Leaders of Tomorrow
Congratulations to the Leaders of Tomorrow Class of 2025!
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, Trade Management Breakfast
Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
Eligibility and Rules
Does your company have a rising star that would benefit from the powerful education at the Annual Meat Conference? Do you want to ensure that the next generation knows how the state of the industry affects your organization? Would you like to give him or her a chance to rub elbows with icons of the meat and poultry and retail industries? Then nominate them for the Leaders of Tomorrow program!
The Meat Institute and the Food Industry Association (FMI) want to give ten young professionals in meat retail industry the opportunity to attend the Annual Meat Conference. Expose one of your leaders of tomorrow to comprehensive education that explores the latest developments in meat retailing, the latest trends in the meat category’s path to purchase and networking with more than 2,000 industry leaders. Meat Institute and FMI launched this program in the meat retail industry to recognize future leaders and help them become the industry leaders of tomorrow. Here are some comments from past Leaders of Tomorrow participants.
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)
The ten winners will receive the following:
- Complimentary registration for the Annual Meat Conference, valued at $795 for the first year and the second year.
- Special recognition and invitation to an exclusive dinner with program participants, mentors, and alumni
- Mentorship with an experienced professional in the industry.
Applicant Qualifications
Applicants must:- Be an employee of a Meat Institute or FMI member company.
- Be 40 years of age or younger at the time the application is received.
- Plan to attend the 2025 AMC
- Have the support of senior management at your organization.
Contest Details
- Nomination process opens December 2, 2024, closes January 10, 2025.
- Entries will be narrowed down to ten winners (limit one winner per company)
- The ten selected individuals will be announced by January 24, 2025.
- These individuals must
- Confirm program participation by January 31, 2025.
- Participate in the AMC education programs and networking events.
- Winners will be partnered with a professional mentor to help guide them during the conference.
Sponsored by
Previous Winners
2024
Kaylee Russell - Tyson FoodsMichael 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, LLCCourtney 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 RanchJessica 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 CompanySavannah 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 FarmsWesley 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
