Leaders of Tomorrow Awards

The meat industry is built on people — and the next generation is already making its mark. The Leaders of Tomorrow awards celebrate rising professionals whose fresh ideas, collaborative spirit, and bold leadership are shaping the future of animal protein.

From advancing sustainability and food safety to reimagining meal solutions and global trade, these individuals represent the diverse opportunities and impact found across our industry.

Meet the 2025 honorees who are raising the bar and get ready to nominate your standout leader when 2026 nominations open on December 1!

Juan Rosendo

Assistant Category Manager

Albertsons Companies

Brandon Suttles

Director of Sales Partner Relationships

Marcus Food Co.

Cheyenne McEndaffer

Special Projects Liaison

Eocene Environmental Group

Steven Ruggiere

Sr Mng of Revenue Growth Management

Perdue

Matt Feltz

Senior Manager – Customer Support & Orders Management

Thomas Foods International, USA

Jessica Maus

Case Ready Product Manager

Cryovac

Aaron Tapian

R&D Lead, Prepared Meals

Cargill

Kristen Zoldan

Category Manager – Meat

Sprouts Farmers Market

MaryAnn Pannkuk

Senior Technical Account Specialist

Merck Animal Health

Danny Miller

Director of Trade Marketing & Category Management

Bob Evans Farm

Where Rising Talent Becomes Industry Impact

Invest in Your Rising Talent

Does your company have a standout young professional ready to grow into a future industry leader? The Leaders of Tomorrow awards at AMC is your opportunity to give them career-defining exposure to:

Powerful education sessions covering the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in meat retailing.
A front-row view of how the state of the industry impacts businesses like yours.
Unparalleled networking with icons of the meat, poultry, and retail industries.

Why Nominate

By investing in a rising leader today, you’re strengthening your company’s future. The Leaders of Tomorrow awards accelerate careers and build industry changemakers who go on to:

Shape bold sustainability strategies that drive impact.
Lead growth and innovation across retail categories.
Reimagine R&D in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Support your standout team member and watch them grow into a leader who helps shape what’s next for meat retail!

Program Benefits for 2026 Winners

Ten selected honorees will receive:

Complimentary AMC Registration – Valued at $795, for both their first and second year.
Exclusive Recognition & Dinner – Celebrate with peers, mentors, and alumni in a private networking setting.
1:1 Mentorship – Pairing with a seasoned professional to guide them during and beyond the conference.

Who Should Apply

Applicants must:

Be 40 years of age or younger at the time the application is received.
Plan to attend the 2026 Annual Meat Conference.
Have the support of their senior management.
Be an employee of a Meat Institute or FMI member company.

Key Dates & Process

Nominations Open: December 1, 2025
Deadline to Apply: January 9, 2026
Winners Announced: January 23, 2026 (limit one winner per company)
Acceptance Confirmation Required by way of AMC Registration : January 30, 2026

Selected individuals must participate fully in AMC education sessions, networking events, and the mentorship program.

Being a part of the Leaders of Tomorrow program has been an incredible experience! For those who want it, it is an opportunity to gain exposure to our industry, connect with each other, learn from industry leaders, and stay current with the trends affecting our businesses. But it doesn’t stop there – staying engaged with the growing group of Leaders of Tomorrow alumni is just as impactful and rewarding. Don’t miss out!

- Bailey (Brand Mgr)

I’ve really enjoyed being part of the group. Not only is it a great way to network, but its intentional networking. Through the mentorship and the collaboration with other Leaders of Tomorrow members and guest speakers during the meetings this year, I’ve been exposed to new ways of thinking and problem solving that I can easily apply back to my role.

- Ryan (Director)

Being recognized as a Leaders of Tomorrow provided recognition within my organization, industry and opened significant networking opportunities for me throughout the conference. More importantly, the experience has extended well beyond the conference to strengthen relationships with my peers and industry leaders through thoughtful and informative workshops. I would strongly encourage nomination of young professionals for inclusion in this unique and very rewarding experience.

- Sarah (Regional Sales Mgr)

There are so many things I learned from the program that I got to experience first-hand. I am grateful to be a past participant. Rare access to talk one on one with accomplished leaders in the meat and retail industries, which has helped to further develop my leadership and communication skills. The opportunity to network with industry professionals at different organizations across the country and world. The breakout sessions that are offered during the annual program are incredible!

- Ryan (Sales Mgr)

SPONSORED BY

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Previous Winners

2024

Kaylee Russell – Tyson Foods
Michael Yeater – Albertson Companies
Tammy Gonzales – Cargill
Mike Van Drie – SpartanNash Co.
Nicole Koch – Seaboard Foods
Liz Holt – Pre Brands
Hillary Niblock – Superior Farms
Marie-Pier LaBarre – Cascades
Zachary Stadler – Associate Wholesale Grocers
Jennifer Hicks – Mitchell Grocery Corp

2023

Jennifer Jensen – Sustainable Environmental Consultants, LLC
Courtney Talbott – Albertsons Companies
Grace Lindemer – Cargill
Gavin Murphy – Teys USA
Sheena Russell – Cloverdale Foods Company
Michael Nepveux – Stable
Brandon Lee – Marcus Technologies
Craig Urbanik – Seaboard Foods
Jillian Milopoulos – Sealed Air Corp
Katy Bruce – Midan Marketing

2022

Britt Johnson – Tyson Foods, Inc.
Camila Paez – Kayem Foods, Inc
Devin Kulla – Strauss Brands, LLC
Edward Moore – Sealed Air
Elizabeth Hill – Cargill
Katie Smith – Seaboard Foods
Mark Saylor – Farmer Focus (Shenandoah Valley Organic)
Rebecca Scholes – Clemens Food Group
Sarah Havala – Fulton Market Group
Griffin Jobe – Teys USA

2021

Elle Gadient – Niman Ranch
Jessica Finck – Merck Animal Health
John Zander – Albertsons Companies
Jordan Hinton – Midan Marketing
Laura Knighton – Sealed Air Corporation
Becky Peterson – Save A Lot
Ryan DeLeon – Meijer
Ryan Toomer – Tyson Foods
Sarah Menard – Kayem Foods Inc.

2020

James Buddig – Carl Buddig and Company
Savannah Hawkins – Sealed Air Corporation
Caroline Stevick – Stop and Shop
Connor Spelic – Schnuck Markets
Chris Geiger – Tyson Foods
Garret Dietz – Cargill Protein
Catie Cantrell – Heinen’s Grocery Store
Bailey Morrell – Certified Angus Beef
Liang Hou Bennett – Chicago Meat Authority
Nathan Marion – Target

2019

Anthony Frorenza – Superior Farms
Wesley Sterr – Seaboard Foods
Ruben Amaya – Albertsons
Jaime Hansen – Sealed Air
Kelsy Olson – Smithfield Foods
Micah Van Hilsen – Tyson Foods
Tom Kelly – Clemens Food Group
Nicole Huffer – Cargill
Natasha Sean – Midan Marketing