WOMEN IMPACTING STOREBRAND EXCELLENCE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Business Manager at Daymon
Alexis Herbert is a Business Manager at Daymon, supporting the Ahold Delhaize account for nearly 3 years. Alexis started with Daymon after graduating from Western Michigan University's Food & Consumer Packed Goods Marketing program in 2019. In her role, her responsibilities include supporting suppliers and retailers in various ways such as developing new private brand programs, closing distribution voids, searching for innovation and white space opportunities and more. She has a passion for exploring new food and consumer trends. In her spare time, she loves travelling to new cities and countries, being active and playing sports, cooking, listening to True Crime podcasts and spending time with friends and family. She is very passionate about promoting diversity and she is truly honored to be a part of the WISE Junior Board.
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Technology at TreeHouse Foods
Alexis Ward is a Sr. Director of Information Technology at TreeHouse Foods. She has been an IT professional for over 14 years, with 9 years in the StoreBrand industry. She started working for IBM out of college as an SAP business consultant. She joined TreeHouse Foods in 2011 as a Business Architect focusing on warehousing. Alexis works closely with business partners to make sure IT is aligned with the business strategy and also to help optimize and increase productivity in all functions. Alexis was promoted to Director in 2017. She leads all functional areas in SAP, TreeHouse Food's ERP system. She is constantly working with her teams to create value as TreeHouse Foods customers' preferred manufacturing and distribution partner through her leadership and relentless focus on execution.
Angela joined John B. Sanfilippo & Son in January 2019 as the Office Manager and in 2022 changed careers within the organization to Human Resources. Prior to JBSS, Angela managed Food Manufacturing Operations within smaller privately held companies. She loves procedures and thrives on stepping into something new and applying structure. Angela is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Marketing. In her spare time, she enjoys family time the most with her husband and two kids. "I am excited to be continuing my membership on the WISE Jr. Board for another term. I look forward to new members, increased Jr Board involvement, and future personal growth opportunities within the organization."
Job Titles:
- Rotational Program Specialist
Job Titles:
- Director, New Business Development at Daymon
Dianne holds the position of Director, New Business Development at Daymon. In her current position, Dianne manages existing retailer customers and has responsibilities to expand Daymon's customer base across the US and Canada with the primary focus of growing Private Brand programs in collaboration with retailer partners. She has been with Daymon since 2005 and has moved up the organization through multiple roles: business and product management, business development, client services - ranging from food, non-food, and HBC.
Job Titles:
- Customer Business Manager at TreeHouse Foods
Elysia Handy is a Customer Business Manager at TreeHouse Foods, where she manages the entire THS private brands portfolio for Whole Foods and Winco. She was previous with branded companies like Newell Brands, Wholesome Sweeteners, and Dyno LLC (Singer). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2005. She currently lives in Austin, TX with her husband and three children. She enjoys traveling, listening to audible books, baking and watching her daughters play softball and soccer.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition Strategy for Topco Associates
- Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition Strategy, Topco Associates, LLC
Emily is the Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition Strategy for Topco Associates. Topco was formed to help ensure that regional grocery retailers and wholesalers have the ability to support their communities by providing families with high-quality, yet affordable, products and services. She was brought on in 2017 to oversee in-house recruiting that had been previously outsourced. In her time at Topco, Emily has built a multi-faceted program for attracting and recruiting talent for the organization on national level. Additionally, she has been leading other key talent acquisition and development initiatives such as a new modernized internship and rotational program. Emily is a graduate of Arizona State University, a Professional in Human Resources (HRCI) and a part of Topco's leadership development program.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Supply Chain at TreeHouse Foods
Erik Hjerpe is a Vice President of Supply Chain at TreeHouse Foods, a leading private brands snacking and beverage manufacturer based in Oak Brook, IL. He has served in a variety of Supply Chain and IT leadership roles across multiple industries, both in the United States and abroad. Erik has a passion for digital enablement of the supply chain, for strong customer partnerships, and for team development, all of which allow for a pivot from the "heroic firefighting" present in so many organizations, to leveraging talent, process, and technology to enable sustainable growth. In his current role Erik is responsible for all supply chain planning functions. When not at TreeHouse, or spending time with his wife and three daughters, or traveling, you will find Erik working to give back to the community. Erik is a disaster relief volunteer and is on the Board of Education for Wheaton Warrenville CUSD 200.
Job Titles:
- Vice President Our Brands, Sprouts Farmers Market
Originally from the UK, Jac is currently the Vice President Our Brands at Sprouts Farmers Market where she is focused on bringing exclusive and innovative private label products to the fast-growing grocer's base of shoppers who are enthusiastic about health and wellness. In a career spanning over 25 years, Jac's experience also includes product development and product integrity roles at 7-Eleven Inc., Retail Business Services (an Ahold Delhaize Company), Ahold USA, Sainsbury's Supermarkets and Marks & Spencer, as well as Unilever UK and several Own Brand manufacturers in the UK. As a previous recipient of the 2015 Top Women in Store Brands R&D/QA Award, Jac is excited to be involved with such a great organization.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer, Fresh Texas
Judy Clark is the CEO of Fresh Texas, a fresh-cut produce processer and Meal Solutions innovator in San Antonio, TX. Judy joined Fresh Texas in 2018, leading the company through growth and innovation in this healthful eating sector. Judy has over thirty years of CPG-Food & Beverage experience. Prior to joining Fresh Texas, Judy was the Senior Vice President of Sales for the Condiments, Meals and Food Away From Home Divisions of TreeHouse Foods. In that role she led a cross-channel sales team including Retail, Food Away From Home, Industrial, Export and Contract Manufacturing. Having joined TreeHouse in 2006, Judy developed and led the Supply Chain, Logistics & Customer Solutions functions along with SAP Implementation and various acquisition integration teams before moving into Sales. Prior to joining TreeHouse, Judy was a partner in a boutique consulting firm, specializing in cost to serve program development and implementation. Judy started her career at the Keebler Company, spending thirteen years with Keebler and then Kellogg's sitting in various departments and roles along the way. When not donning her business attire, you will often find Judy volunteering her time in the non-profit sector, either with disaster response initiatives or animal welfare organizations.
Job Titles:
- Sales Executive at Paramount Roasters
Kara is a Sales Executive at Paramount Roasters in Lansing, MI. Paramount is an employee-owned, specialty coffee roaster founded in 1935. She began at Paramount as a sales intern before joining the Sales Executive team in 2014. Her primary focus is establishing new private label business and growing key private label accounts. Kara is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Communication. She has also completed the St. Joseph University PLMA Executive Education course. Kara joined the WISE organization in 2014 and serves on the events committee. She is proud to be on the board of an organization that is continuing to bridge the generation gap, and push to diversify the Store Brands industry.
Job Titles:
- Enterprise Project Manager at Schreiber Foods
Katie is an Enterprise Project Manager at Schreiber Foods in Green Bay, WI. Schreiber provides dairy favorites to people around the globe, specializing in yogurt, natural cheese, process cheese and cream cheese. She began at Schreiber as a transportation intern in 2008 before joining the Supply Chain Planning team in 2010. In 2019, she transitioned to an Operations Systems Manager role where her primary focus is developing and rolling out a new inventory management system to all domestic manufacturing and shipping facilities. Katie is a graduate of UW - Green Bay with a degree in Business & Economics. She is currently Co-Leading Schreiber's Network of Women Business Leaders (NOWBL) Business Resource Group and advocating for a Diverse and Inclusive culture. Katie joined the WISE organization in Fall of 2019. She is excited to be on the board of an organization that is continuing to bridge the gender gap, and push to diversify the Store Brands industry.
Job Titles:
- Senior Sourcing Leader of Supplements at Whole Foods Market
- Senior Sourcing Leader, Supplements
Keri Cardenas is the Senior Sourcing Leader of Supplements at Whole Foods Market for the Exclusive Brands team. In her current position, Keri is responsible for launching new products, managing costs, and resources across a vast supplier network. Aside from her role in sourcing, she also serves on the Inclusive Products Sub Committee, Whole Foods Market Culture Champions and is the Exclusive Brands Training Captain. She received her bachelor's degree in Sociology and considers herself a lifelong student with interests in intersectionality and women's history. Her past times include turning her yard into a native plant and pollinator habitat, practicing the drums, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Senior Business Systems Analyst at TreeHouse Foods
Kirsten Taylor is a Senior Business Systems Analyst at TreeHouse Foods. She got her Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy and her Master's Degree in Management Information Systems from Northern Illinois University. She started her career in Internal Audit at PwC then started with Internal Audit at TreeHouse Foods in 2019. She then moved over to the IT team at TreeHouse Foods in 2021 where she works closely with business partners in the finance team to make sure financial IT systems are running smoothly and to help optimize financial systems. She joined WISE in March 2021 and was on the WISE Junior Board for a year before joining the BOD! At TreeHouse, Kirsten is also the Membership Committee Chair for the Woman's Employee Resource group and truly has a passion for DEI. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing in social sports leagues, and spending time with her husband and her fur babies (2 cats and 2 dogs).
I'm a Sourcing Analyst at Topco Associates managing a variety of general merchandise categories such as stationery, kitchen and cake decorating. In June 2022, I was the first graduate of Topco's 2-year rotational program completing rotations throughout 6 different departments. Within this rotational program, I was able to learn the functional roles and processes as well as completing specialized projects in each department. I graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Honors Integrated Marketing Education. Through the IME honors program, I got to work with brands such as Kellogg's, Barilla Group, and Romance Kosugi in detailed consulting projects. In my free time, I love to travel and experience new cultures. I'm a huge foodie at heart and love to cook!
Job Titles:
- Assistant Corporate Treasurer for Lassonde Industries, Inc
- Lassonde Pappas & Co
Laurie LaRue is the Assistant Corporate Treasurer for Lassonde Industries, Inc. Lassonde Industries is a leader in the food and beverages industry. We develop, manufacture and market a wide range of private label and national brand high-quality products across North America. Laurie joined the company in 2000 and since has gained extensive experience in Insurance, Risk Management, Treasury, Financial Reporting, Employee Development, Compensation, and Health Benefits. Laurie holds a Master of Business Administration from Widener University.
For WISE, Laurie is Treasurer, Executive Committee; Chair, Finance Committee
Job Titles:
- Business Manager at John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc
- Business Manager, John B. Sanfilippo & Son
Lisa Eatherton is a Sr. Business Manager at John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS), a global leader of quality-driven and innovative nut solutions, headquartered in Elgin, IL. Lisa joined JBSS in 2010 and has held various roles in Marketing and Sales. She is currently responsible for fostering collaborative partnerships to drive alignment, execute with excellence, and achieve results. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a degree in Marketing and Management. Lisa became a member of WISE in 2019 and serves on the Professional Development Committee. She is honored to be part of the inaugural Junior Board of Directors and its mission to champion diversity and inclusion in the store brand industry.
Job Titles:
- Principal Consultant With Strategic Sales & Marketing Initiatives LLC
- Principal Consultant, Strategic Sales & Marketing Initiatives, LLC
- Strategic Sales & Marketing Initiatives LLC / Professional Development Committee
Luci, Principal Consultant with Strategic Sales & Marketing Initiatives LLC, focuses on driving growth in young companies, new brands and services and helping companies with an entrepreneurial spirit fill gaps in their sales and marketing needs. Luci works with both U.S. and international companies to create and implement actionable solutions that deliver results. Most recently, Luci has worked with Oleificio Zucchi, the largest family owned producer of extra virgin olive oil in Italy, to launch their innovative branded and store brand solutions in North America, including the first certified sustainable extra virgin olive oils, as well as store branded products that can provide traceability to the sources of origin for consumers. She also works with industry journalist Kevin Coupe (MorningNewsBeat), providing marketing and sponsorship support. Her clients range from food and non-food CPG companies to technology and online BtoB solutions. Luci has nearly 20 years of consulting experience, and over 20 years in sales and marketing management, including senior management positions at Procter & Gamble, Catalina Marketing, and The Ferolie Group. Luci's non-profit service includes: trustee at her alma mater, Simmons University, chair of The American Red Cross of Connecticut, national board member for the Network of Executive Women and service on the boards of Emergency Family Assistance in Boulder, CO and CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) in St. Petersburg, FL. She is a leadership fundraising volunteer for BeadforLife for their Street Business School, which provides women in Sub Saharan Africa with training and skills to establish their own businesses. Luci resides in Boulder, CO and has a son. Luci has served on the Professional Development Committee since 2014.
Job Titles:
- National Sales Manager With Sofidel
- National Sales Manager, Sofidel
Mary Conwell is a National Sales Manager with Sofidel, a producer of private label bathroom tissue and household towel items with over 38 years of selling experience. Mary joined Sofidel in 2017 as they began their expansion in the US market and commissioned two new greenfield paper making and converting sites in Ohio and Oklahoma. Prior to Sofidel she worked for other tissue producers and spent 13 years with the HJ Heinz company in Sales. In her current role she leads a team of Sales Directors on new business development across all US retailers. A member of WISE since 2016 she was honored to be a recipient of the Top Women in Store Brands for Sales in 2021 and she Chairs the Recruitment and Membership Committee for WISE. In her spare time, she serves as a Financial Deacon and manages the benevolent giving fund at her church and serves as a volunteer for Man UP and the Urban Impact mentoring program.
I've been with Daymon since 2015 starting off as customer service rep. Through vested interest in the products and categories, I worked my way into business and product management. I currently hold the position of Business Manager at Daymon where my key focus is collaborating with retailer customers and key supplier partners to manage and expand their private brand program. I thrive off building strong, lasting relationships to build and execute plans into tangible results. I attended Southern Illinois University and obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Management. I enjoy entertaining friends, planning events, travelling, and exploring all that there is in my hometown of Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Director of Sourcing and Product Development, Whole Foods Market
Megan Sparks is a Sr. Director of Sourcing and Product Development within the Exclusive Brands Division at Whole Foods Market. Prior to joining Whole Foods, Megan was the Sr. Director of Sales for the Away From Home channel (Foodservice, Convenience, Drug & Military) for a food-tech start up, The Not Company. While there, she served as part of the executive team that developed the go-to-market strategy leading to a joint venture with Kraft Heinz. Prior to NotCo, Megan was Head Of Sales at Chobani for the Convenience & Drug channel overseeing a sales team of 30. She also served as a National Account Manager responsible for 7-Eleven & RaceTrac at Kraft Heinz. Megan received her undergrad degree from Eastern Illinois University, where she played Division 1 basketball, and her MBA from University of Illinois-Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Customer Business Manager Winland Foods ( Formerly TreeHouse Foods )
Miranda Penna (Sakschek) has worked within the private brands industry for seven years, and for the Winland Foods/TreeHouse Foods organization for five years. Prior to Winland Foods acquiring TreeHouse Foods, Miranda started as an Associate Business Development manager, was then promoted to a Business Development Manager, and then to a Division Commercial Planning Manager. With the recent divestiture of the Meal Prep business at TreeHouse, Miranda transitioned with the acquisition, and is now managing an innovative and extensive portfolio in her CBM position. Before being appointed onto the WISE Board of Directors, Miranda served on the first ever WISE Junior Board of Directors (Marketing & Communications committee) from 2021-2023. Prior to the Jr. Board, Miranda was a WISE Mentor Circle Lead in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager Own Brand, Albertsons
Shanaz leads Albertson's Own Brands Regulatory Affairs team and sets regulatory agenda responsible for ensuring faultless compliance of product labeling across all brands. She was the 2021 recipient of TWISB Functional Expertise - R&D / QA award. With over 15 years of industry experience in Regulatory, Nutrition & Product Development across several companies, Shanaz is a strong and passionate leader. She also played an instrumental role in spearheading Own Brands' RA Strategic Initiatives agenda and paved way for consistency for In-Store product compliance. Shanaz holds a double Master of Science degrees in Food Science and in Nutrition & Dietetics, and a Biotechnology undergraduate degree.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Technical Services for Albertsons' Own Brands
- Vice President of Technical Services, Albertson's
Sheila Dy Juanco is the Vice President of Technical Services for Albertsons' Own Brands. In a career spanning over 20 years, Sheila's experience also includes progressive leadership roles within regulatory affairs, product development, quality, and compliance operations roles at PepsiCo, Abbott Laboratories, Medline Industries, and Akorn Pharmaceuticals. In addition to the WISE board, Sheila is a part of McKinsey's Asian Executive Leadership Program cohort, devotes time to a global MBA Leadership mentorship for budding women in business, and serves as Culture Chair for the Asian Network ARG across Albertsons Companies. Recent industry accolades include being named into Women of Influence, Food Industry Shelby Report of the West, and an esteemed Listee in Marquis' Who's Who in America for her distinguished work within the industry.