The Shelby-Griffin Report presents the 21st annual tribute to Women of Influence in the food industry. For 21 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.
2026 Women of Influence
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2026 Women of InfluenceKarol Moorman
Deli-Bakery Field Merchandiser, Ralphs
Read MoreKarol Moorman has served in her current role since 2020, making a strong impact on merchandising execution, program growth and team development. She created schematics for both departments, significantly improving sales through consistent merchandising.
Moorman's leadership has contributed to significant growth in key areas, including the addition of 55 Starbucks and 43 Murray's Cheese locations. She prioritizes adding new items and maintaining relevant assortments to create an exciting, inclusive shopping experience.
Moorman is committed to team development, mentoring associates and strengthening the bench for future growth. Through coaching, skill development and leadership guidance, she works to build a strong pipeline of talent to support continued success. One especially meaningful area to her is mentoring three high-potential women within the deli-bakery department. She provides honest feedback and helps them think through opportunities and challenges as they grow, developing their leadership skills and preparing them for the future.
Moorman also dedicates time to charitable organizations such as City of Hope and Olive Crest, championing efforts that strengthen communities and support others in need. She also supports German Shepherd rescue and adoption, reflecting her compassion for animal welfare. These efforts highlight her inherent sense of service and desire to positively impact her company and community.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKate Weidner
Chief Creative Officer and President, SRW/C.A. Fortune
Read MoreKate Weidner is a visionary leader for a multitude of food and supplement brands, having been involved in the natural, better-for-you space for more than 10 years.
In 2016, Weidner founded SRW Agency and turned small, emerging brands into national players for clients Vital Proteins, Simple Mills and Good Culture.
In 2024, she took SRW's success to new heights by joining forces with C.A. Fortune to become a marketing powerhouse in the food industry. Since then, Weidner has led business pitches and built relationships with new clients Lily's Toaster Grills, Sweetleaf, Whole Moon, Hain Celestial, Ritter Sport, South Chicago Packing, Our Home, A-Sha Foods, Lactalis, Unbound Snacks, Hifas da Terra and Supergut, among others.
Kind, collaborative and innovative are a few of the leadership attributes Weidner embodies to ensure success with a growing client roster, while maintaining high employee morale. She is a tireless entrepreneur, active contributor in her community and dedicated mom. Weidner has always made time to help other entrepreneurs and women succeed. She spent six years within Naturally Network on the Naturally Chicago board, while leading and growing a team that is 78 percent female. She also teaches young entrepreneurs what it means to start a business through partnership with Chicago's Female Strong YEA program.
Her most recent activity is leading her daughter's Girl Scout troop and teaching the members about entrepreneurship through their individual passions and, of course, cookie sales.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKatherine Lunde
Store Manager, Fry's Food Stores
Read MoreKatherine Lunde leads with integrity, honesty and a strong sense of discipline. She is a dependable and humble leader, known for being a champion for others and bringing passion to her work.
People-centered in her approach, Lunde balances a strong focus on performance with excellence. As a wife and mother, she exemplifies what it means to build a successful career while prioritizing family. She brings a commitment to personal and professional growth, leading and influencing teams across her area.
Recognized by her organization as a high-potential leader, Lunde was selected to attend the Food Industry Management program at the University of Southern California, an investment in her continued growth and future leadership impact. She represents a rising leader who is expanding her influence and helping shape the future of the food industry.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKathy Guertin
Senior Manager of Supply Chain, Vendor Relations and Inventory Management, Big Y Foods
Read MoreKathy Guertin is a true Woman of Influence whose leadership has left a lasting mark on Big Y Foods and the food industry. With 34 years of service, she is respected as a mentor, communicator and people-centered leader who elevates those around her.
Throughout her career -- as a customer service manager, store director, sales and merchandising mentor and current role -- she has combined operational excellence with a genuine commitment to developing others.
Guertin is an inaugural member of Women L.E.A.D., Big Y's first employee resource group, created from her passion to empower women. Through training, development, networking and inspiration, this group has helped countess women advance their careers. She continues to serve as a board member, providing guidance and mentorship that sustains its impact.
Guertin influence extends beyond work. For more than 30 years, she has given to a local Toy Fund in honor of a special-needs boy she once cared for while working in a pediatric unit at a local nursing home. Her compassion extends into her personal life as well, where she spends her weekends caring for a special-needs child for a friend.
Guertin exemplifies what it means to be a Woman of Influence -- one who lifts others up, creates lasting impact and leads with both strength and heart.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKatie Penny
Executive VP Store Operations, Knoxville Division, K-VA-T Food Stores, dba Food City
Read MoreA third-generation grocer, Katie Penny has amassed a lifetime of grocery industry knowledge and experience. She joined the Food City team in 2006, working part time while attending high school and returned full time in 2020, serving as the first human relations coordinator manager.
After completing the management training program, Penny was promoted to store manager in 2021 and district manager in 2022. Two years later, she assumed her current role for the Knoxville division, which encompasses more than 50 stores spanning from Morristown to Cookeville, Tennessee.
Penny is a founding member of Food City's EMPOWER program and is also a member of the company's senior staff executive leadership team. She serves on the board of directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association and National Grocers Association. She also is involved with Second Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army and Wreaths Across Chattanooga.
Penny is the recipient of the Salvation Army Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Award and The Knoxville News Sentinel's 2024 Class of 40 Under 40.
Penny has a bachelor's degree from James Madison University with a focus on hospitality and tourism management. She received an MBA from the University of Miami and completed the NGA Cornell Executive Leadership Development Program. She resides in Knoxville with her husband, two daughters and two Great Danes.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKayleigh Swift
U.S. Brand Manager, St Pierre Bakery
Read MoreKayleigh Swift is an exceptional marketing leader whose strategic vision and results-driven approach have advanced the St Pierre brand in the U.S. In her current role, she leads the development and execution of brand strategy across multiple channels, aligning cross-functional teams to drive measurable growth, innovation and consumer engagement.
In 2025, Swift launched the brand's global creative platform, "Eat Avec Respect," in the U.S., including its first national TV campaign. Through extensive consumer insight analysis, strategic planning and collaboration across teams, she delivered an integrated campaign spanning TV, billboards, in-store activations, sampling and expanded media investment. The campaign drove significant increases in household penetration, brand awareness and overall performance.
Swift also plays a key role in innovation, leading collaboration across insights, innovation and commercial teams to bring the brand's first limited-edition product to market. An inspiring leader, she has expanded and mentored the U.S. brand team while supporting a growing commercial organization. Swift works with senior leadership, sales teams and major retailers, including Walmart and Kroger to strengthen the brand's national presence.
Through strategic thinking, creative execution and strong leadership, she continues to elevate the brand's visibility and growth.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKim Gustina
Business Development Manager, Empire Marketing Strategies
Read MoreKim Gustina stands out for her leadership and 30-plus years of specialized industry experience. In her current role, she serves as a vital link between major food brands and the retail market, specifically managing sales for Harris Teeter.
Gustina expertly represents a diverse portfolio of 25 clients, ensuring their products achieve maximum visibility and distribution within one of the region's most respected retailers.
With more than 25 years focused on perishable categories, she possesses deep technical knowledge of the meat, seafood, deli, bakery and produce departments.
Gustina is responsible for driving growth across all perishable departments at Harris Teeter, leveraging her expertise in category insights and retail execution to optimize product placement and sales performance.
A native of the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, Gustina is an advocate for her community, specifically supporting the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKimberly Johnson
District Manager, Food 4 Less/Foods Co.
Read MoreKimberly Johnson measures success not only by business results but also by the leaders she develops, the communities she serves and the lives she positively influences.
Johnson leads by following her core values and commitment to feeding the human spirit of both her associates and customers. She believes leadership is not just about achieving results; It's about creating an environment where individuals feel supported, valued and empowered to grow.
Johnson prioritizes developing those around her. One of her greatest sources of pride is seeing those she has mentored grow into leadership roles.
Johnson believes that leadership extends into communities. She connects with her community through projects and partnerships that support those in need. One initiative especially important to her is placing special needs candidates in stores, providing opportunities that foster independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Johnson also supports those facing difficult circumstances. Further, she dedicates her time and resources to community organizations and events, including Juneteenth celebrations and local churches that strengthen communities. In addition, she holds a special place in her heart for the elderly and assists them whenever she has opportunity.
At the heart of everything Johnson does is a desire to serve others, build leaders and create positive change in the workplace and community.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKindle Chapman
Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Brookshire Grocery Co.
Read MoreKindle Chapman plays a critical role in guiding enterprise-level financial strategy and decision-making. She leads the annual planning process, produces executive and board-level financial analyses and develops valuation models that support major capital investment decisions.
Chapman has been recognized for her leadership, intellectual rigor and collaborative approach. She manages and mentors a team of analysts, tailoring her leadership style to support individual growth while maintaining high standards of accuracy and accountability. Business partners across the organization consistently seek her counsel for her ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that drive results.
In 2023, Chapman received BGC's Rising Star award, which recognizes a retail support employee-partner under the age of 40 who has made a significant impact during their short time with the company. She received three separate nominations for this award, which was more than any other employee-partner in the company.
In addition to her professional impact, Chapman serves as VP of East Texas for the Texas Society of CPAs.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKirti Mutatkar
President/CEO, UnitedAg
Read MoreKirti Mutatkar is a visionary leader whose impact across the food and agriculture industry is transformative and human centered. In her current role, she has consistently delivered results by advancing innovative healthcare solutions that improve access, affordability and quality of care for agricultural employers and their workforce.
Under her leadership, UnitedAg has expanded access to care to more than 55,000 agricultural workers and their families, opened seven regional health and wellness centers and extended care nationally and across borders through strategic partnerships with Blue Shield and the SAIN Mexico Health Network.
Mutatkar is recognized for her authentic and empowering leadership style. She cultivates a culture grounded in purpose, collaboration and growth, developing high-performing teams and inspiring others to lead with confidence and intention. Her commitment to elevating women in agriculture is exemplified through the WomenAg Leadership Academy, which she founded to provide a supportive, judgment-free space for connection, development and advancement.
A respected industry leader, Mutatkar also has served as a past board member of AgSafe and as past chair of the Health Care Administrators Association, reflecting her influence in advancing best practices across healthcare and agriculture. Her civic and philanthropic efforts further demonstrate her dedication to community health, education and food security.
Celebrating the Women of Influence in the food industry for 21 years!
Presented by The Shelby-Griffin Report
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