Amelia Barton, store manager of the Food Lion located at 2201 W. WT Harris Blvd. in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been named Food Lion’s 2025 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner, selected from more than 1,100 store managers across the retailer’s 10-state operating area.
Named after one of Food Lion’s founders, the award recognizes exceptional store managers who enrich the lives of Food Lion’s customers, associates and communities. In recognition of Barton’s commitment to her community, Food Lion will donate 20,000 meals in her name to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte through the retailer’s Food Lion Feeds hunger-relief platform.
“It’s an honor to be here with all of you today celebrating our year together,” Barton said upon accepting the award.
“I didn’t just manage a store; I grew with it. To my team, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about empowering others, and I am incredibly proud of my team. We’re not just stocking shelves, we’re nourishing our neighbors and setting them up for success in life. Food Lion gave me the opportunity to grow, and every day I’m reminded that what we do truly matters. I couldn’t be more proud to represent the Charlotte community.”
Barton’s Food Lion journey began in July 2013, when she was hired as a cashier while still in high school. Within her first year, she trained in the front office and continued developing her skills throughout college. Over time, her commitment to excellence, team building and leading with integrity propelled her into leadership roles.
Under Barton’s guidance, her store has become a hub for developing future talent, with many associates advancing through her team into leadership roles.
“Amelia knows how to lead in a way that truly strengthens her entire store,” said Scott Libbey, VP of central division at Food Lion. “She supports her team, communicates openly and upholds the high standards that define who we are at Food Lion. That kind of leadership empowers her associates to make every customer feel valued and cared for the moment they walk through the door.”
Four divisional award winners named
Four other store managers were honored as 2025 Divisional Store Manager Excellence Award recipients for exceptional leadership and meaningful impact in their communities.
They are:
- Kathy Castle, 20 Windmill Square, Stuarts Draft, Virginia (Northern Division);
- Almedin Dokic, 11272 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Virginia (Richmond/Norfolk Division);
- Alphana B. Jones, 4530 Fayetteville Road, Raeford, North Carolina (Mid-Atlantic Division); and
- Wendy McDowell Neeley, 1319 N. Longstreet St., Kingstree, South Carolina (Southern Division).
“Our store managers understand what it means to bring Food Lion’s brand, strategy and culture to life every single day,” said Greg Finchum, president of Food Lion.
“Their leadership, commitment to operational excellence and deep care for their associates and customers set the standard for our entire organization. They don’t just run stores, they create a culture where associates and customers feel supported and valued … I am grateful for all five of these exceptional store leaders and appreciate their contributions to Food Lion, our associates, customers and the towns and cities they serve.”
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