Meet the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow

The meat industry is built on people who solve complex problems every day. People who move products safely and efficiently build trusted brands and keep protein at the center of the plate. The 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow reflect that reality, and they point clearly toward the industry’s future.

This year’s class spans the full breadth of the meat supply chain, from procurement and logistics to analytics, sustainability, brand strategy, and retail execution. Together, they represent how modern leadership shows up in the meat industry today. Data-driven. Relationship-focused. Grounded in execution.

The 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow, listed alphabetically by last name, include

• Kyle Bardel, Sales Manager, Marcus Food Company
• Joe Brawne, Senior Director of Procurement, Thomas Foods International USA
• Scott Cassel, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, Kayem Foods
• Eric McCormick, Senior Account Manager, Meat and Seafood, UNFI
• Will McDoniel, Meat and Seafood Category Manager, Harps Food Stores
• Shannon Permenter, Freight and Distribution Manager, Teys USA
• Emma Pierce, Senior Brand Manager, Seaboard Foods
• Rachael Wagner, Sustainability Risk Management Project Manager, Eocene Environmental Group
• Chandler Webb, Manager, Customer Insights – Walmart, Tyson Foods
• Maegan Willis-Balliet, Brand Marketing Manager, Rastelli Foods Group

During AMC, the 2026 Class will be celebrated at the opening keynote session on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 12:30 pm-1:15 pm.

At the Annual Meat Conference, leadership is not just discussed. It is recognized and celebrated. The Leaders of Tomorrow program, sponsored by Amcor, highlights professionals who are already making an impact and signals to the next generation that there is room to build a meaningful, challenging, and rewarding career in meat.

The Leaders of Tomorrow program is jointly hosted by FMI and the Meat Institute, reflecting a shared, year-round commitment to developing leadership across the food and meat industries. Both organizations invest intentionally in emerging talent through structured programs that combine education, exposure, and peer connection. The FMI Future Leaders Program prepares rising professionals for senior roles across food retail and the supply chain, while the Meat Institute’s Emerging Leaders Program focuses on advancing leadership within the meat industry. Together, these efforts reinforce a long-term view of leadership development and demonstrate developing its future leaders.

We are proud to recognize the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow. Their work strengthens the industry today and lays the foundation for what comes next.