
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.
SPONSORED BY
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