2025 Women of Influence

Abby Keziah is an exceptional leader whose dedication, strategic mindset and servant-hearted approach have made a lasting impact. Starting her career as a category analyst in 2012 gave her a strong foundation in data analytics before transitioning into sales in 2014. Abby has since been promoted twice and now manages both her clients' portfolios and a high-performing team calling on Harris Teeter. Abby consistently leads by example – her charisma, empathy and results-driven focus inspire those around her. She fosters a collaborative environment while keeping clear sight of business goals, making her an outstanding manager of people and priorities. Her honesty and integrity have earned the trust of clients and partners alike. Abby consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to achieving outstanding outcomes, going above and beyond to ensure her work meets the highest standards. In 2023, SellEthics received Harris Teeter's inaugural Broker of the Year award – a testament to Abby's pivotal contributions. Beyond her professional success, she also champions community involvement, coordinating volunteer initiatives through local charities. Abby is an invaluable asset and her leadership, determination and professionalism set the standard for excellence.

Alex Jackson is passionate about the people in her span-of-care and demonstrates empathy and compassion in many ways. Most importantly, she ensures each person has an opportunity to contribute and sets the stage for them to be heard. Alex is curious and seeks feedback to grow and learn through her own opportunities for improvement. In addition, she demonstrates courage in all she does. She does her homework to prepare her team for important decisions and will stretch everyone to inspire them to greatness.

Alicia Atkinson's passion for the business is evident. Her journey began as a deli manager, where she cultivated a commitment to excellent guest service and impeccable sales floor conditions. She delivers remarkable results by building a team dedicated to excellence and setting daily expectations for continuous improvement. Her leadership extends beyond the store, through community engagement and volunteer efforts. Her team rang the bell for the Salvation Army, provided dinner for senior bingo events, provided free meals during hurricanes, assisted with Toys for Tots, organized Christmas tree giving for local seniors and numerous in-store events. Through her front porch selling, the team helps feed 38 students each weekend via a backpack program and maintains a free community food pantry to assist families in need. The team collaborates with the local police/fire departments and city officials to focus on hunger relief through donations supported by customers. Alicia is also a valued mentor. She contributes to special projects, trains new hosts and develops talent for the company. Her leadership and embodiment of the brand are evident. She has participated in radio programs to discuss store activities and collaborated with the town on Facebook Live to share future plans for her team. Alicia fosters a culture of work-life balance, prioritizing her hosts, earning their respect and loyalty.

Amy Craft is the rock of the company's two stores, Orono and Calais IGA. The owners could not run them without her guidance, hard work and motivation.
Amy's workload is different from that of most grocery store owner's wives. She is involved with every aspect of the business. She is the human relations manager for more than 150 employees. She manages insurance, finances and operations – and pays the bills.
Amy is a go-getting self-motivator who on a day-to-day basis jumps in wherever needed. Amy is trained in all departments – bakery, dairy, deli, frozen, grocery, meat and produce. At any given time, she can jump in when needed and order for a department, run the register, handle customer service and manage the front office.
If the stores are shorted a product, Amy is the first to contact the distributors – or even other stores – to get it. She is irreplaceable and worth her weight in gold.
Hired years ago as a wrapper in the meat department, Amy quickly went on to learn the whole operation. She was the longtime deli/bakery manager. Since the owners purchased the stores six years ago, she has taken on all back-house duties and still helps everywhere and anytime needed, often covering vacations and sick calls.

In addition to a Woman of Influence, Amy Niemetscheck was the 2025 recipient of the Women Grocers of America Woman of the Year Award. Sponsored by Shelby Publishing, the award is given to those who exemplify strong leadership qualities and a passion for the independent grocery industry. It was presented Feb. 24 during The 2025 NGA Show at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. Honorees must be female professionals with a minimum of seven years of experience in the independent food industry. They may come from any membership sector of the National Grocers Association – including retailers, wholesalers, associates and suppliers – but must be employed by a member. A lifelong supporter of independent grocers, Niemetscheck grew up shopping at Miller and Son's grocery store in Verona, Wisconsin, where she gained an appreciation for the values that define independent grocery stores. Beginning her career as an auditor at a regional accounting firm, where Certco was one of her clients, she would go on to join the company in 2011 and became president and CEO in 2019. Under her guidance, Certco has become a leader in supplying products and services to independent retailers in the Midwest, including Woodman's Food Markets, Sendik's Food Markets and some 210 other grocers, helping them effectively compete in today's challenging environment. An advocate for the independent grocer, Niemetscheck is involved with NGA, Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) and WGA, holding or having held board positions in each organization. She is vice chair of ROFDA and will become its first chairwoman next year. Under Niemetscheck's leadership, Certco has implemented several initiatives, including offering eight hours of paid volunteer time for non-union employees. She has spearheaded volunteer partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, The Humane Society, Second Harvest and Gilda's Club.

Amy Wadstrom has been helping pharmacy patients for more than 25 years – first as a pharmacist and today as president of Vivid Clear Rx, Hy-Vee's pharmacy benefit manager. Formed in 2020, Vivid Clear Rx was designed to disrupt the PBM industry by delivering transparent pricing, real-time data and clear savings to employer groups across the U.S. Amy has helped lead the PBM's operations since its founding and, in early 2024, became its president. She leads with a member-first mentality and specializes in solving complex healthcare challenges that affect members and employer groups. Her focus is two-pronged: reduce prescription benefit spending for employers and improve overall health outcomes for members. Her growth strategy revolves around transparency and superior service. She developed the blueprint for Vivid Clear Rx's high-touch service model, which has been recognized as one of the best in the industry. She also has focused her efforts around increasing access to affordable prescriptions for members. In 2024, she forged a partnership with the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs Co. to give Vivid Clear Rx members access to low-cost online prescriptions. She also has been instrumental in growing Vivid Clear Rx's business and increasing the number of covered lives. Under her leadership, Vivid Clear Rx reached record growth in 2024 and is positioned to bring greater accountability and transparency to the overall industry.

Amy is a leader who cares about helping others achieve their full potential. She has a deep understanding of what motivates people and the courage to be transparent in every situation, even when it is uncomfortable. In this way, she has broken down barriers and created trust with her teammates, her direct reports and her management teams.

Angela Hernandez is a force of nature – an inspiring leader whose vision, grace and passion have left a mark not only on her organization but on everyone who works alongside her. Angela brings warmth, clarity and a growth-driven mindset to every initiative she leads. Her communication skills are unmatched, her leadership style empowering and her ability to connect with others personally and professionally is inspiring. She doesn't just lead teams – she champions people, cultivating potential, sparking confidence and creating space for others to rise. Angela's influence stretches beyond her professional role. As a breast cancer survivor, she embodies perseverance and purpose. Instead of letting that journey define her, she's chosen to use it as a beacon – mentoring others, offering strength to those navigating their own battles and showing through her actions what resilience looks like. Angela shines in every space she enters. She believes food is one of the most powerful forms of the life experience with family, community and friends. In her professional career, she is hands-on and leads a team that develops a range of innovative products while enjoying building brands that resonate with consumers. Her dedication, authenticity and servant-hearted approach make her a remarkable executive and influential woman.

Angela Silva shows up every day with an open heart, a willingness to be vulnerable and the courage to tackle every challenge in front of her. She is humble, strong and creative.
Angela has overcome hurdles and crossed seemingly uncrossable oceans to shine her light. Still, she continues to dare to be in the arena and ensure her voice is heard at the C-level leadership tables. At the same time, she works to inspire and grow those in her span of care.

For nearly 14 years, Ann Sitler has been an integral force behind Hickory Nut Gap's growth, holding nearly every role within the company and building the systems that drive its success. Her expertise in operations, supply chain management and organizational leadership has helped transform Hickory Nut Gap into a leader in regenerative agriculture. Ann is trailblazing the path to a more sustainable food system by strengthening regenerative supply chains and ensuring the right people join Hickory Nut Gap's mission-driven team. Her adaptability, efficiency and ability to create scalable processes set the standard for excellence. She leads not just through guidance, but by developing strategies that improve productivity and drive lasting impact. Beyond her work at Hickory Nut Gap, Ann is committed to food justice. She serves as board chair of Root Cause Farm, a nonprofit dedicated to growing community solutions to hunger. Root Cause Farm cultivates organic produce and distributes it through local food pantries and partner organizations, ensuring equitable access to nourishing food. Ann's leadership, vision and relentless drive to create a better food system make her a true Woman of Influence in the industry. Her work is shaping a future where regenerative agriculture thrives, local food systems are strengthened, and communities are better nourished.