Sheila M. Laing

Hy-Vee
Vice President, Health and Wellness Solutions

Years with company: 28 years

Education degrees and professional/volunteer organizations: BA/BS Loras College, SPHR and then member Retail Industry Leadership Association Healthcare Committee, Food Marketing Institute Future Connect Committee, Iowa Capitol Crossroads Wellness Co-Chair, Chariton Volunteer Fireman’s Auxiliary, Sacred Heart Alter and Rosary Society

Mentors and how have they assisted you in your career: I value the roles mentors have played in helping me understand retailing and helping me grow as a communicator and administrator.  One who is responsible for me being with Hy-Vee is Bob Kirsch.  Bob was my first store director and he taught me to open my eyes to the possibilities within Hy-Vee, to look beyond one store in one town, he helped me grow from a college student to a professional.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date? I’m proud of the fact that in my company I’ve worked in all facets of our operations – retail, distribution and corporate.  My defining moment to date is the development of our Healthy Lifestyles program.

Most challenging part of your job: All that is involved in the ever-evolving world of health care.

Advice for upcoming younger executives: Listen to what others say and do and then contribute – speak up; offer suggestions and solutions.

Hobbies: I enjoy following NASCAR and attending what races I can and taking photographs to share with others.