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Champions of Change

Champions of Change Awards Program 2026

The Champions of Change Awards honor emerging and established leaders in the retail bakery, deli, foodservice, and dairy sectors, with recipients chosen annually from retailer/wholesaler and supplier/vendor communities.

Champions-of-Change-IDDBA-2025-Participants

Award Categories

Store Department Directors/Managers

Recognizes high-performing retail department managers for their exceptional leadership and impact.

Emerging Champions

Highlights early-career professionals making a significant impact on their companies and communities.

Legendary Champions

Honors senior-level leaders (VP or higher) for their strategic direction, innovation, and inspiring leadership.

Legacy of Excellence

Awarded to a Legendary Champion who best exemplifies longevity, leadership, and a lifetime of achievements.

Recognition & Timeline

Nominations Open Date

Submit your nominations starting November 2025.

2026 Class Reveal

2026 Class Reveal: See the official list of honorees published in SupermarketNews.com.

Special Recognition

Watch the honorees get recognized at the IDDBA Show.

Nomination Instructions

Submissions can be done via the official online entry form only.

Requirements:

  • Detailed examples of extraordinary achievements from Jan. 1, 2025 – Nov. 1, 2025.

  • High-resolution .jpg photo (300 dpi) for publication.

  • Judging Criteria: Achievements, problem-solving, exceeding performance benchmarks.

Contacts for Questions:

Michele Tietyen – education@iddba.org

Abigail Lewis – abigail.lewis@informa.com

Celebrating the 2025 Champions of Change

The IDDBA and Supermarket News were thrilled to honor the winners of the 2025 Champions of Change program. The awards celebrated 29 top industry leaders for their achievements and dedication to advancing fresh food departments. All winners were featured in the Supermarket News April/May 2025 edition and were honored at the IDDBA 2025 Champions of Change Awards.

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Nathan Padget, Hillphoenix
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Melissa Trimmer & Kim Ennis, Dawn Foods
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Chris Tomandl, Flowers Foods
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Susan Metz, Gasparini Sales Inc.
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Sandi Smith, Albertsons
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Stacey Brown, ASI Food Safety
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Daniel Lessem, Rational USA
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Steve Buffington, Give & Go
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Amanda Yoder, Northeast Shared Services
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Kim Schutte, Kroger Co.
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Christian Johnson, UNFI Fresh
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Riley Williams, Mid-America Marketing Inc.
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Ardee Arieta, Giant Eagle Inc.
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Mark Gaedje, C&S Wholesale Grocers
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Megan Evans, Trevor Tucker, Geneva Begaye, Bashas’
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Sue Zastrow, UNFI