2025 Women of Influence

The Shelby-Griffin Report presents the 20th annual tribute to Women of Influence in the food industry. For 20 years, we’ve honored the outstanding women shaping the food industry—from executives and innovators to mentors and community leaders. This year’s nominees represent a diverse range of roles, backgrounds, and regions, each making a profound impact in their careers and beyond.

Explore their stories below, and join us in celebrating their achievements.

2025 Women of Influence

2025 Women of Influence

Caroline Short

Human Resources Generalist, Lowes Foods

Caroline Short has had a tremendous year of growth managing through circumstances in the most challenging markets. She should be recognized for her dedication and professionalism in dealing with difficult circumstances. Caroline displays a unique blend of empathy and grit in helping people get through challenging circumstances and dealing with tough choices. She delivers on the fine details of needed information, while being open to listen and understand someone else\'s point of view. Her knowledge and expertise continue to grow and the support she provides her team, peers and business partners is counted on. She approaches situations by taking ownership of issues that present themselves and connecting to the right people to solve a problem. Caroline resolves complex legal issues and concerns while at the same time ensuring hosts are heard and taken care of.

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2025 Women of Influence

Carrie Harrelson

Senior HR Business Partner, Northgate Gonzalez Market

Since joining Northgate González Market six years ago, Carrie Harrelson has had the opportunity to grow alongside a company that values its people and culture above all else. In her current role, Carrie has supported a wide range of teams across the organization – from financial services and the distribution center to the support center and commissary. Tailoring HR strategies to meet the needs of each operation has not only strengthened the organization but has deepened Carrie's appreciation for the people who make our company thrive. One of the most rewarding parts of her role has been mentoring a talented team of HR business partners. Watching them grow and develop into impactful leaders brings her joy and a sense of purpose. Carrie believes that empathy is essential in HR. Listening, building trust and understanding people's experiences is the foundation for meaningful support and lasting engagement. Carrie says she is humbled to be part of a community that champions growth, learning and service. She looks forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of associates and the industry's future.

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2025 Women of Influence

Carrie Stojack

VP, Brand Strategic Insights and Culinary Innovation, Casey's General Stores

Carrie Stojack brings 25-plus years of experience in building and leading strategic insights. Previously, she led guest insights at DINE Brands, Taco Bell and several leading brand strategy agencies. At Casey's, the nation's third largest c-store retailer and fifth largest pizza chain, Carrie leads guest research and food innovation, playing a pivotal role in shaping strategies that enhance guest satisfaction and drive food sales. Her work has improved the guest experience, deepened customer loyalty and elevated the prepared food menu – all of which have contributed to the overall growth of Casey's business. Her key accomplishments at Casey's include: • Established a state-of-the-art insights function to keep the guest at the center. • Pioneered a stage-gate process for innovation, which has led to two years' worth of culinary enhancements in the pipeline. • Spearheaded a brand positioning study to help modernize and ensure relevancy of the brand. • Developed an insights process to inform acquisition development and go-to-market success. Carrie stands out for this recognition due to her exemplary work and tenure in the foodservice industry throughout her career. Her expertise has had a transformative impact not only at Casey's but on the industry overall.

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2025 Women of Influence

Casey Hicks

E-commerce Manager, Brookshire Grocery Co.

Casey Hicks is a leader and innovator who has transformed the online shopping experience for customers across the company. Managing the company's websites and apps, Casey ensures each platform offers a seamless and engaging shopping experience tailored to the unique needs of the company's diverse customer base. She oversees various aspects of e-commerce, including product assortment, partnerships with third-party delivery services, SEO, search functionalities and paid vendor opportunities. Her efforts have driven yearly growth in sales. Casey is committed to giving back to the community. As a member of the BGC race staff, she plays an instrumental role in planning the annual FRESH 15 race. This event has raised more than $1.5 million for local charities over the past 12 years. Casey's leadership style is centered around empowerment and collaboration. She fosters an inclusive team environment, encouraging open communication and creative problem-solving. Casey has cultivated a culture of continuous learning, ensuring that BGC remains at the forefront of innovation. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, Casey remains committed to driving growth and innovation by exploring new technologies to enhance the shopping experience, from personalized marketing strategies to leveraging data analytics.

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2025 Women of Influence

Cathy Fielding

Senior Retail Recruiter, Lowes Foods

Cathy Fielding was selected to lead a pilot project aimed at centralizing recruitment for retail stores, resulting in a reduction of required hosts, enhanced candidate quality and improved turnover performance. Following the success of the pilot, centralized recruiting was implemented across the entire retail chain. Cathy was then appointed to her current role, where she has led a team of retail recruiters and played a key role in successfully implementing centralized recruiting. Under Cathy's leadership, the company has experienced positive outcomes including reduced turnover, improved quality of hires and increased candidate engagement rates across all retail locations. Cathy consistently strives to refine processes and achieve exceptional results.

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2025 Women of Influence

Cathy Frial

Director of Learning and Development, Northgate Gonzalez Market

Over the past six years, Cathy Frial has focused on developing innovative and inclusive learning strategies that empower associates and align with Northgate's core values. Cathy says one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is helping leaders grow – shifting mindsets from focusing on limitations to discovering strengths, not just in themselves but in their teams. Through leadership development, training programs and a culture of continuous learning, she is helping shape the future of Northgate by investing in its people. What inspires Cathy the most is working with others who share a deep respect for collaboration and curiosity. She has learned that when they take the time to understand each other's perspectives, they build stronger teams and achieve better outcomes. Cathy is thankful for the opportunity to lead with heart and to help others grow in their careers and lives.

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2025 Women of Influence

Chandler Hodges

Center Store Sales Manager, Fred Meyer/Kroger

Chandler Hodges cares about showing up as a leader who makes a real difference. She has a calm and efficient leadership style – one that inspires others to stop and listen when she speaks. She is the glue and the calm on all her teams. Outside of her professional roles, Chandler has a passion for the work she does in rescuing abandoned and injured animals and, as a result, her leadership has helped transform many lives.

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2025 Women of Influence

Charis Neves

Director, Innovation and Product, Taylor Farms

Charis Neves' career in the food industry spans more than two decades, marked by innovation and leadership. Her journey began in 2004 at Nature's Best, where she spent a decade, spearheading the launch of some 100 organic, gluten-free and Non-GMO Project-verified products. Charis also played a pivotal role in reimagining the company's natural brand identity.
Her expertise in marketing and product development flourished during her tenure at Ready Pac, where she managed the Bistro Bowl single-serve salad segment and oversaw a $10 million marketing budget. In 2016, Charis' talents were sought to revitalize Century Snacks, a 25-year-old family business, where she led efforts to create fresh branding and innovative products.
Since joining Taylor Farms in 2017, Charis has leveraged her experience to drive growth. Under her stewardship, Taylor Farms' salad kit portfolio has expanded from eight to about 60 options. Her innovative approach has led to the development of new product lines that address evolving consumer needs.
Charis' commitment extends beyond product development. She is involved in Taylor Farms' philanthropic initiatives, serving as the retail team scholarship lead. Throughout her career, Charis has demonstrated an understanding of market trends and consumer preferences. Her work at Taylor Farms reflects this insight.

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2025 Women of Influence

Cheryl Rondenelli

Store Manager, Hannaford

Cheryl Rondenelli is a beacon of leadership for Hannaford and has done as much for the company in part of her career than most of do in their entirety.
In 2024, Cheryl's store in Utica, New York, again shared the No. 1 spot in the company on the associate engagement survey. This is the second year in a row the store had the highest score.
What matters more than scores, though, is the feeling shoppers get walking into her store. No one needs a report to know the store is engaged; people see it and feel it.
Cheryl's care for the community is also profound. She is connected to so many organizations that are active in feeding, caring for and providing faith to the community.
In March 2024, she was proud to be the point person for Hannaford's team at "America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk" by the American Heart Association of Utica.
In January, Cheryl was honored as District 22 Store Manager of the Year. It was the eighth time she has won the honor since joining the organization in 2006.
Cheryl also was recently recognized by New York State Assembly for her contributions as a Hannaford store manager, with a citation noting she is an "outstanding person, one who is worthy of the esteem of the country, the community and the great state of New York."

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2025 Women of Influence

Christina Akers

Account Executive, Bay Food Brokerage

Christina Akers exemplifies outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to excellence in the food industry. Joining Bay Food Brokerage in 2011 as a retail representative, Christina advanced steadily through the ranks, assuming her current role in 2019. She pioneered and now manages the company's second office in Wylie, S.C., mentoring team members and building retailer relationships, notably cultivating significant partnerships, such as with Harris Teeter. Christina is instrumental in growing the company's market presence, consistently driving new account acquisition and expanding sales. Beyond professional success, Christina's impact extends into civic and philanthropic spheres. Her commitment includes volunteerism and fundraising efforts with numerous organizations, such as Make-a-Wish Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, American Cancer Society's Men Wear Pink and Harris Teeter Disaster Relief in Western Carolina. She actively supports NothingPink initiatives, the American Legion Auxiliary for veteran assistance, Fort Mill Family Care Center, Fort Mill Food Bank and A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay. Christina belongs to many industry organizations, including Carolina Food Industry Council, National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association, Women's Meat Industry Network, International Dairy Deli Bakery Association, Food Industry Association, Frozen and Refrigerated Food Council of NC and North American Meat Institute.

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