The Meat Institute and FMI – The Food Industry Association are announcing the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow, a distinguished group of 10 rising professionals whose work reflects the strength and future of the industry.

Meat Institute President and CEO Julia Anna Potts said, “This Leaders of Tomorrow class represents the depth of talent and leadership growing our industry. Each of these professionals is making a meaningful impact within their organizations while strengthening the broader meat and food supply chain and we are so grateful for their contributions.

FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin said, “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:

• Kyle Bardel, sales manager for Marcus Food Co.
• Joe Brawne, senior director of procurement for Thomas Foods International USA 
• Scott Cassel, Southeast regional sales manager for Kayem Foods 
• Eric McCormick, senior account manager, meat and seafood, for UNFI 
• Will McDoniel, meat and seafood category manager for Harps Food Stores 
• Shannon Permenter, freight and distribution manager for Teys USA 
• Emma Pierce, senior brand manager for Seaboard Foods 
• Rachael Wagner, sustainability risk management project manager for Eocene Environmental Group 
• Chandler Webb, manager of customer insights – Walmart, for Tyson Foods 
• Maegan Willis-Balliet, brand marketing manager for Rastelli Foods Group 

The 2026 class will be recognized during the opening keynote session of the Annual Meat Conference in Oxon Hill, Md., March 2, 2026, which will take place from about 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. ET.

Sponsored by Amcor, the Leaders of Tomorrow award honors professionals who are already 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 and will 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.

Sources: Meat Institute; FMI