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 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, cooking.
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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 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.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKori Pierson
Owner, Foods Etc. IGA
Read MoreKori Pierson exemplifies what it means to be a true Woman of Influence through her exceptional business leadership, community engagement and unwavering commitment to the people she serves.
As a results-oriented business leader, Pierson has built Foods Etc. IGA into a thriving independent supermarket known for outstanding service, strong sales and consistent profitability. Through disciplined management, attention to detail and understanding of her customers and employees, she has driven exceptional financial performance while maintaining the personal touch that defines a successful community grocery store. Her ability to balance operational excellence with a welcoming neighborhood market experience has made her store a trusted local institution.
Pierson's leadership extends well beyond the bottom line. She is recognized as a leader in her community, earning appreciation from the local school district, Rotary Club and hospital for her commitment to service and collaboration.
Within the business community, Pierson plays a leadership role through the local chamber of commerce, the California Grocers Association and partnership with C&S Wholesale Grocers.
Inside her store, Pierson leads by example -- mentoring managers, supporting frontline employees and fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability and pride. She is the epitome of a Woman of Influence to her business, community and associates.
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2026 Women of InfluenceKristi Magnuson Nelson
President/CEO, Hugo's Family Marketplace
Read MoreKristi Magnuson Nelson is a down-to-earth, accessible leader, encouraging her team to excel. She is quick to remind everyone that it is the team that deserves credit for the successes of the business. Many associates have been with Grand Forks, North Dakota-based Hugo's for 10, 20 or even 40-plus years, a testament to the outstanding leadership and the value driven, personal family-like interaction they have with Magnuson Nelson. She excels in making sure those who wish to succeed have the tools to do so with Hugo's. Over the years, Magnuson Nelson has received several awards, including; the National Grocer's Spirit of American Award, North Dakota Grocer of the Year, Prairie Business Magazine's Top 25 Women in Business, the WGA Woman of the Year and the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce's Henry Havig Award. Most recently, she was awarded the Thomas K Zaucha Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence by The National Grocers Association. Magnuson Nelson has been active in many community organizations. She serves and has served on board of directors for local and national organizations. Some of those include the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Grocers Association, North Dakota Grocers Association, National Grocers Association, the local United Way and Xcel Energy Corporation, Altru Health System and the Ralph Engelstad Arena. Her willingness to serve is the foundation for giving back to grocery industry and the communities the stores serve.
Celebrating the Women of Influence in the food industry for 21 years!
Presented by The Shelby-Griffin Report
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