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 InfluenceMartha Gabriel
Category Manager -- Meat, Superior Grocers
Read MoreMartha Gabriel's is worthy of WOI recognition by virtue of her outstanding track record, inspirational leadership and commitment to the advancement of Superior Grocers.
Throughout her 21 years in the industry, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to generate positive changes, driving projects that have benefited the meat department's growth. Her strategic vision, empathy and perseverance have served as an example for women and men alike, opening paths and breaking down barriers in the meat.
Among her most relevant achievements are:
• Completed leadership fundamentals and coaching courses through Cerritos College, strengthening her ability to mentor, guide and develop future leaders within the organization.
• Graduated with honors with an associate's degree in retail management, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Played an integral role in the implementation of Oracle, working with the IT department to ensure a smooth transition and helping maintain CGO accuracy to minimize operational disruptions.
Beyond her professional merits, Gabriel embodies the values of integrity, solidarity and resilience, inspiring new generations to dream big and act with purpose.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMartha Taylor
VP Human Resources, Harris Teeter
Read MoreMartha Taylor is an accomplished human resources leader whose career exemplifies strategic vision, operational excellence and a dedication to empowering others. She joined Harris Teeter in her current role in January 2025, bringing more than 30 years of experience across store operations, HR leadership and corporate strategy.
Previously, Taylor led all HR functions for Kroger's Houston Division, supporting more than 14,000 associates and driving initiatives in hiring, talent, retention and associate development.
Her career has been defined by a results-oriented approach and a deep understanding of the business. She began in store roles in 1994 and progressed through many different positions. Her unique blend of HR and operational expertise allows her to align people strategies with business priorities, drive performance and strengthen culture.
A 2024 Woman of Influence in The Shelby Report of the Southwest, she holds her SPHR certification and contributes to her community.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMarty George
Store Director, United Supermarkets
Read MoreMarty George leads the Albertsons Market in Roswell, New Mexico, where her years of experience and genuine care for people have shaped not only a high‑performing store but a place that's truly part of the community. This year, she celebrated 36 years with Albertsons, an incredible milestone that reflects her dedication and the trust she's earned from both her team and her community.
George brings creativity and energy to store events and local celebrations, using them to build excitement and strengthen guest engagement. Her ability to plan and execute these moments with care keeps the store running smoothly and ensures guests feel welcomed and valued.
George is equally committed to developing her people. She encourages leaders to grow, supports them through challenges and creates an environment rooted in accountability, respect and teamwork. Her store maintains one of the lowest turnover rates in the area, a reflection of the stability and encouragement she provides.
Her experience navigating complex situations, including union elections and contract negotiations, has shaped her into a thoughtful decision‑maker. Her background as a grocery buyer gives her a unique eye for merchandising and local marketing.
George's impact extends far beyond the store. She volunteers with organizations such as Loaves and Fishes, the Community Kitchen of Roswell, Keep Roswell Beautiful and the local food bank and has served on the United Way board since 2015.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMary Kellmanson
SVP of Marketing, Merchants Distributors (MDI)
Read MoreMary Kellmanson plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of marketing support for independent grocers. Through her leadership at Merchants Distributors, she continues to advance the marketing capabilities that support hundreds of independent retailers across the MDI network.
Kellmanson has helped guide the evolution of how marketing supports retailers in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Her focus is on building solutions that are innovative and practical, ensuring independent grocers have access to tools that strengthen shopper engagement while driving results inside the store.
Working with technology partners and internal teams, Kellmanson has helped expand the digital toolkit available to retailers, including enhanced website and digital circular capabilities that allow stores to maintain a modern digital presence while integrating with existing ecommerce platforms where needed. These capabilities serve as a powerful engine for connecting retailers with shoppers and translating engagement into store performance.
Known for her strategic perspective and steady leadership style, Kellmanson works with teams across merchandising, operations and technology to ensure marketing efforts align with the needs of the business and the retailers MDI serves.
Through her leadership, she continues to strengthen the marketing ecosystem that supports independent grocers and helps them remain competitive in an evolving grocery environment.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMaura Levis
VP, Northeast Region, Acosta Group
Read MoreMaura Levis led the Northeast region to a strong finish in 2025, exceeding budget and prior‑year performance through disciplined expense management, successful new‑business acquisition and continued growth with clients.
The region closed the year up 5 percent in revenue and 11 percent in EBITDA, while also delivering $1.9 million in unbudgeted new business, exclusive of additional incremental 2026 opportunities already secured.
To support this growth, the Northeast onboarded more than 25 new associates in November and December 2025, with over 95 percent completing onboarding within a five‑week period -- demonstrating strong operational execution and leadership readiness across the region.
Levis executed multiple strategic talent moves to strengthen organizational capability and better support clients. To reinforce culture and operational excellence, the region implemented quarterly Be Brilliant at the Basics sessions and expanded Client in Market Days across additional geographies.
The team also launched its first East Client Summit, bringing together clients from the Northeast and Southeast to deepen engagement, share insights and strengthen partnerships.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMeagan Nelson
VP, Retail and Distributor Growth, SPINS
Read MoreMeagan Nelson's combination of industry expertise, visionary leadership and dedication to her team and clients makes her a standout leader. Her deep understanding of the dynamics impacting independent grocers has shaped how the SPINS retail, broker, distributor and certifier team structures its services, teams and client deliverables. Nelson has recruited and onboarded more than 15 independent retailers, connected numerous distributors with SPINS and expanded partnerships with key accounts, including C&S Wholesale Grocers, UNFI, Certco, Mitchell Grocery and Topco. As a trusted industry speaker, she leads quarterly sessions on trends, wellness and key industry issues. In 2025, she spearheaded one of SPINS' first cross-industry white paper collaborations with FMI -- The Food Industry Association, examining how shoppers define healthy. She also serves on the board of directors for the Women Grocers of America within the National Grocers Association. Nelson pairs strategic vision with hands-on mentorship, fostering a culture of growth, evident by the nine team members she's mentored and promoted over the past two years. She has been peer-nominated each year for SPINS' International Women's Day "Inspiring Woman" recognition, highlighting the respect and admiration she has earned throughout the organization. Her talent for anticipating industry changes and turning them into actionable strategies distinguishes her and enables her to drive meaningful growth within SPINS, clients and the industry.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMeaghan Tetreault
Senior Manager Employee Relations and Field Services, Big Y Foods
Read MoreMeaghan Tetreault personifies leadership while combining it with mentorship, setting a powerful example for others in the industry. She executes her human resources role with professionalism and precision, ensuring that all interactions are executed with preparedness. She has the ability to engage all participants, challenging appropriately and where necessary.
Tetreault is responsible for driving succession planning across Big Y Foods. She has transformed this work into something meaningful and engaging, ensuring the process remains fresh, forward-thinking and aligned with the future needs of the organization.
Through close partnership with the operations executive team, Tetreault has helped cultivate a strong pipeline of emerging leaders who will continue to guide the company's success. In addition, she oversees employee relations efforts that support more than 10,000 employees. She provides thoughtful guidance and steady leadership while mentoring a team of HR professionals dedicated to supporting the mission and vision of our organization.
Tetreault's ability to balance strategic leadership with genuine care for people is what sets her apart. She leads with integrity, humility and a commitment to developing others. She plays a vital role in the continued success of the organization and is respected for her contributions.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMegan Poppe
Store Manager, Rosauers Supermarkets
Read MoreMegan Poppe has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication since being hired on Aug. 28, 2023, to manage Rosauers Supermarkets' newly acquired and fully remodeled store in Pullman, Washington. Taking on the responsibility of leading a new location is a significant challenge, but she embraced the opportunity with confidence, professionalism and a clear vision for success.
Poppe's Women of Influence selection reflects the leadership qualities and potential she demonstrated early in her career with the organization. Under her leadership, the Pullman store has experienced consistent gains in sales and net profits. She approaches the business with a strategic mindset and strong understanding of her local market.
When corporate purchasing introduces products that may be more difficult to sell in her area, Poppe develops creative solutions such as recipes, meal ideas and simple shopping guides that help customers understand how to use the items while increasing basket size through complementary ingredients.
Beyond financial performance, Poppe leads with a strong focus on people. She cares about her employees and customers, holds her leadership team to high standards and maintains a culture of accountability, respect and service.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMeghan Edwards
Director of Analytics and Insights, SellEthics Marketing Group
Read MoreMeghan Edwards leads a high-performing team of 11 analysts, fostering an environment where precision, collaboration and accountability thrive. She sets an exceptional standard for analytical rigor and operational excellence, ensuring data-driven insights are accurate and actionable. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality have made her a trusted leader.
Beyond her technical expertise, Edwards is known for her strong ethical compass. She approaches every challenge with integrity and transparency, ensuring analytics deliver results in a way that reflects SellEthics' values. Her leadership has helped cultivate a culture where doing the right thing is just as important as doing things well.
Edwards also brings a strong work ethic and resilience to her role. In high-pressure situations, she remains calm, solutions-focused and determined to move work forward. Her "can-do" mindset inspires those around her and helps her team tackle complex problems with confidence and creativity.
What truly sets Edwards apart is her humility and hands-on approach. She believes no task is beneath her and is always willing to step in to support her team. This leadership style strengthens team performance while fostering deep respect and trust.
Through her dedication, integrity and commitment to empowering others, Edwards' leadership has made an impact across the organization.
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2026 Women of InfluenceMelissa Bucklaw
VP, Sales Execution and Planning, The Campbell's Company
Read MoreMelissa Bucklaw exemplifies the results-driven leadership, strategic vision and commitment to professional and personal excellence that define successful influence in the food industry.
A respected leader, Bucklaw navigates complexity and aligns priorities to improve execution, enhance trade spend efficiency and achieve double-digit share growth. She translates brand strategies into marketplace success by cultivating strong, trusted customer relationships.
Through integrated planning, customer-aligned strategies and flawless execution, Bucklaw drives operational efficiencies and unlocks sustainable growth. Her leadership has been particularly impactful in strengthening partnerships with independent direct-to-store delivery partners, enhancing their experience through collaboration, market development and value-added business services. Her contributions were instrumental in Campbell's recognition as BJs Partner of the Year in 2025.
Throughout her nearly 25-year Campbell's career, Bucklaw has served in various roles, including VP of category and shopper leadership, meals and beverages; senior customer business manager, Costco; team leader, Wakefern and Ahold; customer VP, Ahold Delhaize; and VP and general manager, snacks sales and operations, South. She is a two-time recipient of Campbell's highest sales honor, the Merit Award.
Celebrating the Women of Influence in the food industry for 21 years!
Presented by The Shelby-Griffin Report
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