Sarah Alter
CEO/President
NextUp
Sarah Alter is President and CEO of the NextUp (formerly Network Of Executive Women), a nonprofit learning, leadership and gender equality advocacy organization of over 14,000 members (representing nearly 900 organizations), over 300 national and regional corporate partners, and 22 regional groups in the United States and Canada. NextUp advances gender equality and diversity across many industries, including retail, consumer goods, financial services, and technology. Alter joined NextUp in 2017 and has wide-ranging executive leadership experience in the markets NextUp represents. During her tenure, Sarah successfully expanded the scope of NextUp’s mission to include Advancing ALL Women. Under Sarah, NextUp has focused on supporting women of color, building male allyship, the new generation coming into our workforce, and, more recently, how Covid-19 has impacted women in the workplace. NextUp’s memberships and partnerships have grown significantly since she joined the organization. Using cutting-edge business practices and powerful DEI solutions, NextUp has created real impact and has been recognized by news outlets such as the Wall Street Journal as a voice of authority. NextUp’s robust board includes executives from Target, P&G, Walmart, Google, Visa, Accenture, Coke, PepsiCo., and Deloitte, who provide the diverse perspectives and financial support needed to go further, faster. Sarah is a regular speaker at NRF, ShopTalk, National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), and EnsembleIQ events such as Top Women in Grocery and Top Women in Convenience. She has also served on a number of non-profit boards and is an accomplished fundraiser. She now serves on the Illinois State Advisory Lottery Board and the Maverick Digital Advisory Board. She is an organizer of Chicago’s annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JRDF) Gala, which has raised millions of dollars for Type 1 diabetes. She is a graduate of Northwestern University and has a Harvard MBA.
CEO/President
NextUp
Sarah Alter is President and CEO of the NextUp (formerly Network Of Executive Women), a nonprofit learning, leadership and gender equality advocacy organization of over 14,000 members (representing nearly 900 organizations), over 300 national and regional corporate partners, and 22 regional groups in the United States and Canada. NextUp advances gender equality and diversity across many industries, including retail, consumer goods, financial services, and technology. Alter joined NextUp in 2017 and has wide-ranging executive leadership experience in the markets NextUp represents. During her tenure, Sarah successfully expanded the scope of NextUp’s mission to include Advancing ALL Women. Under Sarah, NextUp has focused on supporting women of color, building male allyship, the new generation coming into our workforce, and, more recently, how Covid-19 has impacted women in the workplace. NextUp’s memberships and partnerships have grown significantly since she joined the organization. Using cutting-edge business practices and powerful DEI solutions, NextUp has created real impact and has been recognized by news outlets such as the Wall Street Journal as a voice of authority. NextUp’s robust board includes executives from Target, P&G, Walmart, Google, Visa, Accenture, Coke, PepsiCo., and Deloitte, who provide the diverse perspectives and financial support needed to go further, faster. Sarah is a regular speaker at NRF, ShopTalk, National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), and EnsembleIQ events such as Top Women in Grocery and Top Women in Convenience. She has also served on a number of non-profit boards and is an accomplished fundraiser. She now serves on the Illinois State Advisory Lottery Board and the Maverick Digital Advisory Board. She is an organizer of Chicago’s annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JRDF) Gala, which has raised millions of dollars for Type 1 diabetes. She is a graduate of Northwestern University and has a Harvard MBA.
Jenny Applegate
Director, Integrated Marketing
Topco Associates LLC
A Topco associate for 4 years, Jenny Applegate serves as Topco’s Director of Integrated Marketing Solutions. In this role, she is primarily responsible for marketing innovation that helps to bring Topco own brands to life. This includes leading the Integrated Marketing team in creating strategic campaigns and assets to meet shoppers wherever they are in their purchasing journey, including In-Home Pre-Shop, In-Store, In-Aisle and In-Home Post-Shop. Ultimately, Jenny’s team is responsible for unifying all aspects of marketing by identifying and aligning to the right channels that will target the right audience with the right messaging, including advertising/PR, social media management, websites/search engine optimization and partnerships/sponsorships.
Prior to joining Topco, Jenny served in a variety of Marketing and Brand roles for True Value, Ace Hardware, and McDonald’s Corporation. Jenny earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Illinois Wesleyan University and then attended Parsons, the New School of Design in New York City, where she received an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Fashion Marketing. Jenny also holds a certification in Digital Marketing Strategies from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Director, Integrated Marketing
Topco Associates LLC
A Topco associate for 4 years, Jenny Applegate serves as Topco’s Director of Integrated Marketing Solutions. In this role, she is primarily responsible for marketing innovation that helps to bring Topco own brands to life. This includes leading the Integrated Marketing team in creating strategic campaigns and assets to meet shoppers wherever they are in their purchasing journey, including In-Home Pre-Shop, In-Store, In-Aisle and In-Home Post-Shop. Ultimately, Jenny’s team is responsible for unifying all aspects of marketing by identifying and aligning to the right channels that will target the right audience with the right messaging, including advertising/PR, social media management, websites/search engine optimization and partnerships/sponsorships.
Prior to joining Topco, Jenny served in a variety of Marketing and Brand roles for True Value, Ace Hardware, and McDonald’s Corporation. Jenny earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Illinois Wesleyan University and then attended Parsons, the New School of Design in New York City, where she received an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Fashion Marketing. Jenny also holds a certification in Digital Marketing Strategies from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Christy Augustine
Chief Operating Officer
Bloomreach
Christina serves as Chief Operating Officer, leading Bloomreach’s efforts to arm customers with the tools and knowledge they need to successfully compete in demanding markets. She is a leading thinker in e-commerce, having been a manager at Bain & Co. focused on technology, retail, and strategy prior to joining Bloomreach in 2011. Christina is an experienced computer programmer who has concentrated on site search, merchandising, and payments. She helped found e-commerce teams at both Hewlett Packard and Walmart. Christina holds a BA in mathematics from Saint Mary’s College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Chief Operating Officer
Bloomreach
Christina serves as Chief Operating Officer, leading Bloomreach’s efforts to arm customers with the tools and knowledge they need to successfully compete in demanding markets. She is a leading thinker in e-commerce, having been a manager at Bain & Co. focused on technology, retail, and strategy prior to joining Bloomreach in 2011. Christina is an experienced computer programmer who has concentrated on site search, merchandising, and payments. She helped found e-commerce teams at both Hewlett Packard and Walmart. Christina holds a BA in mathematics from Saint Mary’s College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Brittni Furrow
Lead Sustainability Officer
Ahold Delhaize USA
Brittni Furrow is the Lead Sustainability Officer for Ahold Delhaize USA, a position she has held since 2018. In her role, she leads sustainability for the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA, which include omnichannel grocery brands – Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop – and support brands, Retail Business Services, Peapod Digital Labs and ADUSA Supply Chain. Together, these businesses comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest in the nation.
She and her team guide the U.S. businesses in delivering global sustainability goals and executing U.S. sustainability strategic priorities, aligned to a vision centered on healthy people, a healthy planet and a world in harmony.
Additionally, Brittni is a member of Ahold Delhaize’s Sustainability Leadership Team, leading Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, and she oversees the Guiding Stars nutrition guidance program, a key initiative to promote healthier choices among shoppers.
With more than 15 years of sustainability experience across retail, grocery and consumer packaged goods, she was a sustainability leader for Walmart's global grocery business, spanning 28 countries, before joining Ahold Delhaize USA. She holds a master's in business administration, a master's of science in sustainability, and a bachelor's of science in marketing all from Arizona State University.
Lead Sustainability Officer
Ahold Delhaize USA
Brittni Furrow is the Lead Sustainability Officer for Ahold Delhaize USA, a position she has held since 2018. In her role, she leads sustainability for the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA, which include omnichannel grocery brands – Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop – and support brands, Retail Business Services, Peapod Digital Labs and ADUSA Supply Chain. Together, these businesses comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest in the nation.
She and her team guide the U.S. businesses in delivering global sustainability goals and executing U.S. sustainability strategic priorities, aligned to a vision centered on healthy people, a healthy planet and a world in harmony.
Additionally, Brittni is a member of Ahold Delhaize’s Sustainability Leadership Team, leading Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, and she oversees the Guiding Stars nutrition guidance program, a key initiative to promote healthier choices among shoppers.
With more than 15 years of sustainability experience across retail, grocery and consumer packaged goods, she was a sustainability leader for Walmart's global grocery business, spanning 28 countries, before joining Ahold Delhaize USA. She holds a master's in business administration, a master's of science in sustainability, and a bachelor's of science in marketing all from Arizona State University.
Susan Gibbons
Senior Manager Associate Relations, Central Region
Harris Teeter, LLC
Susan is currently the Senior Manager Associate Relations for Harris Teeter’s Central Region since January 2021. Prior to this, Susan was Central Region Manager of Associate Relations. Susan’s entry into Associate Relations in 2006 as a Specialist was her first official role into Human Resources from Operations with Harris Teeter. Susan joined Harris Teeter in October 2003 into the Management Development Program (MDP).
Susan has served in every department within a retail operation throughout her career which began at Waldbaum’s Supermarkets in June 1987 as a Cashier in the New York City area. Susan’s final position with Waldbaum’s was a Co-Manager and she then joined BJ’s Wholesale Club in 1995. At BJ’s, Susan held positions in store of Operations Manager, Member Services Manager, Merchandising Manager and finally as a General Manager in NY and NC until coming to Harris Teeter as an MDP in 2003.
Susan has supported her career efforts with education and certifications including Associates Degrees in both Biology and Marketing and completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development at Mount Olive University in 2006. Susan held PHR Certification from 2006 to 2018; SHRM -CP 2015-2018 and completed SPHR in November 2021. Susan is an active member of Society of Human Resources (SHRM) since 2006.
Susan is currently an MBA candidate with a concentration in Human Resources at UNC Wilmington; planned completion Summer 2024.
Susan served on committee with Network of Executive Women Mid Atlantic (now Next-Up) and was a founding leader the Women’s Resource Group at Harris Teeter. She currently serves on the Women’s Empowerment Group as a founding member.
Susan spends time fundraising and does community volunteer work at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina often and is dedicated to supporting education on domestic violence.
Susan and her family currently reside in Wake Forest, N.C. Her son, Connor, is a current Journalism major at West Virginia University and her daughter, Addie, is a high school Junior. Family hobbies for Susan and her spouse Andrew include live music; their favorite musicians to see play live are their children.
Senior Manager Associate Relations, Central Region
Harris Teeter, LLC
Susan is currently the Senior Manager Associate Relations for Harris Teeter’s Central Region since January 2021. Prior to this, Susan was Central Region Manager of Associate Relations. Susan’s entry into Associate Relations in 2006 as a Specialist was her first official role into Human Resources from Operations with Harris Teeter. Susan joined Harris Teeter in October 2003 into the Management Development Program (MDP).
Susan has served in every department within a retail operation throughout her career which began at Waldbaum’s Supermarkets in June 1987 as a Cashier in the New York City area. Susan’s final position with Waldbaum’s was a Co-Manager and she then joined BJ’s Wholesale Club in 1995. At BJ’s, Susan held positions in store of Operations Manager, Member Services Manager, Merchandising Manager and finally as a General Manager in NY and NC until coming to Harris Teeter as an MDP in 2003.
Susan has supported her career efforts with education and certifications including Associates Degrees in both Biology and Marketing and completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development at Mount Olive University in 2006. Susan held PHR Certification from 2006 to 2018; SHRM -CP 2015-2018 and completed SPHR in November 2021. Susan is an active member of Society of Human Resources (SHRM) since 2006.
Susan is currently an MBA candidate with a concentration in Human Resources at UNC Wilmington; planned completion Summer 2024.
Susan served on committee with Network of Executive Women Mid Atlantic (now Next-Up) and was a founding leader the Women’s Resource Group at Harris Teeter. She currently serves on the Women’s Empowerment Group as a founding member.
Susan spends time fundraising and does community volunteer work at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina often and is dedicated to supporting education on domestic violence.
Susan and her family currently reside in Wake Forest, N.C. Her son, Connor, is a current Journalism major at West Virginia University and her daughter, Addie, is a high school Junior. Family hobbies for Susan and her spouse Andrew include live music; their favorite musicians to see play live are their children.
Bridget Goldschmidt
Managing Editor
Progressive Grocer/EnsembleIQ
Bridget Goldschmidt is Progressive Grocer's managing editor. With nearly two decades of experience at PG, Bridget has covered major food industry developments on key topics, including government affairs, mergers and acquisitions, category trends, e-commerce, health and wellness, corporate responsibility, and the ongoing transformation of the world of food retailing and foodservice. She has been quoted in The New York Times and other prestigious publications nationwide for her observations on the grocery business. Bridget is also instrumental in planning and executing PG’s long-running Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) event.
Managing Editor
Progressive Grocer/EnsembleIQ
Bridget Goldschmidt is Progressive Grocer's managing editor. With nearly two decades of experience at PG, Bridget has covered major food industry developments on key topics, including government affairs, mergers and acquisitions, category trends, e-commerce, health and wellness, corporate responsibility, and the ongoing transformation of the world of food retailing and foodservice. She has been quoted in The New York Times and other prestigious publications nationwide for her observations on the grocery business. Bridget is also instrumental in planning and executing PG’s long-running Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) event.
Jenn Hahn
Founder & CEO
J Recruiting Services
Jenn is the founder and CEO of J Recruiting Services where she and her team partner with large retail brands to provide top talent.
She started her professional career as a District Manager for a Top 10 Global Retailer and led operations teams for 5 years. She went on to lead sales teams and eventually landed in recruiting. As she began recruiting, it became evident that she had found her zone of genius.
In 2017, she founded J Recruiting Services to provide recruiting services to the business she knows and loves - retail. Today, as the CEO, she leads the J Recruiting team to fill retail positions in store operations, warehousing and on corporate teams across the US for top retail brands.
Founder & CEO
J Recruiting Services
Jenn is the founder and CEO of J Recruiting Services where she and her team partner with large retail brands to provide top talent.
She started her professional career as a District Manager for a Top 10 Global Retailer and led operations teams for 5 years. She went on to lead sales teams and eventually landed in recruiting. As she began recruiting, it became evident that she had found her zone of genius.
In 2017, she founded J Recruiting Services to provide recruiting services to the business she knows and loves - retail. Today, as the CEO, she leads the J Recruiting team to fill retail positions in store operations, warehousing and on corporate teams across the US for top retail brands.
LaDonna Hale
Vice President, Sales and Business Development
Albertsons
LaDonna Hale, who calls herself a lifelong industry learner, has worked in the grocery industry for more than 30 years. LaDonna serves as Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Albertsons Companies and as President of their Lucerne Foods business unit.
LaDonna leads a high ambition, competitive and empowered team that delivers year on year results increases. She is a future focused leader, who emphatically believes there is room for all at the table! A diverse customer base demands a diverse team to plan for their needs.
A three-time nominee, and two-time Top Woman in Grocery honoree, LaDonna is Chair of the Albertsons Boise Women’s Inclusion and Inspiration Network. She also serves on the California Milk Processors Board. She is an Instructor of Trainers for GSUSA and received her Master Trainer certification.
She resides in Boise, Idaho and enjoys all that the PACNW has to offer, including a constant search for her next volunteer opportunity. Many call her ally, leader, team member, friend, some call her mom and Gigi, and she’s always looking for new connections, so please connect at www.linkedin.com/in/ladonnahale
Vice President, Sales and Business Development
Albertsons
LaDonna Hale, who calls herself a lifelong industry learner, has worked in the grocery industry for more than 30 years. LaDonna serves as Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Albertsons Companies and as President of their Lucerne Foods business unit.
LaDonna leads a high ambition, competitive and empowered team that delivers year on year results increases. She is a future focused leader, who emphatically believes there is room for all at the table! A diverse customer base demands a diverse team to plan for their needs.
A three-time nominee, and two-time Top Woman in Grocery honoree, LaDonna is Chair of the Albertsons Boise Women’s Inclusion and Inspiration Network. She also serves on the California Milk Processors Board. She is an Instructor of Trainers for GSUSA and received her Master Trainer certification.
She resides in Boise, Idaho and enjoys all that the PACNW has to offer, including a constant search for her next volunteer opportunity. Many call her ally, leader, team member, friend, some call her mom and Gigi, and she’s always looking for new connections, so please connect at www.linkedin.com/in/ladonnahale
Meg Ham
President
Food Lion
As president of Food Lion, an Ahold Delhaize USA company, Meg Ham oversees all aspects of the regional brand’s operations, including financial performance, merchandising, pricing, customer service, marketing and strategy. For more than 30 years, Ham has built her career as a food retailer, focused on the value of service to customers and associates. Ham joined the Delhaize America (now Ahold Delhaize USA) family of supermarkets in 1988. Her wide-ranging leadership roles have included leading brand operations for Bottom Dollar Food, Bloom, Food Lion, Harveys and Reid’s, as well as overseeing dry merchandising initiatives, with responsibilities for perishable and nonperishable product procurement and merchandising. She has been active in Food Lion's pricing strategies, integrating its supply chain with its sister supermarket chains, and leading efforts to maximize in-store merchandising. She also held a variety of leadership roles at Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets, another Ahold Delhaize USA brand, for more than 10 years. Originally from central New York, Ham, who now resides in North Carolina, earned a B.S. in business management and marketing from Cornell University. She was the fourth recipient of the distinguished 2015 Trailblazer Award from Progressive Grocer and the Network of Executive Women (Now NextUp) in 2015
President
Food Lion
As president of Food Lion, an Ahold Delhaize USA company, Meg Ham oversees all aspects of the regional brand’s operations, including financial performance, merchandising, pricing, customer service, marketing and strategy. For more than 30 years, Ham has built her career as a food retailer, focused on the value of service to customers and associates. Ham joined the Delhaize America (now Ahold Delhaize USA) family of supermarkets in 1988. Her wide-ranging leadership roles have included leading brand operations for Bottom Dollar Food, Bloom, Food Lion, Harveys and Reid’s, as well as overseeing dry merchandising initiatives, with responsibilities for perishable and nonperishable product procurement and merchandising. She has been active in Food Lion's pricing strategies, integrating its supply chain with its sister supermarket chains, and leading efforts to maximize in-store merchandising. She also held a variety of leadership roles at Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets, another Ahold Delhaize USA brand, for more than 10 years. Originally from central New York, Ham, who now resides in North Carolina, earned a B.S. in business management and marketing from Cornell University. She was the fourth recipient of the distinguished 2015 Trailblazer Award from Progressive Grocer and the Network of Executive Women (Now NextUp) in 2015
Rina Hurst
Chief Business Officer
Shipt
Rina Hurst is the Chief Business Officer at Shipt, leading the company’s Business Development, Partner Success, Consumer Packaged Goods, and Digital Site Experience teams. In this role, Rina helps spark connections by delivering an easy-to-shop digital site, launching new and innovative partnerships, and building creative strategies alongside retailers and consumer packaged goods brands to continually meet their unique needs for success. Rina joined the company in early 2020, bringing a decade of national retail experience to Shipt. At Target, she held various leadership roles across Merchandising, Strategy & Innovation, and Business Partnerships & Negotiations. In addition to her deep retail experience, Rina spent nearly a decade as a management consultant specializing in healthcare and financial services.Rina serves on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Foundation of Alabama and the Virginia Samford Theatre. She received her MBA from Georgetown University and her B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Chief Business Officer
Shipt
Rina Hurst is the Chief Business Officer at Shipt, leading the company’s Business Development, Partner Success, Consumer Packaged Goods, and Digital Site Experience teams. In this role, Rina helps spark connections by delivering an easy-to-shop digital site, launching new and innovative partnerships, and building creative strategies alongside retailers and consumer packaged goods brands to continually meet their unique needs for success. Rina joined the company in early 2020, bringing a decade of national retail experience to Shipt. At Target, she held various leadership roles across Merchandising, Strategy & Innovation, and Business Partnerships & Negotiations. In addition to her deep retail experience, Rina spent nearly a decade as a management consultant specializing in healthcare and financial services.Rina serves on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Foundation of Alabama and the Virginia Samford Theatre. She received her MBA from Georgetown University and her B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Nietra Jaquette
Director of Human Resources
Cub Foods
Nietra Jaquette has worked with Cub Foods since 2011, serving as the HR Manager and most recently as the Director of Human Resources. She works closely to provide support to 110 union and non-union grocery, liquor, pharmacy, and office locations encompassing over 6,000 employees.
Nietra was selected to be one of eight members of the retail diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) core team to provide leadership, strategy and governance over Cub practices. She works to foster an environment of inclusivity and equality for all. She is considered a leader that works hard to ensure women are always at the table. Prior to Cub, Nietra thrived in male dominated workplaces including helping soldiers to transition out of the military as a US Army civilian employee and as the HR Manager of a wallboard manufacturing plant for Georgia Pacific. She has a degree in HR Management from Buena Vista University.
Director of Human Resources
Cub Foods
Nietra Jaquette has worked with Cub Foods since 2011, serving as the HR Manager and most recently as the Director of Human Resources. She works closely to provide support to 110 union and non-union grocery, liquor, pharmacy, and office locations encompassing over 6,000 employees.
Nietra was selected to be one of eight members of the retail diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) core team to provide leadership, strategy and governance over Cub practices. She works to foster an environment of inclusivity and equality for all. She is considered a leader that works hard to ensure women are always at the table. Prior to Cub, Nietra thrived in male dominated workplaces including helping soldiers to transition out of the military as a US Army civilian employee and as the HR Manager of a wallboard manufacturing plant for Georgia Pacific. She has a degree in HR Management from Buena Vista University.
Alexa Langona
Sr. Director Product Management, Own Brands
Albertsons
Alexa Langona is a Sr. Director of Product Management, Own Brands at Albertsons Companies, and a three-time TWIG winner. She directs innovation, portfolio strategy, and category management for Meat & Seafood across Albertsons’ leading lineup of brands. Her team is responsible for driving growth by delivering quality, value, and loyalty with exclusive products shoppers love. Alexa is passionate about Fresh, and the unique opportunities and challenges the Perimeter presents. Prior to making the leap to retail, Alexa spent more than 5 years in CPG, holding progressive shopper marketing and brand roles at the Clorox Company. She began her career in the economic consulting industry. Alexa earned a B.S. in Marketing Management, with a minor in Economics, from California State University, East Bay.
Sr. Director Product Management, Own Brands
Albertsons
Alexa Langona is a Sr. Director of Product Management, Own Brands at Albertsons Companies, and a three-time TWIG winner. She directs innovation, portfolio strategy, and category management for Meat & Seafood across Albertsons’ leading lineup of brands. Her team is responsible for driving growth by delivering quality, value, and loyalty with exclusive products shoppers love. Alexa is passionate about Fresh, and the unique opportunities and challenges the Perimeter presents. Prior to making the leap to retail, Alexa spent more than 5 years in CPG, holding progressive shopper marketing and brand roles at the Clorox Company. She began her career in the economic consulting industry. Alexa earned a B.S. in Marketing Management, with a minor in Economics, from California State University, East Bay.
Jackie LaPointe
Business Development
Upside
Jackie is an experienced sales leader with a successful track record of exceeding quotas and has consistently remained the top 1% sales performer at various companies. She brings deep experience in process improvement, team mentorship, and has a keen ability to think outside the box. At Upside, Jackie is responsible for building out a sales strategy that will help increase revenue and reach high growth targets related to the company’s grocery business. She is a key driver in helping to cultivate relationships with existing and potential merchants. Prior to Upside, Jackie held various sales leadership roles at The Boston Beer Company. Jackie was responsible for driving BBC’s sales volume and market goals, creating and executing a multi-market strategy for all brand platforms, and collaborating with leadership to increase their portfolio visibility and account base. She has been recognized consistently for her excellence in team culture, creativity, and innovation. Jackie holds an undergraduate degree from Florida State University, where she studied Public Relations and Communications. She is originally from Florida and now calls Arizona home. In her spare time, she mentors young professionals and enjoys all types of competitive athletic events, trail running, and other outdoor pursuits.
Business Development
Upside
Jackie is an experienced sales leader with a successful track record of exceeding quotas and has consistently remained the top 1% sales performer at various companies. She brings deep experience in process improvement, team mentorship, and has a keen ability to think outside the box. At Upside, Jackie is responsible for building out a sales strategy that will help increase revenue and reach high growth targets related to the company’s grocery business. She is a key driver in helping to cultivate relationships with existing and potential merchants. Prior to Upside, Jackie held various sales leadership roles at The Boston Beer Company. Jackie was responsible for driving BBC’s sales volume and market goals, creating and executing a multi-market strategy for all brand platforms, and collaborating with leadership to increase their portfolio visibility and account base. She has been recognized consistently for her excellence in team culture, creativity, and innovation. Jackie holds an undergraduate degree from Florida State University, where she studied Public Relations and Communications. She is originally from Florida and now calls Arizona home. In her spare time, she mentors young professionals and enjoys all types of competitive athletic events, trail running, and other outdoor pursuits.
Kevin Lindsey
Regional Director, HR Business Partner
Kroger
Kevin supports division HR teams across the Kroger Family of Companies and serves as a conduit between supermarket and corporate leadership to identify and eliminate service barriers, strengthen the company’s talent pipeline, and increase productivity and retention.
Kevin joined Kroger in 2002 as a store co-manager. He has since held a number of roles in Human Resources and store leadership across multiple divisions and General Office, including Store Leader, Labor Relations Manager, Talent Manager, and Training Manager. In 2017, Kevin was promoted to HR leader for the Delta division. In 2020, He was tapped to own the company’s Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion plan. He was promoted to his current role in 2021.
In 2019, Kevin was honored as part of the Memphis Business Journal’s class Top 40 under 40. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from LeMoyne-Owen College in Tennessee and a master’s degree in Business from University of Phoenix – Memphis Campus.
Regional Director, HR Business Partner
Kroger
Kevin supports division HR teams across the Kroger Family of Companies and serves as a conduit between supermarket and corporate leadership to identify and eliminate service barriers, strengthen the company’s talent pipeline, and increase productivity and retention.
Kevin joined Kroger in 2002 as a store co-manager. He has since held a number of roles in Human Resources and store leadership across multiple divisions and General Office, including Store Leader, Labor Relations Manager, Talent Manager, and Training Manager. In 2017, Kevin was promoted to HR leader for the Delta division. In 2020, He was tapped to own the company’s Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion plan. He was promoted to his current role in 2021.
In 2019, Kevin was honored as part of the Memphis Business Journal’s class Top 40 under 40. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from LeMoyne-Owen College in Tennessee and a master’s degree in Business from University of Phoenix – Memphis Campus.
Amanda McVay
Group VP, Customer Strategy & Marketing
Meijer
Amanda McVay is the Group Vice President of Customer Strategy and Marketing for Meijer, Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 260 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
As Group Vice President, Amanda is responsible for Meijer’s go to market customer strategy leading across the Marketing, Digital, Ecommerce, Category Management, Own Brand, Loyalty, and Retail Media organizations.
Prior to her current role, Amanda served as Group Vice President of Merchandising leading Grocery, where she was responsible for setting the business strategy and leading the buying team that represents dry grocery, frozen, dairy, snacks and beverages to provide the best assortment to customers. She delivered industry-leading same store sales and profit growth while capturing market share gains by creating innovative business development strategies.
Group VP, Customer Strategy & Marketing
Meijer
Amanda McVay is the Group Vice President of Customer Strategy and Marketing for Meijer, Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 260 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
As Group Vice President, Amanda is responsible for Meijer’s go to market customer strategy leading across the Marketing, Digital, Ecommerce, Category Management, Own Brand, Loyalty, and Retail Media organizations.
Prior to her current role, Amanda served as Group Vice President of Merchandising leading Grocery, where she was responsible for setting the business strategy and leading the buying team that represents dry grocery, frozen, dairy, snacks and beverages to provide the best assortment to customers. She delivered industry-leading same store sales and profit growth while capturing market share gains by creating innovative business development strategies.
Cara Mercil
Director of Sustainability
Giant Eagle Inc.
Cara Mercil is the Director of Sustainability for Giant Eagle Enterprises and is leading the change to achieve sustainability goals in the areas of carbon reduction, plastic elimination, zero waste, and expansion and improvement of sustainable product offerings. Cara embeds a sustainable mindset throughout the organization and thought leadership around constantly evolving sustainable issues. She acts as the expert across sustainable packaging, animal welfare, critical commodities, and product impact on the environment and social concerns; and institutes best practices that align with the company’s brand across the enterprise. She is also key in defining the organization’s sustainability storytelling, helping to shape and define the way the Giant Eagle’s impact story is delivered. Cara enjoys a life with her two boys and husband in Oakdale, Pa.
Director of Sustainability
Giant Eagle Inc.
Cara Mercil is the Director of Sustainability for Giant Eagle Enterprises and is leading the change to achieve sustainability goals in the areas of carbon reduction, plastic elimination, zero waste, and expansion and improvement of sustainable product offerings. Cara embeds a sustainable mindset throughout the organization and thought leadership around constantly evolving sustainable issues. She acts as the expert across sustainable packaging, animal welfare, critical commodities, and product impact on the environment and social concerns; and institutes best practices that align with the company’s brand across the enterprise. She is also key in defining the organization’s sustainability storytelling, helping to shape and define the way the Giant Eagle’s impact story is delivered. Cara enjoys a life with her two boys and husband in Oakdale, Pa.
Myrna Rexing
Senior Brand Manager
Kroger
Myrna Rexing, senior brand manager at Kroger, oversees the brand strategy and go-to-market operations for Kroger’s Our Brands portfolio, a nearly $28 billion dollar business. She believes that every impression Our Brands makes is crucial towards earning customer loyalty. Myrna’s passion to grow brand affinity and making product packaging as good as the product itself is what fuels her and her team to keep raising the bar.
In her role, Myrna spearheaded the evolution of the Our Brands Marketing strategy, introducing a consolidated opening price-point brand into the portfolio and repositioning the Kroger, Simple Truth® and Private Selection® brands to better meet customer needs. She also values inclusivity and led the launch of Our Brands’ newest soft drink line, appealing to Hispanic customers.
In 2020, Myrna received the “Long Neck” award from the Our Brands leadership team for her work driving innovation on how Our Brands go-to-market.
Myrna holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s in business from Xavier University. In her free time, she enjoys challenging herself, friends and family to create new recipes using only Our Brands products.
Senior Brand Manager
Kroger
Myrna Rexing, senior brand manager at Kroger, oversees the brand strategy and go-to-market operations for Kroger’s Our Brands portfolio, a nearly $28 billion dollar business. She believes that every impression Our Brands makes is crucial towards earning customer loyalty. Myrna’s passion to grow brand affinity and making product packaging as good as the product itself is what fuels her and her team to keep raising the bar.
In her role, Myrna spearheaded the evolution of the Our Brands Marketing strategy, introducing a consolidated opening price-point brand into the portfolio and repositioning the Kroger, Simple Truth® and Private Selection® brands to better meet customer needs. She also values inclusivity and led the launch of Our Brands’ newest soft drink line, appealing to Hispanic customers.
In 2020, Myrna received the “Long Neck” award from the Our Brands leadership team for her work driving innovation on how Our Brands go-to-market.
Myrna holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s in business from Xavier University. In her free time, she enjoys challenging herself, friends and family to create new recipes using only Our Brands products.
Shannon Risley
General Manager
Niskayuna Co-op
Shannon Risley is General Manager of the Niskayuna Co-op, an independently owned grocery store that has been continuously serving the community since 1943. Risley joined the Co-op in August 2020 and brings two decades of distinguished leadership excellence. She is responsible for the store’s strategic priorities, fiscal health, cultural development, and community engagement and implemented quarterly leadership training for Department Managers that covers leadership and team-building skills, calculating sales to purchase ratios, and using waste logs to manage shrink and control inventory. Her innovative leadership and commitment to developing her team are only part of the Co-op’s success. Risley increased purchases from local vendors to address fluctuating and unpredictable supply chains to provide customers with much-needed and desired products while supporting the local business community.
Prior to the Co-op, Risley served in a range of management positions at Walmart, developing a multidisciplinary prowess. During her tenure, she was one of 80 selected from a pool of 80,000 applicants to participate in Walmart’s lauded Leadership Academy for an intensive year-long program where she received masters-level management training from the company’s top leaders, industry experts, and other top national companies.
Risley resides in Altamont, NY with her husband and three young children.
General Manager
Niskayuna Co-op
Shannon Risley is General Manager of the Niskayuna Co-op, an independently owned grocery store that has been continuously serving the community since 1943. Risley joined the Co-op in August 2020 and brings two decades of distinguished leadership excellence. She is responsible for the store’s strategic priorities, fiscal health, cultural development, and community engagement and implemented quarterly leadership training for Department Managers that covers leadership and team-building skills, calculating sales to purchase ratios, and using waste logs to manage shrink and control inventory. Her innovative leadership and commitment to developing her team are only part of the Co-op’s success. Risley increased purchases from local vendors to address fluctuating and unpredictable supply chains to provide customers with much-needed and desired products while supporting the local business community.
Prior to the Co-op, Risley served in a range of management positions at Walmart, developing a multidisciplinary prowess. During her tenure, she was one of 80 selected from a pool of 80,000 applicants to participate in Walmart’s lauded Leadership Academy for an intensive year-long program where she received masters-level management training from the company’s top leaders, industry experts, and other top national companies.
Risley resides in Altamont, NY with her husband and three young children.
Anne-Marie Roerink
President
210 Analytics LLC
Anne-Marie Roerink is a Principal at 210 Analytics, LLC — providing customized research with a specialty in food retailing for clients such as the North American Meat Institute, Food Marketing Institute, National Grocers Association, International Deli, Dairy, Bakery Institute and many others. Through countless consumer studies, Anne-Marie has developed an excellent perspective on the ever-changing wants and needs of the grocery shopper in a one-size-fits-no-one world. Additionally, Anne-Marie offers a diverse and in-depth view on food retailing strategies, financials and operations. She understands the challenges and opportunities in the food business today as well as the drivers of success tomorrow. Prior to founding 210 Analytics, Anne-Marie was the Head of Research for the Food Marketing Institute. Anne-Marie designs and authors the annual Power of Foodservice at Retail study, along with similar studies in meat, produce, frozen, SmartFood, bakery, candy and other categories.
President
210 Analytics LLC
Anne-Marie Roerink is a Principal at 210 Analytics, LLC — providing customized research with a specialty in food retailing for clients such as the North American Meat Institute, Food Marketing Institute, National Grocers Association, International Deli, Dairy, Bakery Institute and many others. Through countless consumer studies, Anne-Marie has developed an excellent perspective on the ever-changing wants and needs of the grocery shopper in a one-size-fits-no-one world. Additionally, Anne-Marie offers a diverse and in-depth view on food retailing strategies, financials and operations. She understands the challenges and opportunities in the food business today as well as the drivers of success tomorrow. Prior to founding 210 Analytics, Anne-Marie was the Head of Research for the Food Marketing Institute. Anne-Marie designs and authors the annual Power of Foodservice at Retail study, along with similar studies in meat, produce, frozen, SmartFood, bakery, candy and other categories.
Stephanie Schepp
Chief of Staff and Portfolio Management
Retail Business Services
Stephanie Schepp, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Portfolio Management, has an important dual role for Retail Business Services, where she is responsible for two main areas. As Chief of Staff, a newly created position within Retail Business Services in 2021, Stephanie works to advance the organization’s vision in close partnership with the president and leadership team. In addition, she leads our Portfolio Management function, which works to support all Ahold Delhaize USA companies in delivering their most critical, high-value and complex projects. In this capacity, Stephanie and her team provide project management expertise for more than 10 initiatives that are vital to Ahold Delhaize USA’s Connected Customer strategy and omnichannel evolution.
Stephanie is also a strong advocate for RBS Cares, the company’s volunteer and philanthropic arm for associates. She volunteers as the Business Resource Group Executive Sponsor for Conexion, the Hispanic and Latino + Allies group at Retail Business Services. In addition, leveraging her extensive consulting background before joining Retail Business Services, she has donated many hours of pro bono consulting to local nonprofits in the greater Chicago area, helping them to become more effective and efficient, and grow their reach in local communities.
Chief of Staff and Portfolio Management
Retail Business Services
Stephanie Schepp, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Portfolio Management, has an important dual role for Retail Business Services, where she is responsible for two main areas. As Chief of Staff, a newly created position within Retail Business Services in 2021, Stephanie works to advance the organization’s vision in close partnership with the president and leadership team. In addition, she leads our Portfolio Management function, which works to support all Ahold Delhaize USA companies in delivering their most critical, high-value and complex projects. In this capacity, Stephanie and her team provide project management expertise for more than 10 initiatives that are vital to Ahold Delhaize USA’s Connected Customer strategy and omnichannel evolution.
Stephanie is also a strong advocate for RBS Cares, the company’s volunteer and philanthropic arm for associates. She volunteers as the Business Resource Group Executive Sponsor for Conexion, the Hispanic and Latino + Allies group at Retail Business Services. In addition, leveraging her extensive consulting background before joining Retail Business Services, she has donated many hours of pro bono consulting to local nonprofits in the greater Chicago area, helping them to become more effective and efficient, and grow their reach in local communities.
Rochelle Seideneck
VP, Enterprise Marketing
Giant Eagle Inc.
Rochelle currently serves as Vice President, Enterprise Marketing at Giant Eagle where she is responsible for driving the brand strategy across Giant Eagle, Market District and GetGo. Rochelle has over 21 years of experience in the retail grocery industry and has a track record of building and leading high-performing teams. Rochelle has held various roles at Giant Eagle including leading the Market District format introduction and growth strategy, VP of Grocery Merchandising, and VP of Digital where she led the development of Giant Eagle’s Retail Media Network and Marketplace. Rochelle is passionate about inclusion and diversity, volunteering in her local Pittsburgh community and spending time with her family.
VP, Enterprise Marketing
Giant Eagle Inc.
Rochelle currently serves as Vice President, Enterprise Marketing at Giant Eagle where she is responsible for driving the brand strategy across Giant Eagle, Market District and GetGo. Rochelle has over 21 years of experience in the retail grocery industry and has a track record of building and leading high-performing teams. Rochelle has held various roles at Giant Eagle including leading the Market District format introduction and growth strategy, VP of Grocery Merchandising, and VP of Digital where she led the development of Giant Eagle’s Retail Media Network and Marketplace. Rochelle is passionate about inclusion and diversity, volunteering in her local Pittsburgh community and spending time with her family.
Pam Seivert
Store Director
Hornbacher's
Pamala Seivert was born in Central America and lived a life as an Air Force brat; living in multiple states until she moved to ND to live with her father. She developed a deep passion for people while living in New Mexico with her grandparents who lived this emotion in all that they did. This passion grew into what would become her driving factor. She took her first job in retail at the age of 16 and that set the tone for what would become her calling. She began a role in management at the age of 18 and she knew that’s what she was meant to do. The ability to touch people, teach them and develop them became her true focus. Working through many different fields from fast food to a retail buyer, to her current role as a Store Director for Hornbacher’s where she has remained for 17 years. The Grocery Industry has become her true obsession. Having the ability to touch so many lives from customers to employees has been a genuine joy to her own life. She remains focused on developing associates, having become known as one who maintains a high retention rate with her staff. She strongly believes in giving associates the tools to be successful by having a strong training regimen for them to follow; clearly outlining the requirements of their role. She and her leadership team are also very focused on development; always thinking of the what ifs, and the next “up and comers.”
Outside of work, you will find Pam enjoying her life as a wife to her high-school sweetheart, the love of her life, Brad, mother to her twin boys (Joshua & Justin- both married), her beautiful daughter (Jordyn) and being a grandmother to her 5 grandchildren and one granddog. She loves, adores, and appreciates her family and knows that she is blessed in having and building the family that she and Brad have. She pays a lot of kudos to her husband who has always been her rock, her biggest supporter, her biggest fan. He has encouraged her in all that she does and drives her to be the best that she can be.
Store Director
Hornbacher's
Pamala Seivert was born in Central America and lived a life as an Air Force brat; living in multiple states until she moved to ND to live with her father. She developed a deep passion for people while living in New Mexico with her grandparents who lived this emotion in all that they did. This passion grew into what would become her driving factor. She took her first job in retail at the age of 16 and that set the tone for what would become her calling. She began a role in management at the age of 18 and she knew that’s what she was meant to do. The ability to touch people, teach them and develop them became her true focus. Working through many different fields from fast food to a retail buyer, to her current role as a Store Director for Hornbacher’s where she has remained for 17 years. The Grocery Industry has become her true obsession. Having the ability to touch so many lives from customers to employees has been a genuine joy to her own life. She remains focused on developing associates, having become known as one who maintains a high retention rate with her staff. She strongly believes in giving associates the tools to be successful by having a strong training regimen for them to follow; clearly outlining the requirements of their role. She and her leadership team are also very focused on development; always thinking of the what ifs, and the next “up and comers.”
Outside of work, you will find Pam enjoying her life as a wife to her high-school sweetheart, the love of her life, Brad, mother to her twin boys (Joshua & Justin- both married), her beautiful daughter (Jordyn) and being a grandmother to her 5 grandchildren and one granddog. She loves, adores, and appreciates her family and knows that she is blessed in having and building the family that she and Brad have. She pays a lot of kudos to her husband who has always been her rock, her biggest supporter, her biggest fan. He has encouraged her in all that she does and drives her to be the best that she can be.
Maisha Webster
SVP and Head of Sales, North America
P&G
Maisha leads Sales for P&G’s business in North America, the Company’s largest and most profitable region—and home to many of P&G’s largest retail customers. She works closely with North America-based customers and Sales teams to develop winning plans that provide superior and sustainable
consumer and retailer value. She is also responsible for transforming Sales capability and talent to lead in today’s dynamic retail environment. Maisha is a 25-year veteran of P&G and brings over two decades of business model expertise as the sales leader of North America. She has worked across drug, mass, and food channels in both the U.S. and Europe, and most recently served as Senior Vice President for Walgreens and P&G’s U.S. Drug Customers. As an industry leader, Maisha sits on the Retail Advisory Board of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. She also serves as executive leader of P&G’s U.S. African American affinity group within the Sales organization.
SVP and Head of Sales, North America
P&G
Maisha leads Sales for P&G’s business in North America, the Company’s largest and most profitable region—and home to many of P&G’s largest retail customers. She works closely with North America-based customers and Sales teams to develop winning plans that provide superior and sustainable
consumer and retailer value. She is also responsible for transforming Sales capability and talent to lead in today’s dynamic retail environment. Maisha is a 25-year veteran of P&G and brings over two decades of business model expertise as the sales leader of North America. She has worked across drug, mass, and food channels in both the U.S. and Europe, and most recently served as Senior Vice President for Walgreens and P&G’s U.S. Drug Customers. As an industry leader, Maisha sits on the Retail Advisory Board of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. She also serves as executive leader of P&G’s U.S. African American affinity group within the Sales organization.
Liangxiao Zhu
Vice President of Engineering
DoorDash
Liangxiao Zhu is DoorDash’s Vice President of Engineering. She joins DoorDash to build upon its existing products such as DashMart and Pickup while also leading the company into new verticals. Prior to DoorDash, Liangxiao spent 10-year careers at both Meta and Microsoft where she most recently led efforts around Payments at Facebook. She also launched Facebook Pay to empower everyone around the world to participate in the digital economy. Before leading on Payments, she spent nearly seven years building out the Meta ads product platform. This included building products that helped SMBs to connect with their customers online to supporting large enterprises in measuring and tracking global campaigns.
Vice President of Engineering
DoorDash
Liangxiao Zhu is DoorDash’s Vice President of Engineering. She joins DoorDash to build upon its existing products such as DashMart and Pickup while also leading the company into new verticals. Prior to DoorDash, Liangxiao spent 10-year careers at both Meta and Microsoft where she most recently led efforts around Payments at Facebook. She also launched Facebook Pay to empower everyone around the world to participate in the digital economy. Before leading on Payments, she spent nearly seven years building out the Meta ads product platform. This included building products that helped SMBs to connect with their customers online to supporting large enterprises in measuring and tracking global campaigns.