Almost 700 tickets were sold to the New Jersey Food Council’s Night of Distinction event to honor its 2018 Industry Achievement Award recipients, comprising prominent food industry executives who continue to innovate and propel the industry in the state.
NJFC President Linda Doherty said, “This year’s honorees have advanced the mission of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), achieved significant food business success, and have a history of civic service.” This year’s honorees were Chris Lane, Executive Vice President of Wakefern Food Corporation; Kathy Russello, Executive Vice President of Retail Business Services, an Ahold Delhaize Company; and Dennis Hickey, Chief Merchandising Officer of Krasdale Foods.
Click here to view the 2018 Night of Distinction Photos.
“It was a great privilege to honor these three individuals who work diligently to support our efforts and our association’s mission. They are truly the cream of the crop in our industry and we are enormously proud to honor them.”
“What also set these honors apart were the presenters of the awards, who are industry giants in their own right,“ she added.
Joe Sheridan, President of Wakefern Food Corporation presented an Industry Achievement Award to Chris Lane, the Executive Vice President for Wakefern Food Corporation, the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. “Chris is bold in his thinking. Brash when he needs to get things done. Continually challenges the status quo. And deeply committed to the success of the fifty families that make up the Wakefern cooperative.” said Sheridan.
Kevin Holt, Chief Executive Officer of Ahold Delhaize USA presented an Industry Achievement Award to Kathy Russello. Kathy is the Executive Vice President of People Systems and Services for Retail Business Services, a Company of Ahold Delhaize USA, which provides services and support to the Ahold Delhaize US Brands including Stop & Shop. Kathy also serves as the President of the Ahold Delhaize USA Family Foundation, a charitable foundation with the mission of building healthy communities by supporting family health and nutrition.
“With more than 30 years of dedicated service to the food retail industry, we are extremely proud of Kathy’s accomplishments and many contributions not only in New Jersey, but within our organization as well,” said Kevin Holt, CEO, Ahold Delhaize USA. “Kathy is a distinguished leader and we are very proud of the incredible recognition she received from the New Jersey Food Council. One of her greatest qualities is her passion for caring for people and helping advance the careers of others through her leadership, commitment and compassion at work, every day. ”
Jim Ostling, Director of Retail Customers of Bimbo Bakeries USA presented an Industry Achievement Award to Dennis Hickey, Chief Merchandising Officer for Krasdale Foods, Inc. a privately held company servicing independent retailers in the New York metropolitan area since 1908, and Florida since 2003. “When the planning committee determines a recipient of this esteemed award, the group uses integrity, commitment to promoting strong trade partnerships, civic responsibility, and strength of character as credentials. Dennis represents all the characteristics of a food trade leader, and has for many years.” said Ostling.
Michael Biase, Mission Foods, and Event Chair noted, “The Night of Distinction is an important event where the New Jersey grocery industry comes together to celebrate the industry leaders who have helped us to be one of the finest food trade organizations in the country.”