Celebrating the 2025 Leaders of Tomorrow

By: Megan McCullough, Director of Membership Engagement, Meat Institute

Nominations are Open for the 2026 Awards

The 2025 Leaders of Tomorrow honorees represent the best of the next generation driving the meat industry forward. Each brings passion, innovation, and a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and collaboration. Together, they reflect the bright and diverse future of the meat industry.

From production to retail, their achievements showcase the many ways leadership and creativity are shaping the supply chain. Matt Feltz of Thomas Foods USA demonstrates operational excellence, maintaining a 98 percent order fill rate while guiding a company-wide ERP transition. Jessica Maus at Cryovac champions sustainability through the launch of a compostable tray that meets both environmental and food safety goals. Cheyenne McEndaffer of Eocene Environmental Group connects data with livestock production to quantify progress in sustainability and strengthen rural communities.

Innovation and product development also take center stage. Danny Miller of Bob Evans Farms develops creative trade marketing programs that connect brands and consumers in new ways, while Aaron Tapian of Cargill drives weekly innovation in protein-based foods through teamwork and culinary insight. Steven Ruggiere at Perdue Farms led a shift from a volume-driven to a profit-focused sales model, showing how data and purpose can transform results.

Our honorees also exemplify leadership that focuses on people and progress. MaryAnn Pannkuk at Merck Animal Health advances farm-to-fork traceability through DNA technology. Juan Rosendo at Albertsons uses analytics to enhance shopper engagement. Brandon Suttles at Marcus Food Company leads global protein optimization efforts that reduce waste and strengthen food access. And Kristen Zoldan at Sprouts Farmers Market proves that curiosity and drive can turn industry newcomers into category leaders.

The 2025 Leaders of Tomorrow are proof that the next generation of talent is already making a difference. Their ideas, collaboration, and energy continue to move the industry forward every day.

Now it is time to help us identify the next class of trailblazers. If you know a mid-career professional who works for an FMI or Meat Institute member company, nominate them for the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow Awards. Honorees will be celebrated at the Annual Meat Conference, March 2–4, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland.

Nominations close December 12, 2025. Submit your nomination at https://www.meatconference.com/leaders-of-tomorrow/.