Margaret Anderson

Taylor Freezer of New England

Sales and Trade Show Coordinator

I am responsible for day-to-day coordination of sales in our New England territory and around the country for our national accounts. I have many mentors in this industry, and I am thankful to my parents who instilled my work ethic. My involvement in the industry so long it has allowed me to meet wonderful people, many of whom have become my dear friends. The most rewarding part of my job is interacting with people and seeing them succeed. I feel fortunate to have a career that offers change, challenges, and creativity. Return to Top

Brenda Bacon

Harris Teeter
Director of Quality Assurance

The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to make a positive impact with our associates, customers and industry regarding the importance of food safety. Having a team of dedicated and knowledgeable quality assurance associates makes the job of supporting food safety initiatives at Harris Teeter rewarding. I am very proud of being an ambassador for food safety! The safety of our food supply is taken for granted but there are many dedicated people that have devoted their entire careers to ensure the safety of the food supply. I am proud to be one of those people. Return to Top

Gayle Baker

C&S Wholesale Grocers

Senior Business Manager

I am responsible for building the business and adding sales with my customers. I act as the liaison between the customer and C&S Wholesale Grocers, negotiating and working directly with all levels of management. I’m accountable for building customer relations and establishing an in-depth working relationship with them. I work in a very fast-paced environment, and have to collaborate with both the customer and my internal management and support staff. I have to have insight into the workings of both the customer and my company. I provide ongoing assessment and monitoring of the accounts and business. I’m responsible for the managing, training and coaching of my internal group. As the on-site leader/project manager, I prepare quarterly and year-end business reviews along with seasonal planning, provide budget information along with business changes as they happen, and coordinate special projects and initiatives with C&S and our customers. Return to Top

Jennifer Balint

White Rose Inc.
Category Manager/Buyer

Dairy/Deli Buyer. Responsibilities include: inventory management, item SKU rationalization, vendor negotiations (pricing, deals, new items, etc.), profitability for White Rose. Also maintain a constant service level above 98 percent. The most rewarding part of my job is the relationships that I have formed with my co-workers, customers, vendors and brokers. I work for a great company that really cares about their employees. Return to Top

Claudette Blackistone

Stop & Shop Supermarkets, LLC
Vice President Legal Compliance/Compliance Officer

My responsibilities are to build and strengthen the compliance program that supports our business goals, protects against liability, and generates increased accountability and awareness of our legal and ethical obligations. Collaborative and business value-based program driven through partnerships with key business units and support companies. Provide compliance and ethical guidance in business decisions. I love that our work helps people make better decisions. Most people want to do the right thing but they just don’t always know what that entails. We work hard to help our associates understand our Code of Ethics, legal and regulatory guidelines and the processes in place to raise questions. Return to Top

Mary Bohannon

General Mills
Senior Customer Manager

My job description includes being manager $300 million business for General Mills in the grocery retailing industry to achieve sales and market share growth at a profitable rate of return. The most rewarding part of my job: I thoroughly enjoy change, facing new challenges, new issues to solve, and business to dissect and reassemble in the best possible way. But mainly, I have been extremely fortunate to work with so many wonderful people both here at General Mills and in the retailing community. Return to Top

Jamie Boudreau

Nestlé USA
Category Development Account Manager - C&S/Ahold

 
I am responsible to effectively grow and manage sales while driving Nestlé’s grocery brands’ strategic initiatives through both the field sales team as well as Nestlé’s Brand Divisions.  I work closely with supply chain, demand planning, sales, finance, and customer service to help maintain and build customer business, satisfy customer needs, as well as achieve brand/company volume goals and profit goals. My proudest career achievement is that I work in an industry that I am passionate about and Nestlé has given me the opportunity in a key role driving sales in one of Nestlé's top 5 customers. Return to Top

Maria Brous

Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Director of Media and Community Relations

In my current role as director of media and community relations, I am responsible for proactive media strategies and corporate philanthropy for the four divisions, across five states, and more than 1,000 grocery store locations Publix operates and the communities they serve. I serve as the face and image of our company. I come to work each day loving what I do. There’s something new each day. But the most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to give back to the communities we serve. There’s nothing more important or real than being able to present a check on your company’s behalf to a nonprofit organization focused on youth, education, or the plight of the hungry and homeless.Return to Top

Debra Bryson

Newk’s Express Café, Newk’s Franchise Company, LLC
Co-founder, VP of Brand Development, Building and Design

I coordinate design and building specifications for all company and franchise restaurants with architectural firm. I also approve all construction documents. I review all restaurant building and development to opening day. I brand development nationally. I coordinate with CFO, CEO on the financial operations of Newk’s Express Café. My priority is to protect the culture of our service-driven restaurant concept and provide our guest with an outstanding dining experience each visit. The most rewarding part of my job is creating a restaurant concept from an idea. To work side by side with partners and franchisees to promote franchisee success in their restaurant venture. The association and opportunity to meet and work with our associates who inspire great vision and passion for the food industry. Return to Top

Ellen Castonguay

Nestlé Purina Pet
Account Executive – Nestlé Purina Pet/C&S Team

As an account executive on the Nestle’ Purina Pet/C&S Team my overall responsibilities include:
achieving yearly sales objectives; marketing share goals and financial goals; managing Nestle Purina Pet daily business requests for C&S New England, South East, and Metro Divisions; developing and implementing customer promotional plans as well as expanding distribution base by presenting new item lines to C&S and USA/GA Groups; providing team support for members of our team who have responsibilities for selling Nestle Purina Pet product line to C&S Indirect accounts; and collaborating and communicating daily regarding our C&S business with our internal NPP-C&S resource teams: supply chain, finance, order management, NROC (Retail Selling Team). Return to Top

Christine Colwell

Signature Breads, Inc.
Director of Sales and Marketing

As director of sales and marketing, I am responsible for managing the strategic growth and positioning of Signature Breads in the marketplace. Signature is the largest minority-owned bakery in the United States. I am also responsible for establishing the strategic direction for our sales and marketing team, managing our national sales force and leading collaborative partnerships with key distributors and operators. The most rewarding part of my job is developing and motivating people to be their best and feeling that you had a small role in their overall success. Return to Top

Margaret Davenport

Golub Corporation/Price Chopper Supermarkets
SVP, Human Resources

My duties include leading all HR activities in a union-free environment. I lead the talent acquisition and management areas, compensation and benefits, human resource information systems, associate relations and communication, training and diversity initiatives. The most rewarding part of my job is working with a great organization to continuously improve our human resource service to people in our company and the community. Return to Top

Anne Davis

Golub Corporation
Vice President of Risk Management

I am responsible for managing the food safety, worker’s compensation, safety, insurance, loss prevention, and business interruption areas. Having spent many years of my career at the Golub Corporation I was given an opportunity to move into the Risk Management area, an area new to me. In addition to personal growth, the move has allowed me to participate in several team projects throughout the organization. Participation on the team to reduce injuries has been especially memorable because it not only improved bottom line results; it helped demonstrate the commitment from all levels of the organization to ensuring the safety of our associates and guests. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is to work with such a great group of people. The job is challenging, fast paced, and no two days are alike. I am also pleased whenever a member of my team is recognized for their contributions. Return to Top

Michelle M. Dorin

Weis Markets Inc.
Director of Pricing

I am responsible for the day-to-day pricing and gross-profit for the following departments: Grocery, Dairy, Frozen and HBC. Helped develop and implement a new store tag program and manage our in-house scan verification process. The most rewarding part of my job is being part of a great team of people and the fact we are always learning. We all work together to grow sales and to create a great shopping experience for our customers. Our ultimate goal is to offer our customers the best possible shopping experience. It has also been rewarding to see individuals that I have helped train over my years, develop and advance within our organization. Return to Top

Diane Downing

The Common Man Family of Restaurants
Vice President
 

As an owner I wear many hats – I oversee the management and buying for our retail store, The Common Man Co. Store, which over the next year will include opening an online retail store. I am also responsible for décor and furnishings (including maintenance of and landscaping) for all of our 17 locations.  I assist with the design and ordering of all apparel and uniforms and consult with our CEO and management team in other key areas such as marketing, training, menu development, charitable giving, and the design and opening of new concepts and locations. I feel so much pride looking at the quality of our management team and our employees and staff.  I know we have the best people working with us. Return to Top

Jean Forney

Samuel J. Associates
Managing Partner

I started my career in the food industry with Wegmans Food Markets worked through various positions to multi-store supervision roles, while completing several continuing education courses including those offered by Cornell University. In 1993, I started my career as a recruiter. After 10 years working for two national search firms, Samuel J. Associates was opened. I have worked with many well known and respected supermarkets, mass merchandisers, specialty retail chains as well as drug store chains. As co-founder of Samuel J. Associates, I am proud of the success our company. Today, our firm has name brand recognition and we are responsible for placing professionals with salaries totaling over $5 million in annual income. Return to Top

Nancy Gaddy

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
Vice President Deli/Bakery

My role at Winn-Dixie is to provide strategic leadership for the company’s delis and bakeries, and to ensure our customers enjoy quality products and exceptional customer service in these departments. In addition, I am fiscally responsible for the departments, and am very involved in the coaching and educating of our associates about these very exciting areas in the store. The most rewarding part of my job is interacting with people – our customers, our vendors and our great associates. I meet people from varied backgrounds who are both interesting and informative. The best days are the ones I get to spend in our stores. Return to Top

Joann C. Giannino

American Food Systems, Inc.
Purchasing and Procurement

I work with the president, vice president, directors of operation and vendors to procure and purchase quality products for our restaurants. The most rewarding part of my job is the respect and recognition in the industry from my professional peers. I am proud of our ability to establish strong vendor relationships/partnerships to procure quality products at competitive prices. My mentors include my parents that gave me a strong foundation for a good education, good work ethics and respect for others.
In the food industry, the relationships built with select vendor representatives who have been in the business for many years, sharing their knowledge and offering assistance through the everyday opportunities and challenges that are presented. Return to Top

Lindsay Gifford

Gifford’s Ice Cream
VP of Sales & Marketing

As in any small business, Gifford’s Ice Cream requires that every employee wear many hats (including hair-nets) just to move through our daily operations. My main focus is to grow our sales and I work closely with our team of sales reps to set goals, and provide support for success. Other projects on my list are pretty varied: managing the freshening of the Gifford’s brand; meeting with distributors and potential distributors; setting up sales promotions; sitting for interviews regarding the latest awards earned by our company; attending trade shows and industry conventions; and even scooping ice cream for charitable events on occasion! Return to Top

Melanie A. Gosselin

New Hampshire Food Bank,
a program of N.H. Catholic Charities
Executive Director

As executive director, my responsibilities include managing the acquisition and distribution of donated and purchased food to those in need throughout New Hampshire through our network of 411 soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters. We also work to address the root causes of hunger through our outreach programs. I am responsible for achieving effectiveness and efficiency through strategic planning, advocacy, fundraising and donor stewardship. Return to Top

Denise S. Graffeo, CEC, AAC

Eastern Yacht Club
Chef Emeritus (retired on Jan. 1, 2008)

Well over 100 culinary students have come through my kitchen before I retired.  From all the area culinary schools.  And as mentioned above between both organizations we are helping with culinary student scholarships and events all over the area.  My job as president of The Epicurean Club of Boston for the last four years is planning ten meetings per year where we invited speakers, purveyors, students, professionals of the culinary arts to come together as a group and network with each other providing an educational environment to gather.  During my tenure as President of ECB we have formed a partnership with the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, whereby we hope to increase the scholarships given by both groups. Return to Top

Margaret (Meg) Ham

Delhaize America/Bottom Dollar Food
President of Bottom Dollar Food

I oversee all aspects of Bottom Dollar Food’s operations, including its financial performance, merchandising, pricing, customer service and marketing. I serve as a member of Delhaize America’s executive committee. The aspect of my job that I find most rewarding is being able to serve those around me who serve our customers. I believe developing talent in this organization is my number one job responsibility and, by far, the most rewarding part of my job. To see those around me grow and become confident in their pursuit, and to know I am surrounded by strong, smart leaders, is incredibly rewarding. I cherish the relationships and connections that I have with my colleagues. Return to Top

Joyce Hawk

C&S Wholesale Grocers
General Manager

Overall responsibilities of strategic, tactical and financial operations of the Dunmore Health and Beauty Care/General Merchandise Distribution Center. Additionally I manage a second facility specializing in the distribution of season product and imports. Dunmore is commonly looked on to as a smooth running operation. Since 2004, I had worked diligently at creating a positive work environment with goals to achieve while remembering that people are our most valuable asset. I feel my style of leadership has been instrumental in removing barriers and providing an environment that is productive and respectful. Return to Top

Margaret Heery

Bunn-O-Matic
Vice President Strategic Marketing

There are many aspects to my job, but basically I interpret both U.S. and international beverage trend data to assist in making BUNN® customers more profitable through strategic beverage category management. I also use these findings to aid with the development of new equipment for foodservice operators. I am a presenter at many conferences on beverage trends and encourage seed-to-cup sustainability for the coffee industry. The most rewarding part of my job is when I encounter a restaurant, café or convenience store that I have sold to and now uses BUNN equipment. I know that in some way I was influential in their success by providing the right products at the right time for their customers. Return to Top

Roberta Hepburn

Melluso Enterprises Inc., H&M Restaurants Inc. DBA The Tin Fish, H&M Restaurant Group, Inc.
Controller of three entities

My responsibilities are the all-inclusive operations of an eatery. Training both the front and back of the house. Complete daily hands-on with management, daily operating procedures, accounting, customer service and cooking. A tight daily analysis of the business to grow and operate effectively and efficiently every day. Mentoring my employees. An example is my Newburgh Indiana Tin Fish. A chef, Morgan Close from New York, came to work for me. I could tell right away she was smart and a hard worker who could own her own business. She was only 26. For the past three years now, Morgan successfully owns Tin Fish Newburgh. My employees are my most valuable assets, I never forget it. I try to enrich their lives in various ways and they in return work at their best. Return to Top

Nicole M. Immediato

Flik International, a division of Compass Group North America
Director of Communications and Quality

As a member of Flik International’s executive team, I work with collegues in the continued growth and development of the company. Creating seasonal marketing campaigns and strategies to boost revenue without incurring additional cost. In addition to assessing and developing strategy improvement of internal and external surveys, successful resolution of crisis management, communication and strategies to implement organization-wide objectives, initiatives and programs and implementation of personal sustainability plans across the business. I love my job and am very fortunate to work with such an incredibly talented and professional group of people. The food business is constantly evolving and Flik’s focus of providing great food, great service and great people are words to live by. Return to Top

Shelly Everett Jacoby

Advantage Sales and Marketing

Department Manager

I manage the Johnson & Johnson, Seventh Generation and Nestle Chilled Beverage Line.  I am responsible for getting the information from manufacturer to account manager, to include marketing information, go to market strategy, specific account programs and ensuring that both the accounts and the manufacturer get what they have requested.  Since I started working at Advantage in June of 2009, I have enjoyed learning how the brokerage business works, working with the talented management staff and account managers.  I am excited to go to work every day as I know I will be learning more about the business and how to make a positive impact on growing the company. Return to Top

Maureen Jander

TNT Marketing           

Account Executive           

I am responsible for maximizing the client’s and TNT Marketing’s sales and profits.  I work directly with our client, sales team and customers in developing, implementing and coordinating programs to grow sales revenue and points of distribution.  The most rewarding part of my job is the great team that I work with everyday including our sales team, vendor partners and customers.    They are truly the best in the industry!           Return to Top

Susan Johnson         

Associated Grocers of New England, Inc.

Sr. Manager of Marketing & Communication

I manage and oversee advertising and marketing campaigns and activities of AG New England. I build and develop vendor relationships and serve as a primary point of company representation for customer and AGNE marketing and sales program development. I also facilitate the production of internal and external communications and presentations.  I have been blessed with a team who is hard-working, dedicated, creative and supportive. They embrace challenges and understand that our member retailers are our first priority, and I thoroughly enjoy working with each of them.   I also get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that my efforts and the efforts of my team make a difference to our member retailers. Return to Top

Laura Karet

Giant Eagle, Inc.

Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer

 I am responsible for the strategic direction of Giant Eagle, Inc. and for overseeing the company’s newer business ventures including its beverage and fresh food production facilities. Our team members are our biggest asset and the reason for any success we as a company experience. We dedicate numerous resources toward recruiting the right people for the right roles, and toward helping our people chart a course for their professional growth. Return to Top

Judy Knapp

Hannaford Bros. Co.

Government Relations Representative

I work with multiple state trade associations in reviewing and communicating proposed legislation and regulations at the local/state/federal levels; preparation of the Corporate Government Relations Newsletter; Responsible for the legislative web site and government relations intranet; and prepare and monitor the department budget. The competitive landscape and current economic status brings many challenges for retail operators of all sizes.    Because of this, we are all exploring our current operating practices and efficiencies for improvement.  In addition, many opportunities are available with “green” initiatives and capitalizing on the significance of health and wellness programs for both our customers and associates. Return to Top

Sharon Konzelman

White Rose Inc.

Vice President/Chief Accounting Officer

I oversee all accounting functions for the company, including internal and external reporting and compliance.  I also manage and direct a staff of 40 White Rose Associates.  I am responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with bankers, auditors, customers and suppliers as well. The most rewarding part of my job is  mentoring staff to be part of an organization that recognizes and rewards the efforts of all associates and affords everyone the opportunity to contribute to White Rose’s mission and success. Return to Top

Lisa Madsen

UNFI

Director, Sustainability & Social Responsibility

My current role within UNFI is to develop, manage and maximize our sustainability and philanthropic activities, budgets and related projects/programs.   I am responsible for integrating programs and projects into our current and future business plans, as well as leading and coordinating with UNFI officers, divisions and subsidiaries to develop strategic and tactical plans to enhance the social responsibility profile of UNFI. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that UNFI is making a difference in our communities, helping our associates internally, and truly striving to give back to our planet. Return to Top

Theresa Marquez

CROPP Cooperative/
Organic Valley

Chief Marketing Executive

I am responsible for oversight of the department which means I develop strategies, plans and budgets for CROPP Marketing and Sales endeavors. My professional/volunteer affiliations include  (most recently) the Organic Trade Association (on the board for 11 years), founder of The Organic Center. The  career achievements I am most proud of is growing sales from $5 million to $600 million projection for 2010 which really means, keeping 1,600 family farmers on the land farming and giving hope to our devastated rural communities.  Return to Top

Karen Mazako

Stew Leonard’s

Vice President, Human Resources

I direct the human resource function, including employment, compensation, benefits, training and safety for 2,500 team members; supervises a department of 18.  In partnership with store management, promotes and implements employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer-employee relationship and promote a high level of team member morale, maintaining position as an employer of choice.  Identifies legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting the Human Resources function. Represents the company at meetings of various community organizations and professional groups. Return to Top

Kelly Mihalis-McGolrick

Sara Lee Food and Beverage

Director of Sales, Northeast

I lead and direct a multi-functional team in the execution of category\brand strategies at the customer level that deliver Annual Operating Plan and Long Range Plan which includes:   Exceeding net sales goal of $260MM while under-spending market development funds by 1%; Responsible for the leadership and development of 29 associates and 3 broker partners; Manage all strategic category selling initiatives across 30+ customers including Delhaize, Giant Eagle and Wegmans. I consider myself a student of the consumer package goods industry.  Being able to learn and be challenged every day is the most rewarding part of my job.  I am fascinated by the behavior of both consumers and shoppers and find it exciting to bring them products that meet their needs. Return to Top

Christine Rogers McMaster

Wakefern Food Corp.

Director of Retail Logistics

As director of retail logistics, Christine oversees several diverse areas including retail support of replenishment, inventory and labor initiatives.  Her areas of expertise include: computer generated ordering, which educates and evaluates efficient utilization of Wakefern’s replenishment technologies at retail, recommending optimal solutions for retail associates; customer service, which  focuses on supporting fulfillment of store orders, dealing with any issues that may arise;  retail labor management, which establishes standards for retail processes that facilitate the most efficient scheduling of labor, and provides training on the software that enables execution;  warehouse industrial engineering, which, in collaboration with operations managers, provides efficient distribution facilities that can meet the fast paced demands of our retail locations; and data integrity, a newly developed area established to guarantee accuracy in the set up of new items in Wakefern’s distribution system by working with our vendor community and product divisions. Return to Top

Diana McNaughton

Dennis Paper & Food Service

Marketing Manager

My mission when hired was to create a marketing department for the only family-owned broad line distributor in the state of Maine.  I was one of 23 employees when I joined the Dennis organization in 2002.  The company had just moved into a larger facility after 34 years at its previous location.  I took on purchasing responsibilities and began developing relationships and marketing strategies with our vendors.  Partnering with key vendors, scheduling sales training, advertising and promotional activity contributed to our immediate sales gains. 

To accommodate our rapid growth, in 2005 we moved into a more modern 60,000-square-foot facility with 10 acres available for future expansion.  This move was followed by two computer conversions which tested our patience (and sanity!).  The Dennis teamed pulled together and continued to surpass all growth expectations. sWith the number of employees now over one hundred, the task of scheduling these events was daunting.  Great teamwork made our centennial year a most memorable and successful business year. Return to Top

Robin S. Michel

Giant Food, Landover, Md.

President of the Giant Landover Division of Ahold

Giant Food operates 180 retail food stores in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia. My mentors are too many to list! My husband and my children….and everyone from our courtesy clerks to the most senior members of management that I’ve associated with teaches me something everyday! I am so proud that I work in an industry that allows me to learn something new every day! The most rewarding part of your job is being with people – our associates and our customers, and our business partners and our community leaders! Return to Top

Darcy Nutter

Price Chopper

Zone Director

I am responsible for 18 stores spanning across three states: New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.  Store managers report to me.  I am responsible for all areas of managing the stores: financial, merchandising and associate development, among others. My mentors include my husband David – Provided daily encouragement and advice for 30 years of my career and 32 years of marriage; David Golub – Who gave me the encouragement to go back to college; Neil Golub- Who made me want to be the leader and person that he would be proud of. The most rewarding part of my job is making a difference in people’s lives by assisting them in achieving their highest possible goals. Return to Top

Meredith Reuben

Eastern Bag and Paper Group

CEO

As CEO, I orchestrate the efforts of a talented group of people. My mentors include Robert Lesser, Esq. a friend of my father’s, a brilliant lawyer and businessman has always encouraged me to take calculated risks. Jim Alexy, former CEO of Network Services, taught me patience and to focus on the core metrics. Gerald C. Baum and Louise Baum they believed in me enough to allow me to head our family company at a time when it was unusual to anoint a daughter for this role.  The most rewarding part of my job is that Eastern Bag and Paper has been a place where people work hard and grow and prosper. Return to Top

Sue Ricardi

Advantage Sales and Marketing

Customer Development Manager

As a customer development manager for Advantage Sales and Marketing (ASM), my responsibilities are to manage and develop sales objectives and strategic initiatives for multiple ASM grocery and perishable clients at C&S, an extremely progressive national wholesaler.   On a daily basis, I thrive on providing outstanding value to our clients and customers alike. People are the most rewarding part of my job.   I truly enjoy interacting with people and building long-standing relationships with colleagues, clients and customers and having a positive impact on their business. Return to Top

Cheryl Oldfield-Schondek

Shaw’s Supermarkets

Director, Product Management

As director of product management, I am responsible for forecasting and procurement of all product lines in our retail stores.  I also have the opportunity to oversee the retail replenishment or the interface of the IT systems that feed orders to the vendors and send orders from our distribution centers to the stores. I am proud to be part of the Supervalu Eastern Region Supply Chain team. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to come to work every day and interact with so many wonderful people.  Working with the team at Supervalu, Shaw’s, the vendors, brokers, and especially our customers are the best part of my day.  Without this talent, this industry would not be successful.  The energy that comes from people who are passionate about the retail industry can not be found in any other career.   I am still here today because I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many outstanding, talented people! Return to Top

Joy Sgro

Bozzuto’s Inc.

Director of Special Projects

As director of special projects I am involved in many areas within our company. I partner with our manufacturers to address any concerns and/or challenges in shipping, selecting, pricing, policies, etc.  Part of my responsibility is working with manufacturers on a daily basis to improve on packaging and shipping to reduce or eliminate damage within our facilities and through the balance of the food channel.  I also analyze manufacturer policy changes and how to adopt these into our company in a timely and effective manner. The most rewarding part of my job is the relationships I have with my fellow Bozzuto’s associates and manufacturing partners.  The people within any organization make the difference.  We have a lot of caring individuals here at Bozzuto’s.  I have felt a part of this family from day one. Return to Top

Alexandra D. Sivel                     

Utz Quality Foods, Inc.

Vice President, Marketing

My role  includes corporate, consumer and trade marketing, product development, product pricing and promotion, competitive positioning, strategic partnerships The mentor that have assisted me in my career is Mark Messing, Chief Marketing/Business Development Officer at Weil Gotshal and Manges . As all good mentors are known to do, Mark never micro-managed.  He set me on the right path, but without complete directions.  You only truly learn when you are given the opportunity to find the way yourself.  It is something that I do my best to duplicate for those I mentor today. The most rewarding part of my job is Generating ideas, products, merchandising that excites and motivates the sales force, our customers and our consumers. Return to Top

Kiran Smith

Shaw’s Supermarkets

Director Marketing

I am responsible for leading the Shaw’s marketing team, serving almost 200 stores in all six New England states.  Our goal is to help our neighborhood stores deliver the best experience possible by creating ads and promotions that help customers stretch their dollars further, especially during these tough economic times.  What drives my group every day is ensuring that whatever we produce meets the needs of our customers and helps make her shopping trip a little easier and more enjoyable. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I helped develop a team that is always thinking about the customer first.  They are always looking for ways to improve the customers’ experiences, finding ways to provide more value, communicating our positioning and celebrating our good work in the community. Return to Top

Mayda Sotomayor-Kirk

Seald Sweet LLC

CEO

My overall responsibilities include commercial trade, marketing, operations, grower relations (mostly international).  Ultimately responsible to report to our Belgium corporate office financial P&L as well as business plans and strategies.  Board member to various group companies.  The most rewarding part of my job is setting our goals and objectives and then exceeding them.  I also have the privilege to know many incredible people that are our grower partners around the world.  It is a true pleasure and honor to call them my colleagues and friends. Return to Top

Cindy Stoddard

Safeway Inc.

Group Vice President, Information Technology

As a group vice president in the Information Technology department, I manage a large organization focused on developing and deploying key technology solutions that are aligned with and support key business initiatives. My team supports the entire Safeway organization which includes retail operations, marketing and merchandising, supply chain, distribution, and manufacturing, Safeway.com, as well as the backstage corporate groups of human resources and finance. Having direct responsibility for the applications development and delivery portfolios for the entire company entails managing efforts from end-to-end – from concept to specification through design, development, testing, rollout and adoption, and life cycle management. Direct responsibilities include ensuring the execution of key strategies and supporting projects, providing guidance to maximize the return on technology investment dollars, providing overall leadership and direction to a complex multi-location development team to improve efficiency and overall quality, monitoring the applications portfolio and developing plans to ensure applications are world class, and development of a superior staff. Return to Top

Ava Stone

Food Industry Alliance of New York State

Director of Trade Relations

I direct FIA’s varied and extensive trade relations program which encompasses marketing, special events planning and execution, liaison to the supplier members and all trade-related promotional activities. Chief among my duties is the growth of supplier members in FIA’s unique Chairman’s Club, which, in turn, is the lifeblood for all other FIA trade events. I oversee and manage the annual Red Carpet Salute, Jack Duffy Golf Classic, annual Trade Summit, Regional Trade Dinners and the Charles McCullom Scholarship Saratoga Day Fundraiser. I also serve as FIA’s office manager. The most rewarding part of my job isplanning FIA’s various trade events throughout the year. The success of these events is unbelievably rewarding. Return to Top

Carrie Taylor, RD, LDN

Big Y Foods, Inc.

Senior Registered Dietitian, Living Well Eating Smart® Program

I serve as the head of the Living Well Eating Smart Wellness Team and media spokesperson. In addition to producing the bi-monthly Living Well Eating Smart newsletter for customers, co-write weekly newspaper columns for The Springfield Republican, as well as weekly blogs on MassLive.com and BigY.com. Oversees responses to 30-40 monthly "Ask Carrie" customer questions, participate in community events, teach nutrition workshops and serve as a regular component to listener- and viewer-focused health programs on CBS radio stations in Hartford, Conn., and WGGB ABC40 in Springfield, Mass. The most rewarding part of my job isbeing able to have my message “hit” a large group of people at once through the various marketing tools utilized through Living Well Eating Smart – our newsletter, weekly ad circular, coupon book articles, in-store voice-overs, newspaper columns, blogs, web page and radio and television commercials. Return to Top

Kathy Tirrell

D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches

Executive Vice President

I am accountable for the strategic direction and implementation of all key initiatives as it relates to the D’Angelo brand. I am proud of our restaurant teams that serve consistent, high quality sandwiches day-in and day-out.  I am very proud of the people whom I have mentored and developed throughout our organization over the years.  Our people are our greatest strength and I am proud of how hard they work to continue to make D’Angelo the great brand it is today.  As a team we never compromise on quality of product, service and delivery. The people I work with in the restaurants as well as the corporate staff are the most rewarding part of my job. Return to Top

Irene Wenzel

OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC

Chief Procurement Officer

As chief procurement officer, I am responsible and oversee the procurement of $2 billion in annual spend, for 1,200 restaurants across multiple concepts for all food and non-food purchases.
It is very rewarding having the opportunity to work with a diverse group of strategic vendor partners across the OSI portfolio that affects many different aspects of our business. I enjoy collaborating with our strategic vendor partners and my talented team members to continue to move our business forward as we strive to create a memorable dining experience that exceeds our guest’s expectations. Return to Top

Laura Williams

Giant Food Stores

Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

Laura is a valued member of Giant-Carlisle’s leadership team and serves as the only woman on its Operating Committee.  She was promoted to senior vice president during 2009. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in implementing the company’s growth strategy through her work on corporate acquisitions such as the Ukrop’s transaction.  Beyond acquisitions and divestitures and her roles in food safety and risk management, Laura offers counsel to senior management on the most critical issues facing the organization, from public policy positions at the state and local level to international issues related to the global industry.  She leads Giant’s initiatives in the area of corporate responsibility and serves as an international liaison on issues of climate action, sustainable trade, healthy living and community engagement.  In 2009, Laura was appointed to the executive committee of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors.   In addition she was selected to attend the Ahold Retail Academy, a distinction reserved for top talent in the organization. Return to Top

Betsi Yurkewicz

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.

Associate General Counsel

I am legal counsel to the company with focus on customer supply and transactional matters.   I have been fortunate to work with many extremely bright and talented individuals who have always challenged me to grow professionally and have given me many opportunities. The most rewarding part of my job is leading projects from conception to implementation and helping navigate and align the legal, business, and operational aspects of matters. It is a great experience to be a part of a tremendously successful and growing company, and to collaborate with our customers as long-term business partners.   

Gina Zaccardi

Global Gourmet Partners

Sales Manager

I am responsible for the daily operations of the company.  I oversee 350 current customers, a sales force, and work very closely with my vendors. It makes for a dynamic day running every aspect of a growing business. I am proud of my contributions to the company. I have participated in building a strong customer and vendor base. Our customers are loyal to our agency. I am proud of this and thankful for the relationships I have fostered along the way. My main objective is to make my customers and vendors happy and to run all aspects of the business with integrity.   One of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting the private label message out there. Return to Top