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.

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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!           

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.   

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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.

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