joined Kroger Manufacturing as senior director of HR/labor relations, where I met another mentor, Calvin Kaufman, who was group vice president of Kroger Manufacturing. We had a great partnership, helping HR focus on talent development, team building and diversity. Because of our success, I was promoted to lead HR for the Fred Meyer Division in Portland. Tim Massa and others in corporate HR were instrumental in making this amazing experience happen, which again focused on enabling our people for success. I returned to Cincinnati after mentors Robert Clark and Mel Bomprezzi encouraged me to join merchandising and lead natural foods.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Natural foods is a booming business, and we have many opportunities to better serve our customers. Sometimes when you’re moving a big ship, it takes time to make things happen the right way. Having patience, making thoughtful decisions and creating alignment is important at a company our size.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Don’t be afraid to take chances. Put yourself out there and build a strong team. Take the time to mentor others so we can develop our future leaders. You’ll learn as much from your mentees as they will from you!

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, running, volunteering and traveling.

The defining moment in my Kroger career was my decision to take an opportunity outside the law department. That was a leap of faith and completely changed my career trajectory here.

As an attorney, I never imagined I’d be part of merchandising.

I’m fortunate to work for a company that offers associates opportunities to learn and grow.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Current position: Business Team

Over the years, I have had many mentors and advocates who have shared their knowledge, supported my career and personal development. This includes family, customers, clients, competitors and business partners, for which I am eternally grateful. The foundation for any successful career is new learnings, support and personal development. I have been fortunate to continuously receive opportunities for all three. I have had tremendous support from exceptional business partners, colleagues and employees as well as unending encouragement from my husband and daughters.

Mark Sisler, who was a senior business manager at Acosta, was one of my first career mentors. Mark took me under his wing when I was promoted to my current sales role. He was eager to share his years of experience in this field. He taught me the significance of relationship-based selling in a world of technology. I still find value in the lessons he taught me.

Acosta Sales & Marketing

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

One of the defining moments of my career to date was when I was asked to graduate from the two-year Leadership Development Program one year early in order to become a business manager on the Ahold Team. This was a testament to my hard work, dedication and striving to be my best self.

What is the most challenging part of my job?

The most challenging part of my job would be the fine balance of pleasing our clients (manufacturers) and pleasing the customer (Ahold). Sometimes the goals and visions do not align for these two, and it is my job to navigate these waters while maintaining a good relationship with both sides of the business.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Advice that I would give to younger professionals is to ask a lot of questions. While you are young in your career, that is the time to learn everything you can. You are a sponge—absorb everything. Strive to understand why you are doing the work you are doing, not just how. Once you understand the why, the how becomes much more manageable.

Hobbies: I love to travel, cook, ski/snowboard and was recently certified to teach Zumba.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Storebrand Excellence, Friends of the Wissahickon

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

EMILY MOSCATO Saint Joseph’s University

Years with company: 1.5

Current position: Assistant Professor of Food Marketing

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: Ph.D., Virginia Tech MBA, University of Notre Dame BS, Villanova University American Marketing Association, Association of Consumer Research, Women Impacting

I have been very fortunate to have fantastic and supportive mentors. My mother, Dr. Susan Moscato, has been a role model personally and professionally throughout my life. Dr. Julie Ozanne shepherded me through my doctoral program, allowing me to stumble, learn and grow.

She continues to be a source of wisdom and laughter. Dr. Nancy Childs has been invaluable in my position, providing insight, introductions and resources.

These mentors have not only given me personal support, they are also amazing women who have, in large and small ways, helped trail blaze a healthier work environment for others who have come after them. For this, I am truly grateful.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

The achievement I am most proud of is being involved in higher education. My position as a teacher, researcher and

community supporter allows me to engage in matters that I am passionate about and interact with people whose passion surpasses mine. I have a strong belief in the power of marketing to support consumer well-being. In my role at Saint Joseph’s University, I am able to educate students and the community, and research issues of food well-being, including sustainability, socialization and food justice. It is difficult to find one defining moment, but it is very motivational when students offer their gratitude for discussing issues of food wellbeing, knowing they will take these lessons into their careers.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Balance. So many aspects of my job are engaging that I want to spend all my time on them. The diversity of my work makes it exciting but also the biggest challenge.

What is your advice for up-andcoming executives?

Take initiative and fail. Learn from that failure and do not let it be a hindrance. Keep taking the initiative. Never doubt your intelligence or your ability.

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

23

amazing person who always guided me and is still guiding me from up above.

I have learned so much from her, not only in business, but also in life. Yonina was especially influential when it came to building my negotiating skills, establishing vendor relationships, and teaching me the ability to just be blunt when it comes to decision-making. She guided me and impacted me in my career in order for me to become the successful buyer that I am today.

BETANIA NETO

Christmas Tree Shops

Years with company: 1.5

Current position: Food Buyer

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: AA, Fashion Merchandising and Management, Berkeley College, New Jersey

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career. However, one in particular stands out the most when considering how much she impacted my career. Yonina Weiss has been my mentor, my friend and an

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud of succeeding in a buying position in the food industry with no prior background in it. The moment I knew that I was truly meant to be in this business was when I first attended the Sweets and Snacks Show in Chicago. The vendors, the product, the entire work environment brought out an energy in me that I didn’t know existed. I truly love what I do.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is having to leave my young family behind when I have to travel. I absolutely love the experiences that I obtain from each trip; however, not having the ability to be with my family at the end of the day makes it hard.

24

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

HEATHER LEED NEARY

Auntie Anne’s Inc. (a division of FOCUS Brands) Years with company: 11

Current position: President

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: I earned a BA from Millersville University and an MBA from Penn State University, where I also earned the Alumni Achievement Award in 2010. I serve on the board of directors for the Lancaster Family YMCA and also serve on the Penn State Harrisburg School of Business Advisory Council.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I feel like I learn from everyone around me. While I don’t have an “official” mentor, I do look up to those who are senior to me and I learn from them every single day. At a previous company, I worked for a VP of marketing named Candie Harris. I admired her presence, her approach to business, and how she was a mom and a businesswoman. We’ve kept in touch over

TRACY NOEL

Associated Grocers of New England Years with the company: Six

Current position: Human Resources Manager

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Business, Southern New Hampshire University PHR, SHRM-CP Member, Society of Human Resource Management Member, Human Resources Association Greater Concord Member, NHTI Advisory Board

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted in my career?

It started with a college professor who inspired me to start a career in HR. Attending her classes, listening to her stories and sharing her experiences showed how important HR is to an organization and how we, as HR professionals, can make an impact in the lives of others. Additionally, I’ve had the good fortune to have worked with many inspiring leaders in my career. I’ve watched what they do and emulate them. I’ve learned to understand and hone in on my natural strengths, listen to opposing views, stretch myself and surround myself with positive and successful people.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

All of us have those moments in our careers that reveal and shape our character as a professional. We may not recognize them as such when they are happening, but their significance can grow over time.

One experience...reminds me to always be aware of your blind spots. People skills did not always come naturally to me, and yet the value of building trust through interpersonal relationships cannot be underestimated, especially as a leader in human resources. When I started my career

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

the years, and I’ve reached out to her from time to time when I’m struggling with something. She was one of the first people to text me when I was recently promoted, and it meant a lot to me to hear from her. I have some other folks I reach out to from time to time when I’m at a crossroads. My dear running friend Mark Fallon has been a great source of advice of late.

My mom is another person I admire. When I’m struggling with a decision, I think about how she would handle it–always with grace and integrity.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am proud to be a woman in leadership, specifically leading the Auntie Anne’s brand. When I started at Auntie Anne’s in 2005, I was hired as a marketing manager. Looking back, I would not trade one single role I held within the company because I learned the intricacies of the brand through each and every responsibility I took on, whether big or small. I also had the opportunity to develop strong relationships with associates, loyal consumers of our products, franchisees and their managers, as well as vendor/supplier partners. I know I am only as successful as the team around me, and I am fortunate to work with a talented, passionate group of individuals.

I don’t feel like I have one defining moment. I’ve been very fortunate in my career to work with such great people who have all taught me so much. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I hope I’ve learned from them. I have great friends, franchisees and colleagues who aren’t afraid to tell me when I can do something differently, and I learn so much from them.

in HR I have always made it a priority to connect with people. This required stepping out of my comfort zone.

As I worked alongside great mentors, listening to colleagues and accepting different points of view, fostering trusted relationships became essential. The lesson learned for me and what I encourage my team to do is always look for opportunities to stretch yourself. This is the most rewarding and biggest opportunity for growth.

What is the most challenging part of my job?

I would say staying professionally current and finding a balance between work and family. I have a stack of HR magazines and books that I like to read but don’t always find the time.

What is your advice to young professionals?

It all comes down to what’s right for you. Know your priorities, set your boundaries, make smart choices and ask for what you want. You’ll be surprised at how little resistance you’ll get, the amount of respect you’ll gain and how much happier you’ll be.

WANDA PARNAY

Giant Food Stores Years with company: 26

Current position: District Director

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: American Cancer Society volunteer Multiple Sclerosis Society volunteer Toys for Tots volunteer Professional mentor

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

When I began my career, it was a time in the grocery industry where very few women were in positions of

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Time, or lack thereof. While I consider time management to be a strength of mine, there are some days when there just aren’t enough hours. I just took on the role of president in mid-November, and I set a goal to meet with every Auntie Anne’s corporate associate for 15-30 minutes before the end of the year. It is important for me to get to know what drives people, what career aspirations they have and how I can support them in their goals. These brief but powerful one-on-one meetings have been so inspirational to me. I wish I had time to do this more often. However, I am learning to enjoy the time I have and make the most of every single minute.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

My advice for younger executives is to take on the jobs that nobody else wants to do or seem less than appealing and glamorous. I have learned so much throughout my career from these types of roles and responsibilities. Oftentimes, it is these experiences that provide a deep understanding—learning something from its inception and having insight on what worked and what tweaks were needed. Career advancement takes hard work, but look at everything as an opportunity and embrace it and never be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty!

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, as well as extended family and friends. I am an avid runner and enjoy a good round of golf. I also enjoy traveling.

leadership/management. I was the second female to be promoted to a store manager in the region at that time. Throughout my career I have had many mentors that have been able to identify traits that I didn’t see in myself and helped to encourage and mentor me to be able to successfully take on positions of increased responsibility. Due to the impact of mentors throughout my career, I realize the importance of paying forward mentorship to help others advance their careers as well.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud of the relationships/networks I have built with the people that I work with and to see them continue to grow in their careers. Other than achieving the financial goals of the company, this is the most rewarding part of my job.

I have worked for the company 26 years and have been promoted eight times.

The most defining moment to me is the difference I was able to make when I was assigned to a district with a lot of challenges. In addition to geographic and economic challenges of the area, the

associates in the district didn’t believe in themselves.

Through strong leadership and teamwork, they now believe in themselves and the district is improved in many areas.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Sustaining and developing bench strength in the stores for continued growth and success.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

We’re in a people-oriented business—remember to treat all people (customers, associates and colleagues) with respect and dignity. As one of my mentors taught me, remember at times to encourage associates to believe in themselves. And, most of all, love what you do and don’t forget to have some fun.

Hobbies: Shopping, reading, spending time with friends and family, gardening and building friendships.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

My most memorable mentor was a woman named Dominique Dancause who encouraged me to finish my education, which enabled me to get to the level of my career.

NANCY PIERCE Associated Grocers of New England Years with company: Two

Current position: Retail Bookkeeping Manager

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Accounting and Finance, Southern New Hampshire University Active volunteer with several nonprofit charitable organizations

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I’m most proud of successfully leading various teams throughout my career. I enjoy mentoring and assisting team members and others to develop and grow within their own career.

What is the most challenging part of your career?

The most challenging part of my job is helping our customers realize the value of financial and operational measurements of their own businesses. We’re a co-op of independent grocery stores, and part of my position is to work with store owners to not only to collect and pre-

March 2016

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career ?

pare financial information for them but also to educate them on what the information means and how they can use this information as a tool to help make their operation even more successful.

What is your advice for upcoming younger executives?

There is a great deal to be learned from people who have already made mistakes so you won’t have to. Take advantage of this! Work hard to get ahead and don’t be afraid to question everything in order to understand better. Be open to change, but also make sure you hold on to your values.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, gardening and cooking (when my husband lets me). I enjoy most outdoor activities unless it is too cold.

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

CORI PURRINGTON ES3 LLC

Years with company : 17

Current position: Director of Transportation

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: C&S Peer Mentorship Program Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption

I have had several mentors over my career. The most influential have really pushed me to work outside of my comfort zone and were willing to support me in my efforts. Their ability to put me in challenging situations and provide opportunities for my growth has really shaped my career and my leadership philosophy.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

There is no better feeling for me than helping others achieve their goals. Every time I get to witness and be a part of another associate’s success is a new defining moment for me.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is staying ahead of market trends in the trans-

25

portation industry while providing the service our customers deserve and expect.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Be curious! Ask questions and learn from everyone around you. Create your own path and be open to feedback. Never pass up an opportunity to challenge yourself and your team, even if it doesn’t mean a promotion.

Hobbies: I love to read, run and spend time with my family.

26

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

NICOLE PERANICK

Daymon Worldwide Years with company: 1-plus

Current position: Director of Global Consumer Strategy–Culinary

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: I hold a BS degree in international business with honors from The Dolan School of Business of Fairfield University and a Grand Diploma in Pastry Arts from The French Culinary Institute. I have also attended The Wharton School and UCLA for executive education, the Universidad de Sevilla in Spain and the International School of Economics in Holland.

I have been an active member of the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) and New York Women’s Culinary Alliance. I am also affiliated with major academic societies, including Beta Gamma Sigma (National Business Honor Society) and Sigma Iota Rho (National Honor Society for International Studies).

In my “spare time,” I am an active participant within my local food entrepreneur community, serving as a mentor for new startups to help navigate the industry and grow their businesses.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career development?

Most of my mentors are sourced from home. My older brother, Joe, guided me into a career in CPG brand marketing, where I gained a solid foundation in business management and brand building. Through my parents, Nick and Diane, I developed my passion for food and baking, and with their mentorship, became a pastry chef, aspiring to create my own baked goods company. Inspired by my husband Andrew’s innate professional drive, I built a successful business and was able to parlay this experience into my current role, which is a perfect marriage of my brand management and culinary backgrounds.

At Daymon, I feel fortunate to be able to also call my manager, Shilpa Rosenberry, my mentor, who offers a wealth of both industry and professional knowledge to realize my potential within this business. I am truly indebted to these five individuals. Thanks to them, I can say with sincerity that I truly love my work and am excited about the future.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements to date? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud of being able to build a successful business and brand, With Love From The Cupboard, which allowed me to gain the knowledge and experience needed to create this truly unique competency for Daymon. With the tremendous receptivity to innovation from our customers, I have been able to impact culinary innovation strategies for many global retailers in a short amount of time.

reach. My role gives me the ability to work with over 100 unique retailers across 14 channels of trade in 50-plus countries around the globe. Every retailer has a distinct business need and customer profile, requiring a custom approach for translating the culinary trends into relevant innovation to drive differentiation and growth. Solving for this challenge requires a deep understanding of the future of culinary, future consumer and nuances by market, all achieved through our proprietary methodology for culinary trend analysis.

What is your advice for upcoming professionals?

Never settle for complacency. Own your career, follow your passion and take calculated risks in pursuit of achieving your goals. View challenges as opportunities for continuous professional growth.

Hobbies: I continue to bake and experiment in pastry arts as a hobby shared with family and friends. When not in the kitchen, I enjoy movies, theater and spending time with my husband and dog, Maddie.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is its breadth and global

www.foodindustrywomen.com I N

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career?

NATALIE REAM The Kroger Co. Years with company: 27

Current Position: Corporate Vice President, Customer Communications & Marketing

Education, professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Utah State University Member, Google Retail Advisory Council, Food Industry Leadership Council, Network of Executive Women.

Volunteer, DePaul Cristo Rey High School

Most important in terms of influence have been my parents, as they established our family values and instilled in me a strong work ethic, treating others as you would like to be treated and the ability to optimize to create better outcomes.

I’ve been fortunate to have been mentored by business leaders within our organization that have supported my vision, connected me to areas of our company and initiatives outside my principal areas of responsibility and encouraged me to extend my influence and share ideas more broadly.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud of the people on my team who I have had the good fortune to mentor, coach and guide, to see their career develop in ways that they did not believe possible and their personal growth beyond what they would have imagined.

As for a defining moment, while still a work in progress, I would point to my establish-

T H E

F O O D

I N D U S T R Y

your career?

ing, from the ground up, an inhouse agency that provides fullservice advertising, customer communications and marketing within the walls of one of the world’s largest grocery retailers.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Finding time for strategic thinking and for time away from the desk to go and see what is happening in other parts of the country, the world and within other industries that might influence our go-to-market approach.

What is your advice for up-andcoming executives?

This is something my dad taught me indirectly, and that is to love what you do, and if you do, it will not seem like work!

I advise young professionals to identify not only what they love to do, but to be aware of, tap into and cultivate their natural talent; to know what they are especially good at and apply their natural talents to work that they love. It will make for a long, successful and rewarding career.

SUSAN ROMEI

Just Born Inc. Years with company: Five; 26 in CPG industry total

Current position: Channel Director for Drug/Value and International

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: BS, Education, State College

Keene

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted in

I have been fortunate to have built a wonderful network of business associates who have helped guide me in my career decisions and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. A standout mentor for me was Michael Stoeckle, who was my VP at Bio Labs.

Michael was a driving force in my career, pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me to achieve levels in my career that I never thought possible. I am forever grateful.

What are you most proud if in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

My proudest moments are when I am mentoring and developing people on my team and paying it forward.

The defining moment in my career has been moving to the candy industry in 2010.

What is the most challenging part of the job?

Managing the constant change in our industry.

I love a good challenge!

Mostly, I like the lessons and the feeling of accomplishment I get from solving problems we are faced with every day.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Be excellent listeners, always have a plan—even if it changes along the way (and it will). Be kind to everyone, but don’t ask for permission.

Hobbies: Golf, reading, biking and gardening.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

SHILPA ROSENBERRY Daymon Worldwide

No matter what stage I’ve been in my career, I always come across challenges—big and small—that I may not have encountered before. During these times, I’m fortunate to have several mentors, both inside and outside of the food industry, that I can turn to for feedback and coaching. Some of these are current leaders in my organization; others are former leaders, customers and clients that I trust and admire.

As I navigate my career, having these mentors, all with varied backgrounds and disciplines, to champion me, provide perspective and even push me to think differently, has proved invaluable.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Years with company: 2.5

Current position: Senior Director of Global Consumer Strategy

Education degrees and professional/volunteer organizations: BS, Information Systems and Management, Fairfield University Advanced Retail Strategy Program Certification, UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management

I started my career in process and technology consulting at Accenture, moved into brand and product development for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and built on that experience to ultimately develop a rewarding career in retail strategy and insights, helping retailers to define their future strategies. This is something I’ve been doing now for more than 10 years, and I’m very passionate about it. Every piece of my journey has been a building block for the next. It was not always easy to transition and to learn new areas of business, disciplines and skill sets, but I am proud that I have con-

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

tinued to stretch myself to take on new challenges. I can’t pinpoint a defining moment in my career, but joining Daymon has been a high point. In this role, working across many channels of trade, businesses and categories, I feel more challenged than ever before. We not only develop the strategies for our retailers, but we can operationalize them fully—from product to packaging to merchandising to instore experience. It is an exciting place to be, especially during such a pivotal point in retail where private brands plays such a critical role in differentiating retailers.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

A big part of what we do is work with our retail partners globally to help them innovate and differentiate. This can be in product development, in business model or in customer experience. Retailers all say they want to innovate, but it can be tough to actually do it. Doing it right requires data, insights and probably most importantly, gumption. Convincing some of our retail partners to place the right bets does not always make for easy conversations, but there is nothing better than when a successful differentiated program is brought to shelf and pays off.

27

but develop good processes for approaching problems. No matter where your career takes you, solving problems will be one of the most important skillsets to have. The best executives not only identify issues but also provide ways to solve them. The worst thing you can do is go to leaders with issues without having a personal perspective about how to solve them. You don’t have to have all the answers and it’s okay to ask for help, but make sure you know how to think through a problem.

Secondly, take any and every opportunity you can to work in teams. Learning how to work effectively with teams is something important at every stage in your life, both in and out of work. We can do great things as individuals, but I believe the best and most rewarding success is done collectively.

Hobbies: Spending time with my husband, two kids and my English bulldog.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

There are two pieces of advice I would give upcoming younger executives. First, focus on problem solving. It sounds so obvious,

Congratulations Brenda Loteste

Key Impact Sales_WOI_GR031026.indd 1

2/22/16 4:04 PM

28

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

Member, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Member, Retailer’s Association of Massachusetts Member, Weymouth Rotary Trustee, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and 2003 “Woman of the Year”

Who are your mentors and how they assisted you in your career?

MARYLOU SANDRY

Marylou’s News Inc. (dba Marylou’s Coffee) Years with company: 29

Current position: Founder and President

Education and professional/volunteer organizations: Quincy College, Bentley University Past director, South Shore Chamber of Commerce Past overseer, South Shore Hospital Member, South Shore Women’s Business Network Member, Specialty Coffee Association of America Member, New England Convenience Store Association Member, National Federation of Independent Business

Richard Marchetti, owner and president of Miller Golf (now deceased), had a great deal of wisdom that I didn’t appreciate when I worked for him. Not until I had created my own company did I realize how smart he was. Phyllis Godwin, owner of Granite Electric, was a wonderful role model for me as a woman president of a company consisting of male (electricians).

What are you most proud of in your career achievement? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I started my business with one store in 1986. It was my escape from the corporate world, and now almost 30 years later, we have a chain of more than 36 stores, we employ over 700 people and have a reputation for the “best coffee in town” served by great personalities and fabulous customer service.

When I saw my pink cup thrown as trash on the side of a busy road—alongside McDonald’s bags, Burger King wrappers, Dunkin’ Donuts trash, I thought, “Wow! Big time!”

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

What is the most challenging part of your job?

to win, and if you follow that plan you will succeed.

People. Trying to keep my employees happy and customers satisfied. Keeping expenses down when forces I have no control over overrule, i.e., minimum wage increase, fluctuating coffee market and weather, is a huge challenge. When it’s bad, it’s horrid; last winter was the worst.

What is your advice for up-andcoming executives?

Be a sponge—absorb and learn as much as you can from the experienced—but know that you can’t be the expert in everything (especially if you are starting your own business). Do what you do best, but trust the experts on matters you don’t do well. Surround yourself with smart people that are not afraid to work hard!

Hobbies:

What are you most proud of in your career? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am proud of the reputation of teamwork and reliability that I have established with everyone that I work with.

The stores know that they can call me and I will always help them .

What is the most challenging part of the job?

LYNN SCAVULLO

The most challenging part of my job is balancing the business with what the stores need to operate. Every day I do my best to support all of our stores and their needs to ensure they can provide the best store for our customers.

Stop &Shop Supermarkets (NY Division) Years with company: 15

Current position:

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Director of Store Support

For younger executives coming up in the business, my advice would be to not forget our customers; everything we do affects them, and without them we don’t have a business. Be sure to stand up for what you believe even if you’re standing alone.

Education degrees and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Biology, Rutgers University

Love the sand, sea, sun, palm trees and warm weather. Love long walks, exercise at the gym and addicted to Sudoku. Flower arranging.

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career?

I have been very fortunate throughout my career to work for very strong operators, and each of them have taught me so much about store operations, budgeting, business and life in general.

Bob Yager, the current SVP of operations I work for, put his trust in me and gave me a chance to take on this responsibility. He has taught me how important it is to put a plan in place

Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with husband and kids, usually going to their practices or games.

www.foodindustrywomen.com I N

T H E

Education and professional/volunteer organizations:

ROCHELLE SEIDENECK Giant Eagle

Years with company: 14.5

Current position: VP of Edible & Inedible Grocery

MBA, Duquesne University BS, Marketing, Gannon University Duquesne University Women’s Leadership Graduate Cornell University, Food Executive Program Boards Director, Pennsylvania Diversity Council Board Director, Strong Women, Strong Girls Board Director, St. Anthony School Programs Advisor, Giant Eagle Women’s Business Resource Group Mars Area Baseball Association volunteer

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I have a personal “board of directors”—it’s more than just having a mentor. It’s knowing all of the different people that can guide

F O O D

I N D U S T R Y

you in different ways. I have people that sit on my board that guide me in personal matters and people that help guide me in professional matters. They all have unique skills sets and experience and can provide me with different perspectives and advice.

What are you most proud of your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I have had many proud moments in my career; I think there have been many small defining moments through every step of my career.

Each step within my career has defined who I am now.

I think the moment recently that I’m most proud of is when I was able to call my father and tell him that I’ve had been promoted to vice president.

What is the most challenging part of job?

Balancing everything. Work, life, family, pressures—it all keeps me energized.

However, some days the balance is just off and some days it’s just right. It’s figuring out how to navigate through each one and knowing that sometimes “good enough” is good enough—that’s the real success.

What is your advice for upcoming younger executives?

Be true to yourself and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Hobbies: I love running and ran my first half-marathon last May and plan to run another half-marathon this May. Most of my free time is spent with my husband and kids. I take such great pride watching my son Finn play baseball and my daughter Lola in gymnastics.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

29

30

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

Science, 2009 MA, Education, Teaching, Alliant International University, 2006 BA, Philosophy/Environmental Studies, Tufts University, 2003

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

NAOMI SLEEPER

Imperial Distributors Years with company: Three

Current position: Category Manager, Natural and Green Living

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, MIT Sloan School of Management (expected June 2017) MSc, Environment and Development, London School of Economics and Political

The Imperial team has been tremendously supportive in my professional growth and contribution at Imperial. My father (and CEO), Michael Sleeper, has been an ultimate role model both personally and professionally. Tony Germano, VP of strategic business development at Imperial, and Joe Kirby, VP of retail sales and category management, have been instrumental in developing my understanding of the operations and relationships that drive both the buy and sales side of the business.

And, Deborah Kaufman, VP of organizational effectiveness, has been a fantastic coach and played a key role in shaping my career path.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment to date?

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I am proud to influence the Imperial team in the way we use and analyze data to drive sales growth for both our company and our retail customers. In particular, making growth of the natural and green living category a key part of Imperial’s strategy is also helping not only to build sales for Imperial and our customers, but also to increase the market accessibility of products that are safer for the consumer and the environment.

CASEY SHEAFFER

Acosta Sales and Marketing Years with company: 5.5

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Current position and your immediate supervisor

Engage with all aspects of the business and ask questions. Learning from colleagues and industry partners about challenges, developments, and successes is the primary step to making effective, meaningful and sustainable change.

Director of Insights–Ahold Team

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Management and Marketing, Penn State—The Capital College

www.foodindustrywomen.com I N

permarket RD subgroup.

Has served as a board member for the Lehigh Valley and Central PA Dietetic Associations; currently serves as a volunteer board/steering committee member for the Ta Ta Trot, a local breast cancer charity 5K. Newly appointed volunteer board member for the Central Susquehanna Valley chapter of Girls on the Run.

BETH STARK, RDN, LDN

Weis Markets Inc. Years with company: Seven

Current position: Manager of Lifestyle Initiatives

Education degrees and professional/volunteer organizations: BS, The Pennsylvania State University ARAMARK Metro New York Dietetic Internship Active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Food Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group and Su-

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

Over my 11-year career, I have been influenced and guided by a number of mentors in both my prior life as a clinical/outpatient dietitian and in my current role as a retail dietitian. My former director, and the person that hired me at Weis Markets, helped me understand not only the supermarket setting but also how a retail dietitian fits into it and the opportunities we have to make an impact. I’ve also been fortunate to work closely with my current direct supervisor who has been extremely supportive of my team and I. I’m incredibly grateful for these individuals that have invested time in my professional growth and were generous with

T H E

F O O D

I am fortunate to have a network of people who have provided their guidance to help me succeed. Kathy Chandler has helped me understand the industry while encouraging me to think more broadly and to trust my instincts.

Vince Aganad has had a huge impact on my confidence at work and has taught me that building strong relationships is the foundation to a successful career. He regularly reminds me that family comes first and to keep a good head on my shoulders.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

My most defining moments have come when I’ve left my comfort zone to take risks.

I first started working with Acosta as a planogram analyst and became very relaxed in that role. I enjoyed the job and could have easily settled in for the long haul. But with a little push from a co-worker, I took the leap to move to insights. That ended up be-

ing the best career move I’ve made so far. I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with our sales team and clients.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is managing the expectations of multiple clients in a constantly changing environment. Sometimes it’s difficult to give everyone the attention they deserve, so prioritizing and being clear about what I am able to provide is essential.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

My advice is to go with your gut; if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t and people will respect you for doing the right thing. Be trustworthy and focus on mastering the skills necessary for you to excel at your job.

Hobbies: Gardening and working on home renovation projects with my husband.

I N D U S T R Y

their insights and advice.

Atlanta Board Director of GLAAD (nationally), Camp Twin Lakes, AGLCC and Junior Achievement of Georgia.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Upon starting my career as a dietitian, I knew that a traditional clinical role was not for me. One of my proudest career achievements to date is that I have been able to land and succeed in the type of job that as a dietetics student and new dietitian, I would have viewed as my “dream job.”

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The dynamic nature of this job that makes it so exciting is also what makes it challenging. Both the retail and nutrition worlds are ever-changing, so it sometimes feels like my “to-do” list grows longer vs. getting shorter. Learning to adapt and be flexible to this environment has been necessary in order to thrive.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to cook, travel, run, spend time outdoors and enjoy the company of my family and friends.

Who are your mentors and how they assisted your career?

PAMELA STEWART

The Coca-Cola Co. Current position: VP of National Retail Sales (NRS)

Education and professional volunteer organizations: MBA BS, Business Administration Chair of The Coca-Cola Co.’s Multicultural Leadership Council, alumna of Leadership

Cathy Horgan, Sandy Douglas, Steve Cahillane, CJ Jackson and Jim Dinkins—they always see more potential in me than current-state roles showcase; then they place me in environments or on platforms to demonstrate my ability to display (and earn) that next level of leadership or advancement.

What are you most proud of in your current achievements? Do you have a defining moment in your career?

Stretching and developing teams beyond their own perceived potential.

Defining moment: De-

ciding to be authentic by bringing my whole self to work.

What is the most challenging part about your job?

Making sure every single team member rests at night knowing that he/she matters...and that he/she makes a meaningful difference.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Seek first to know thyself by giving yourself permission to embrace and bring your true, whole self to work...it truly is the only way to excel consistently and choose a career you love and one that infuses your passion.

Hobbies: Voracious reader, passionate writer, global traveler lover of art, film and dance.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

RDD_03_GR_WOI.indd 1

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

31

2/19/16 10:31 AM

32

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career?

KAREN STOUT The Fresh Market Years with company: 6.5

Current position: SVP of Operations

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA BA, Business BS, Biology Vice Chair, ABC Board, Greensboro, North Carolina

I was fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career, especially during my time growing up in Harris Teeter. Ned Dunn and Fred Morganthall are just two to mention. One of the more important lessons was to take on new areas and challenges that stretched me; don’t be afraid to step into areas that I knew nothing about. Moving across an organization to grow and learn is just as important as moving up a vertical ladder.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

What I am most proud of is being able to look back and see those individuals that I identified early in their careers and helped them advance. I enjoy helping people get into the roles that fit their skills and moving them through the career stages.

Now, I see so many doing so

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

well, and it makes me proud that I can say I was a part of that person’s life and development. My crowning moment was going from a part-time cashier to SVP of operations at Harris Teeter.

Board Member Multiple professional certifications

What is the most challenging part of my job?

I feel lucky to have many people that have been supportive of my career throughout my time with Big Y. Professionally, my current supervisor for the past 15 years (Laurie Hebert) has personally given her time, effort and patience to prepare me for the future.

Personally, my mother overwhelmingly shows me daily support and always celebrates even the smallest accomplishments in my career and life.

Patience! That is always a challenge. But more importantly, getting to spend quality time with individuals that want to learn and grow.

I seem to never be able to spend as much time on that part of my role and the most important one—seeing and developing talent.

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

JAMIE SWENSEN Big Y Foods

Years with company: 20

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Current position:

Get out of your comfort zone. Don’t take the easiest job or the best performing areas. Don’t be afraid of failure. Not only do you learn when you fail, but it also makes you appreciate success even more.

Manager of Employee Relations

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: Studied Electronics/Info Systems at Quinisigamond Community College Member, SHRM Regional Employment

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Big Y is a family-owned company of over 10,000 employees. I started 20 years ago as a cashier in my small local store in Ware, Mas-

sachusetts. Although small, I was always made to feel I could make a significant impact on my store and the company by being involved.

I wanted to learn everything there was to know about the supermarket business and took pride in giving great customer service in “my” store. I was promoted to the employee services representative role in a store, then to a zone of stores and, subsequently, to oversee all of the employee services representatives within the company.

In my role, I am able to have an impact on the overall company, including our employees and customers!

What is the most challenging part of your job?

My team and I are constantly working together on maintaining work/life balance. We support many employees with both positive and negative life changing experiences on a daily basis and must try to focus our thoughts on the positives.

www.foodindustrywomen.com I N

in your career?

I’m lucky to live in Boulder (Colorado), which is one of the largest natural food communities in the USA and have access to so many great mentors, with many coming from my first home in natural foods, IZZE Beverage.

I’m excited to be at a point that I can now do the same for other budding entrepreneurs!

KOEL THOMAE noosa yoghurt

Years with company: Seven

Current position: Co-founder and Chief Aussie Officer

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BA, Marketing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Naturally Boulder, providing pro-bono consulting to food startups

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you

What are you most proud of in your career achievements?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

Seeing the first tub of noosa on the shelf was so inspiring.

To actually have an idea and bring it to life was a stop-inyour-tracks moment. This keeps getting redefined as noosa has grown.

A defining moment of my career to date? Noosa launched nationally with Target in 2012, and through this great partnership, we launched our first seasonal flavor, pumpkin, in the fall of 2014. This flavor created so much buzz and excitement (it’s better than pie!) that noosa became the top selling yoghurt at Target

T H E

F O O D

I N D U S T R Y

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career?

during the fall season. To be able to achieve this milestone against the really big players in the category was amazing!

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There have been many different challenges through the different life stages of noosa. I would say that the biggest challenge continues to be to get retailers to go all-in with the brand. We’ve had a few key partners make this commitment and it’s really paid off!

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Find a way to maintain work/life balance. There were periods that I was working 24/7 and felt like I was going to burn out. A saner work cadence will keep you invigorated for the long haul!

Hobbies: Keeping up with my toddler, mountain biking, skiing, eating delicious food!

JOLIE LYN WEBER

Wise Foods Inc. (Parent Company: Arca Continental) Years with company: 12

Current position: CEO

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MBA, Emory University BS, Business Administration, University of Georgia Network of Executive Women (NEW) Board Board, C5 Georgia

Ed Lambert, former CEO of Wise Foods. Ed encouraged me to go back to school and get my MBA. Following graduation, he recommended me for the CFO position in the company, supporting and sponsoring me with our private equity ownership group. This was a difficult sell to private equity, given my background was all in marketing. He was successful in his campaign to promote me, and in 2011 I took on the CFO position at Wise (until 2015, when she became CEO).

What are you most proud of in your career achievement?

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud of my successful transition and subsequent tenure as CFO of Wise. Given that I did not have a background in finance, this was a significant challenge as well as a tremendous learning and growth experience for me professionally.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Keeping up with rapidly changing consumer trends and tastes. With the advent of social media and so much technology, trends and habits are changing at a pace we have not seen before.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Take on the big challenges that make you most nervous and uncomfortable. They are the ones that will push you professionally and be some of the most rewarding experiences of your career.

One must not be afraid of failure or, as I like to say, “Failure is not fatal.” Too often we shy away from great opportunities because we believe we will fail. This is not how one grows or is considered for bigger roles.

Hobbies: Traveling with my family, spending time with my fouryear-old daughter and golfing.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

33

34

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

BETH YOUNG Stop & Shop Supermarket Company (New England Division) Years with company: 18

Current position: District Director of Operations

volunteer organizations:

Education and professional/

BS, Psychology, Westfield State University Associate’s, Liberal Arts, Holyoke Community College Certified Situational Leadership Coach

KRISTIN ZIERAU The Albertsons Cos. Years with company: 28

Current position: Marketing Director, Safeway Northern California Division

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BA, Sociology Member, Network Executive Women, Northern California

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career?

I’ve worked with a lot of very talented people throughout my

career. Three people stand out. Early in my career, Rojon Hasker taught me the importance of building relationships and treating people right.

Nancy Cota taught me the importance of building teams, always staying true to your core values and how to get a meeting “fired up.”

Dimitri Haloulos taught me the importance of investing in personal growth. He provided opportunities to step away from the day-to-day to learn.

He pushed me and challenged me, and I’m thankful for having the opportunity to work with him.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I have had incredible opportunities. I launched Starbucks kiosks in our stores, started a new brand of meats and cheeses, led category management for our floral operation.

Developed and launched too many marketing plans to list but very proud of the work around planning, grand openings, loyalty marketing, sponsorships and events.

One defining moment was when I realized that I was not

STEPHANIE LENZI WHITE Giant Eagle Inc. Years with company: 15

Current position: VP of Merchandising Systems and Operations

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: MS, MSIS/MBA, University of Pittsburgh BS, MIS, The Pennsylvania State University

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I cannot select one individual that has helped me in my career.

The list of people that have influenced, impacted me, coached, trained and mentored me is endless. I learn something new every day and truly feel that all associates, peers and supervisors I work with each and every day are why I am in my current position. Our teammates are what make this business a success, and with their influence, feedback and support, I would not have been as successful in past, current or future roles.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have defining moments of your career to date?

I am very proud that I started as a part-time clerk while I was in college. The company had many opportunities for me to start a career. After graduation, I decided to go into the management program. I have excelled and held numerous roles within the company over the past 18 years. Working hard, being dedicated and treating your teammates well has been my philosophy and the way I approach all roles I have held and

it is why I have been successful in my career with this great company.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The business is changing every day. It is fast paced and demanding. Staying positive, upbeat and motivating your team is the best part of the job, but can be challenging to keep up with the pace. While I view this as challenge, it is also the most rewarding aspect of the job because at the end of the day you can celebrate, acknowledge all the wins and positive results that your team achieved.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Work hard, never think you will know everything, be open to feedback and, most importantly, treat your team with respect, dignity and listen to them. By doing this you can excel and achieve your goals.

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted your in your career?

going to be promoted in the organization I was in. I gave my heart and soul to that job, not to mention the countless hours and missed family events to make an impact. If I wanted upward mobility, I needed to make a bold move. I took a lateral job into another area of the organization. Moving laterally at that time was not the norm. I found myself in a new role completely out of my comfort zone. Looking back, it was absolutely the best decision.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Managing multiple priorities while keeping the team motivated in an environment with constant change, a lot to do with limited time and resources. It’s taught me to be a simplifier.

What is your advice for up-andcoming executives?

Build relationships. Surround yourself with people that you will learn from. Collaborate.

Always have a point of view.

Show up with a positive attitude. And above all, have fun along the way.

I have been so fortunate to have had so many different mentors at all stages of my career.

My father, in particular, was a remarkable mentor, primarily because he instilled a strong work ethic within me. I’ve had the opportunity to surround myself with knowledgeable people who are willing to share their valuable insights and perspectives. I’ve learned that my mentors are not merely those in leadership roles, rather those at all levels of the business have taught me incredibly valuable lessons.

KARRI ZWIRLEIN

Tops Markets LLC Years with company: 23

Current position: Director of Bakery

Education and professional/ volunteer organizations: BS, Business Administration (cum laude), Medaille College, Buffalo, N.Y. Delta Associates Inc. Business Insights Bronze Certified Professional IDDBA Show & Sell Team Member

United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, United Way’s Women’s Mentoring program (3 Cups of Coffee), Let’s Move Pittsburgh Board Member, University of Pittsburgh Adjunct Professor and Executive Sponsor, Giant Eagle’s Women’s Business Resource Group, Lector and Eucharistic Minister, Cross-Country Coach

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted your career?

I have had many influential mentors throughout my career, both personally and professionally. My father stands out as one of my most impactful mentors. He taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, striving to do my best and, most importantly, treating EVERYONE with respect.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to-date?

I am most proud of being in positions where I have been asked

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

I am most proud of the people that I have helped develop over the years.

The highest compliment is when someone comes to me for professional advice or guidance because they

view me as a role model.

Defining moment of my career to date—my most recent promotion to director of bakery. It’s helped to validate all the effort I’ve put in over the years.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Making the right decision for both the department and the customer while faced with the challenges of the rising costs of ingredients and labor.

What is your advice for upand-coming executives?

Make a decision, wrong or right; trust what you know and make the decision!

Hobbies: I am currently pursuing my black belt in Tae Kwon Do along with my two children and husband. Having recently received my green stripe belt, I have a long way to go, but I’ve found many of the principles of Tae Kwon Do to be applicable and beneficial to my work.

to mentor and coach others. It is such an honor when people respect me to the point that they ask me to mentor them. It is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Balance! I am constantly trying to balance at work, at home and between work and home. There never seems to be enough time! I’m constantly striving to meet deadlines, drive the business forward and ensure every member of my team has the time and resources they need to be successful, constantly striving, as a single mom, to be there for my three amazing children while trying to find adequate time to volunteer/give back to the community. And I find myself feeling guilty because I can’t do it all.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Take every chance you can to learn—stay open to new opportunities, embrace change and take risks.

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

35

36

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

March 2016

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

The Griffin Report of the Northeast

March 2016

Women of Influence in the Food Industry 11TH EDITION

Who are your mentors and how have they assisted you in your career?

I have had many mentors throughout my career, some in senior positions as well as my peers. Ira Kress, SVP of operations and Dr. Freda Lewis –Hall, chief medical officer for Pfizer, have both provided me with valuable advice and guidance over the years. Their advice and guidance has helped me identify avenues to utilize my strengths and continue to grow professionally and personally.

I’m very fortunate to have excellent personal and professional mentors. My family is a source of advice, counsel and encouragement. Our family’s friend and consultant Bob DeLisa taught me to always trust the process, even if I think it’s taking too long!

And I always think of Natan Tabak, retired SVP at Wakefern, who showed me that passion and commitment can outweigh age and experience.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

JORDAN COHEN COE Waverly Markets, LLC

Willingness to make tough decisions, fighting for the right choice even when it may not be popular, truly connecting with people and trying to be a good listener. I try to have a defining moment every day—one where I learn something new and gain perspective on each challenge and triumph.

Years with company: 13

Current position: Co-owner and VP of Operations

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Education degrees and professional/volunteer organizations: BA in Psychology and Italian Studies from Boston University MBA in Marketing and International Business from the University of Connecticut Board of Directors, Wakefern Food Corp.

Vice Chair, Our Piece of the Pie, a youth development agency helping urban youth become economically independent Board of Directors, East Hartford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Board Member, CT Children’s Medical Center Friends

The most challenging part of what I do is also the most exciting: constant change in the demands of associates and customers and determining the best way to keep up! Encouraging our team to trust the process and live our purpose is a daily priority.

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Be energetic and positive, and extend your reach deep into the community. Be the example for others even when they cannot see past an immediate challenge.

Hobbies: Cooking, volunteering and spending every spare minute with my family.

37

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date?

ROBIN ANDERSON Giant LLC (Ahold USA) Years with company 35

Current position:

I feel a tremendous amount of pride when I see someone that I have mentored being promoted; over the years there have been many. One of my defining moments happened when I realized choosing your battles wisely was a significant characteristic of successful leader.

Director of Human Resources

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Education degrees and professional/volunteer organizations

The most challenging part of my job is to continue to attract, retain and motivate talented people to drive our business.

BS in Therapeutic Recreation, University of Maryland Masters in Business Science, University of Maryland I serve on the boards of directors for the following: Greater Washington Urban League, DC Workforce Investment Council and Market USA Federal Credit Union.

Steering Committee member for WAV (Women Adding Value), active member in NEW (Network of Executive Women), Mentoring Circle Leader, Co-chair for the WAV Community Outreach Committee

What is your advice for up-and-coming executives?

Stretch yourself beyond your comfort level and don’t be afraid to fail—you will amaze yourself at what you are able to accomplish. Stop looking for work/life balance there is no such thing; just be the best “you.”

Who are your mentors and how they have assisted you in your career?

Digital EDitions ~ Daily E-nEwslEttErs ~ Monthly Print

Intelligence You Need to Compete

CALL OR VISIT US AT: 888-498-0771 • theshelbyrepor t.com/subscribe

Region Wise... nationWide!