2026 Women of Influence

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Shelly Moore

  SVP Chief Information Officer, Associated Wholesale Grocers

  As CIO and a vital member of the executive leadership team, Shelly Moore is a driving force behind the technological and strategic transformation of her organization. Overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget and a diverse portfolio -- including infrastructure, cyber security and artificial intelligence adoption -- Moore directs the framework for the North Star Strategic Plan, ensuring technology acts as a catalyst for enterprise-wide growth. Her influence extends far beyond the server room. She manages four high-level executives and champions a culture of technology skills transformation. By realigning IT objectives with corporate strategy, she has achieved a 15 percent reduction in administrative overhead while maintaining a staggering 99 percent uptime for critical supply chain and network solutions. Moore's hands-on leadership in data platform modernization and AI use-case development has deepened the consultative relationship between the wholesaler and its retail members. Her accolades include the Chain Store Age Top Women in Retail Award and designation as an ORBIE finalist. She serves on national committees for FMI -- The Food Industry Association and the National Grocers Association, ensuring the cooperative remains at the forefront of the evolving grocery landscape. Moore connects her professional expertise with her personal roots in agriculture, and she advocates for the next generation.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Sherry McBride

  Asset Protection Specialist, Lowes Food Stores

  Sherry McBride provides steady and confident leadership in the area of financial card, e-commerce and front porch fraud and process execution for retail operations support.

  Ensuring that retail stores are compliant with all regulatory requirements and overseeing operation support for all aspects point of sale technology and process are her major objectives.

  McBride oversees a best-in-class retail front porch fraud prevention program and serves as an important liaison to POS IT support to ensure front porch systems are correctly programmed and guest interaction is frictionless.

  McBride recently was recognized by the North Carolina Association of Homicide Investigators for her work on identifying and testifying to POS transactions that became evidence in a murder case. In her free time, she volunteers in the community through the Relay for Life cancer research organization and has been a board member overseeing various fundraising activities for cancer research.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Stefanie Pandol

  Marketing/Sustainability Specialist, Pandol Brothers

  Stefanie Pandol is a true leader in the food industry and someone who embodies influence both professionally and personally. As a fourth-generation steward of her family's business, she carries forward more than 75 years of farming in California's Central Valley with pride, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. She honors tradition while confidently driving innovation through strategic marketing and sustainability initiatives that will impact the industry for generations.

  Pandol is hardworking, driven and passionate about produce and the people behind it. She leads with ethics, respect and long-term vision. Sustainability under her leadership is not a trend but a commitment to land stewardship, operational excellence and thoughtful innovation.

  Beyond her professional accomplishments, Pandol is loyal, encouraging and supportive. She celebrates others' wins, leads with humility and creates a sense of belonging wherever she goes. The same trust and care she builds with growers, partners and employees are the qualities that make her an extraordinary friend to so many.

  Pandol's influence extends far beyond her title. She lifts up those around her and represents the best of the next generation of leaders in the food industry.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Susan Abernathy

  Accounting Manager, Merchants Distributors (MDI)

  Susan Abernathy provides the steady financial leadership that helps keep the wholesale operation at Merchants Distributors (MDI) running smoothly each day. Through her oversight of accounts receivable and payable, she ensures the accuracy, timeliness and strong financial controls that support the company's ability to serve retailers across the network.

  Abernathy brings a thoughtful and disciplined approach to her work, consistently delivering reliable results while managing complex financial processes with precision. Her leadership helps maintain the flow of transactions that support vendors, retailers and internal teams, ensuring the business operates efficiently and with accountability.

  A long-tenured employee, Abernathy has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity and a calm, solutions-focused leadership style. She leads her team with respect and clarity, creating an environment where challenges are addressed quickly and service expectations remain high.

  Much of Abernathy's work takes place behind the scenes, yet the impact of her leadership is felt across the organization. Colleagues know they can depend on her steady presence, sound judgment and willingness to take ownership when challenges arise.

  Through her reliability, financial expertise and commitment to supporting people and process, Abernathy continues to make a lasting contribution to the strength and stability of the wholesale business.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Tabitha Henry

  VP of Kroger Sales, Gourmet Foods International

  Since joining Gourmet Foods International in 2009, Tabitha Henry has become a cornerstone of the company's leadership team. She has spent more than a decade cultivating one of GFI's most significant retail partnerships, with a focus on innovation and collaborative success.

  A veteran of the specialty food industry, Henry is recognized by her peers for her visionary leadership and her ability to navigate the complexities of large-scale retail distribution.

  One of the most powerful aspects of that leadership is her dedication to developing the next generation of professionals. Through coaching and hands-on development opportunities, she prepares emerging talent to step into larger roles with confidence and competence.

  A resident of Atlanta, she finds her greatest inspiration at home with her husband, their daughter and three cats.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Tamara Rose

  Store Manager, Save A Lot

  Tamara Rose is a seasoned and respected manager whose leadership has made the Palm River Road Save A Lot one of the strongest-performing and most community-focused stores in the Tampa, Florida, market.

  Over her tenure, Rose has demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand and respond to the diverse cultural needs of her customers, tailoring merchandising and product assortments to ensure that essential items for multiple backgrounds are consistently in stock. Her thoughtful approach has strengthened customer loyalty and positioned the store as a trusted neighborhood resource.

  Tamara's commitment to community impact is equally powerful. She partners with local food pantries and community organizations to reduce food insecurity, expanding access to nutritious staples for underserved families. These efforts not only support the wellbeing of the community but also reinforce Save A Lot's reputation as a mission-driven, community-focused retailer.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Tammy Duff

  Bakery Director, Rosauers Supermarkets

  With over 25 years of bakery experience, Tammy Duff has worked hard to ensure that both customers and stores receive the best bakery experience offered. As a scratch bakery, she makes sure that Rosauers stays ahead of the competition and is always on trend in its markets.

  Duff's insights and execution have driven results, including the rollout of new programs in remodel and new store projects, as well as updated packaging and go-to-market strategies to help increase sales. Her implementation of the "Fresh First" program has continued to show bakery increases week over week and has continually increased the bakery presence in the store, as well as driving sales and margin.

  Duff is a reliable and consistent go-to subject matter expert and she fosters a collaborative and positive work environment -- ensuring that all stake holders are informed. Her work ethic, positive attitude and communication make her a valuable member of the team.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Tammy Durnan

  President and Chief Retail Officer, Midwest Heritage (Hy-Vee subsidiary)

  In 2025, Tammy Durnan became the first woman to serve as president of Midwest Heritage, a full-service financial institution owned by Hy-Vee, with more than $480 million in assets. Founded 95 years ago, Midwest Heritage was acquired by Hy-Vee in 1986. Today, it operates nine bank branches across the Midwest, including five within Hy-Vee stores. Midwest Heritage's retail integration provides a "one-stop shop" experience for customers, offering extended hours and a full suite of banking, mortgage, insurance and wealth management services. In her current role, Durnan is focused on driving growth across the organization while preserving Midwest Heritage's industry-leading service model. Under her leadership, Midwest Heritage has implemented a new, state-of-the-art customer relationship management platform and upgraded its loan origination systems. The organization also introduced a refreshed logo design and received its first national recognition from Newsweek, being named one of the top financial advisory firms in the nation. Most recently, Durnan has played a pivotal role in Midwest Heritage's plans to acquire Iowa Savings Bank, a community bank headquartered in Carroll, Iowa, with more than $300 million in assets. The acquisition will add a trust division to Midwest Heritage's portfolio of services, including fiduciary, estate planning, farm management and trust administrative services.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Tara McDermott

  Accounting Director-Assistant Controller, Save A Lot

  Tara McDermott was brought into Save A Lot to help clean up and stabilize the accounting function. To do this, she had to assess the needs and capabilities of the accounting staff, as well as her operational business partners. McDermott identified several areas for improvement, including a supplier rebate program, which been managed in a suboptimal way. She identified specific improvement areas and then coordinated with the accounting and merchandise operations teams and Save A Lot's suppliers to quickly implement process and policy enhancements. These have driven efficiency and effectiveness, as well as improved satisfaction, on the parts of the merchandising and supplier teams. McDermott also was the principal lead on Save A Lot's ERP consolidation project. She managed resources and deliverables across multiple functions, including accounting, financial planning, IT, shared services, retail operations and treasury, to ensure an effective on-time cutover from the legacy ERP platform. The impact of this project was significant, as it facilitated an effective consolidation of two accounting teams, allowed for the implementation of consistent accounting policies across the enterprise, Improved the consistency of reporting to internal and external parties, address audit considerations and supported entries treasury management. The consolidation of ERP platforms was a game-changer for accounting and the business at large.

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  2026 Women of Influence

  Taylor Berry

  Director of Packing and Food Safety, Titan Farms

  Taylor Berry leads Titan Farms' packhouse operations with exceptional skill and dedication. She oversees a team of about 200 packhouse employees, as well as the maintenance, shipping, food safety and sustainability teams.

  Berry holds numerous professional certifications, including HACCP, Produce Safety Rule Training and SQF Practitioner. A graduate of the United Fresh Produce Safety Immersion Program, she also has completed extensive food safety and crisis management training and is an alumna of Leadership South Carolina.

  Over her eight years with Titan Farms, Berry has consistently demonstrated deep expertise and a strong commitment to advancing food safety and sustainability. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in developing and releasing Titan's first sustainability report, an important milestone for the organization.

  Berry's passion for people truly sets her apart. She leads with enthusiasm, compassion and a genuine commitment to supporting her team. Her ability to empower others and foster a high‑performing, positive environment is evident to everyone who works with her.

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