The Meat Institute and FMI – The Food Industry Association announced the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow, a group of 10 rising professionals whose work reflects the strength and future of the industry, the organizations said Feb. 26.
“This Leaders of Tomorrow class represents the depth of talent and leadership growing our industry,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute. “Each of these professionals are making a meaningful impact within their organizations while strengthening the broader meat and food supply chain and we are so grateful for their contributions.”
Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and CEO, shared, “People are the key ingredient in the food industry’s recipe for success, and this program highlights the very best talent cooking up a more resilient, responsible and tasty tomorrow. Their passion and professionalism give us great confidence in a well-seasoned future for the retail meat industry.”
The 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow are:
- Kyle Bardel, sales manager, Marcus Food Co.;
- Joe Brawne, senior director of procurement, Thomas Foods International USA;
- Scott Cassel, Southeast regional sales manager, Kayem Foods;
- Eric McCormick, senior account manager, meat and seafood, UNFI;
- Will McDoniel, meat and seafood category manager, Harps Food Stores;
- Shannon Permenter, freight and distribution manager, Teys USA;
- Emma Pierce, senior brand manager, Seaboard Foods;
- Rachael Wagner, sustainability risk management project manager, Eocene Environmental Group;
- Chandler Webb, manager of customer insights – Walmart, Tyson Foods; and
- Maegan Willis-Balliet, brand marketing manager, Rastelli Foods Group.
The 2026 class will be recognized during the opening keynote session of the Annual Meat Conference March 2 in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
Sponsored by Amcor, the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow award honors professionals who are delivering measurable results within their organizations while demonstrating a strong commitment to the industry’s long-term success.
The winners receive complimentary registration to the Annual Meat Conference, where they will experience comprehensive educational programming that details the latest developments in meat retailing and consumer trends. They will also be partnered with a professional industry mentor to guide them during the conference.
Launched in 2019, this award is jointly presented by FMI and the Meat Institute as part of their broader commitment to workforce and leadership development. Through initiatives such as FMI’s Future Leaders Program and the Meat Institute’s Emerging Leaders Program, both organizations invest year-round in preparing the next generation of executives across the meat and food supply chain.
The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain.
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