The Big Y Board of Directors has named Megan L. Moriarty as director of meat and seafood, succeeding Norm E. Vernadakis, who is retiring Aug. 1 after 39 years in the industry.
Vernadakis, who began his career at Big Y as a meat cutter in 1985, has held numerous leadership positions throughout his tenure. His expertise was instrumental in shaping the company’s fresh foods strategy.
“Norm has dedicated his career to his passion for learning and passing his knowledge on to others,” said John Fraro, senior director of fresh foods. “We will miss his guidance and direction.”
Moriarty brings a wealth of retail experience to her new role. Prior to joining Big Y in 2015 as a store director, she held leadership positions in floral and seafood sales. Her strategic thinking and dedication to the industry have been recognized with her participation in Big Y’s Women LEAD program and the attainment of a Food Retail Leader Certificate from the Food Industry Association in 2021.
“Megan’s visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment have earned her this significant advancement,” Fraro said. “I’m confident she will bring innovative solutions and drive continued success in this new role,” he added.
Big Y Foods Inc. is one of the largest independently-owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with more than 10,000 employees.
Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and in 2023 by Newsweek on its list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and for Women.
Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where two roads converge to form a “Y.”
[RELATED: Big Y’s New Pharmacy Mobile App Aims To Simplify Health Journey]
