Nominate a Retail Superstar:
2027 Confectionery Leadership Award
Who comes to mind when you think of an outstanding confectionery retail or wholesale leader?
Maybe it’s a buyer who champions the category. A category manager who continually finds new ways to drive growth. Or an executive whose leadership and partnership have made a meaningful impact on the confectionery industry.
We want to hear about them.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Confectionery Leadership Award, recognizing exceptional retail and wholesale professionals who are helping advance the confectionery category.
Want some inspiration? See Past Confectionery Leadership Award Winners →
A great nominee might be someone who:
- Leads and inspires teams while delivering outstanding results.
- Brings fresh ideas and innovative thinking to the confectionery category.
- Drives measurable growth and greater visibility for confectionery.
- Builds strong partnerships that create value across the industry.
You don’t need to check every box to nominate someone. If a retailer or wholesaler has made a meaningful difference in the confectionery category, we want to know their story.
Help Us Recognize Someone Who Deserves It
Your nomination can put an outstanding industry leader in the spotlight—and it only takes a few minutes.
Winners receive:
- A trip to the 2027 State of the Industry Conference (February 28 – March 2, Orlando, FL) to accept their award (hotel, airfare, and conference registration included).
- National recognition, including a feature in Candy & Snack TODAY and ongoing industry recognition from NCA.
Since 2011, the Confectionery Leadership Award has celebrated marketplace changemakers who elevate the confectionery category, as well as the people and partnerships behind its success.
Help us celebrate the retail leaders making a difference in confectionery—nominate someone who deserves the spotlight.
Your nomination matters
Don’t miss your chance to recognize and honor a deserving retailer or wholesale leader. Please complete the nomination form by Monday, October 9, 2026.
Let’s celebrate retail excellence—nominate today!
Past Recipients:
2026
Angela Mayo, Walmart
Alan Yarmaloff, CVS Health
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2025
Mike Keller, Circle K
Robin Gutridge, Raley’s
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2024
Katie Alexander, Dollar Tree
Susan Grassey, Harris Teeter Supermarkets
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2023
Tiffany Trombley, Target
Todd Budzinski, Sam’s Club
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2022
Todd Gean, Hy-Vee, Inc.
Drew Germain, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
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2021
Maureen Keenan, CVS
Peter Kempton, Travel Centers of America
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2020
Michael Smull, Five Below
Melody Phan Rich, Walmart
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2019
Cindy Maly, Casey’s General Store
Stephanie Panzetta, Weis Markets
2018
Krisanne Flamini, Wawa, Inc.
Barry Phillips, SpartanNash
2017
Christina M. Groth, The Kroger Company
Brian Rinker, Walgreen Co.
2016
Julie Bierman, Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Jennifer Dilts, Dollar General Corp.
2015
Mike Maslen, Hudson Group
Dave Schulze, H-E-B
2014
Jamal Parker, Sam’s Club
Tim Erceg, Hy-Vee
2013
Julia Bischoff, Smart & Final
Kimberley Felice-Dooley, CVS
AJ Jesswani, Meijer
2012
Paul Minger, Walgreens
John Scardina, Eby-Brown Company
Val Stansfield, Rite Aid Corporation
2011
Rebecca Fries, U.S. Marine Corps Exchange
Bill Walker, McLane Co.
Tim Tackett, Giant Eagle
