Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Chief Sales Officers for 2024. The Chief Sales Officer, or CSO, is a high-level executive with skills and talents in multiple areas, including strategic planning, recruitment, customer success, and analysis. They lead all sales activities within the organization and are responsible for driving revenue. Additionally, this business leader must have excellent problem-solving skills and a collaborative management style to effectively lead their team to success.
CSOs are needed in a wide variety of industries. This year, we honor the career of Michele Parzianello, the Chief Sales Officer of Staples. As a seasoned digital and e-commerce executive, Parzianello uses her experience to bring in new digital capabilities and transform online sales.
Next, we celebrate Marlene Creighton, the Global Chief Sales Officer for The Hershey Company. As an expert in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, Creighton is the perfect executive to drive business growth and innovation for an industry-leading snack company.
Lastly, we acknowledge honoree Robin Lucas, a sales and education leader. As the Chief Sales Officer of McGraw Hill Education, she uses her experience launching digital solutions and gaining market share to aid in the success of the global education company.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Chief Sales Officers for 2024.
1. Sophia Miller
Chief Sales Officer, Siemens Healthineers
Sophia Miller is the Chief Sales Officer of Siemens Healthineers, a leading medtech company with over 125 years of experience. They pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare. Their portfolio, spanning in vitro and in vivo diagnostics to image-guided therapy and cancer care, is crucial for clinical decision-making and treatment pathways. Miller leads the sales team and formulates the company's sales strategy. Her responsibilities include exploring new business opportunities, building customer relationships, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Miller has extensive work experience in the healthcare industry, with a focus on sales. She began her career at Fresenius Medical Care in 2008 as a sales representative, where she excelled at finding new customers, maintaining relationships, and achieving sales targets. After two years in this role, she was promoted to sales manager, where she formulated sales strategies and guided the sales team to achieve targets. In 2013, Miller became a regional sales manager, responsible for formulating regional sales strategies, coaching the sales team, and managing sales activities. In 2018, Miller joined Siemens Healthineers as a sales director, where she was responsible for formulating sales strategies, developing the customer base, managing the sales team, and ensuring sales targets were met. Miller also worked closely with marketing to develop and execute marketing plans. In 2020, Miller was promoted to her current role.
Throughout her career, Miller has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and an ability to achieve sales goals. Miller is experienced in analyzing sales data, collaborating with other departments, and providing reports and insights. Her expertise in the healthcare industry and sales has contributed to the growth and success of both Fresenius Medical Care and Siemens Healthineers. Miller has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from the Technical University of Munich. Miller also participated as an exchange student at Stanford University, studying MBA Management.
4. Michele Parzianello
Chief Sales Officer, Staples
Michele Parzianello is the Chief Sales Officer at Staples. She first joined the company in 2019 as chief marketing officer. Staples is a Massachusetts-based multinational retail company that sells workspace products, such as furniture, electronics, and office supplies for individuals and businesses.
Parzianello is a digital and e-commerce executive with B2C and B2B experience in the technology, omnichannel retail, and distribution sectors. As a thought leader in the evolving role of e-commerce and digital in B2C and B2B businesses, she has experience ranging from establishing entirely new digital capabilities to transforming existing, underperforming e-commerce businesses.
Previously, Parzianello was a senior vice president of e-commerce at J.Jill. Before that, she was a senior director of e-commerce merchandising at Under Armour. Earlier in her career, she worked with American Management Systems as a senior business analyst. Parzianello holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in Marketing and Music from the State University of New York at Oswego.
5. Laura Beitler
Chief Global Sales Officer, Rodan + Fields
As Chief Global Sales Officer for Rodan + Fields, Laura Beitler is responsible for leading the global sales organization, including business development, field operations, field marketing, communications, recognition, and learning and development functions. Founded in 2000, Rodan + Fields was envisioned to give people the best skin of their lives and the confidence that comes with it. The company was acquired in 2003 by the Estée Lauder Companies which placed the R+F skincare regimens in department stores. In 2007, the founding doctors made the unprecedented move to leave retail stores and buy the company back.
Beitler is an accomplished relationship leader with a track record of guiding and transforming cross-functional teams to deliver results. Her proven ability to analyze business and current market trends enables her to identify and create innovative solutions. She has been successful in leading teams by providing creative direction and coaching, leveraging partners to accelerate growth and meet revenue projections.
Beitler spent the last 20 years at Mary Kay, where she began in the legal function and worked her way up to associate general counsel. Driven by her knowledge of the industry and her passion for encouraging and facilitating field leader success, she transitioned to the sales side of the business. Most recently, she held the position of head of US sales and marketing at Mary Kay. Beitler holds a JD and MBA from Texas Tech University.
6. Marlene Creighton
Global Chief Sales Officer, The Hershey Company
Marlene Creighton began her professional career 14 years ago. Today, she is the Global Chief Sales Officer of The Hershey Company, an industry-leading snacks company known for bringing goodness to the world through its iconic brands, remarkable people, and enduring commitment to helping children succeed. Hershey has approximately 19,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products.
Creighton possesses deep industry knowledge and interpersonal skills essential for success in consumer products. With endorsements from colleagues at Unilever and others, she demonstrates proficiency in cross-functional team leadership. Her expertise includes customer insight, competitive analysis, and forecasting in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Additionally, she excels in strategic planning to drive business growth and innovation.
Creighton first got her start in 2010 as a food manager at Cornell University. From there, she went on to Procter & Gamble, before eventually rising to a director at Unilever, her most recent position before joining The Hershey Company. Creighton graduated from Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee with an MBA and from UC San Diego with an undergraduate degree.
7. Sheila Schnellenberger
Chief Sales Officer, HD Supply
Sheila Schnellenberger is the Chief Sales Officer of HD Supply. She first joined the company in 2007 as a senior national account manager of government solutions. HD Supply Holdings, Inc. (formerly Maintenance Warehouse) is an industrial distributor in North America. The company provides a broad range of products and value-added services to approximately 500,000 professional customers in maintenance, repair and operations, infrastructure, and power and specialty construction sectors. The company was reacquired by The Home Depot in December 2020.
As a sales team leader, Schnellenberger boasts a proven track record of success, currently overseeing a national team of thousands and managing a multibillion-dollar portfolio. With expertise in sales leadership, organizational development, and execution, she excels in strategic planning and production. Her diverse background encompasses wholesale distribution, retail sales, and government sector sales, along with experience in multifamily and hospitality sales.
Schnellenberger is adept at business development, sales administration, and driving P&L improvement and is known for her ability to motivate a diverse workforce. She consistently achieves high standards even in challenging conditions. Earlier in her career, she held multiple positions at The Home Depot.
11. Trace Anderman
Chief Sales Officer, Advanced Call Center Technologies
Trace Anderman is the Chief Sales Officer of Advanced Call Center Technologies. She first joined the company in 2022. Advanced Call Center Technologies, LLC (ACT) is a premier provider of domestic (USA), near shore, and far shore outsourced call center services to the financial services, mortgage, telecommunications, healthcare, cable, and retail industries.
Anderman is an executive people leader with over 15 years of experience managing sales executives and partnering with clients to transform customer experiences for Fortune 500 companies through call center optimization. She has solid experience in the contact center outsourcing industry, with a strong focus on new business development.
Previously, Anderman was an SVP sales and account manager at Movate. Before that, she was an executive vice president of sales at Teleperformance. Earlier in her career, she worked with Expert Global Solutions as a vice president of global sales. Anderman earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Seattle University.
14. Sarah Bakx
Chief Sales Officer, Treasury Wine Estates
Sarah Bakx is the Chief Sales Officer of Treasury Wine Estates. She first joined the company in 2020 as the SVP of luxury sales. Treasury Wine Estates is an Australian global winemaking and distribution business with headquarters in Melbourne. It was formerly the wine division of international brewing company Foster's Group.
Bakx has over 25 years of experience in the beverage industry, passionately building premium and luxury brands in the alcohol and non-alcohol segments. Her most rewarding professional accomplishments include leading, motivating, and developing high-performing and happy teams. An adamant believer in positive leadership, Bakx fosters a structured yet supportive team culture capable of achieving the unimaginable.
Previously, Bakx was a vice president of sales at Tequila Casa Dragones. Before that, she was a vice president of sales for the mid-Atlantic at Constellation Brands. Earlier in her career, she worked with BOYANCI / InSpire Wines as a partner and chief inspiration officer. Bakx graduated from Saint Joseph's University.
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15. Kara Delvecchio
Chief Sales Officer, Pluralsight
Kara Delvecchio is the Chief Sales Officer of Pluralsight, the leading technology workforce development company that helps companies and teams build better products by developing critical skills, improving processes gaining insights through data, and providing strategic skills consulting.
Delvecchio is a results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience leading large and increasingly complex sales organizations in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Skilled in developing and inspiring sales teams, she is viewed as a creative leader with expertise in growing the top line, managing cross-functional teams, and shaping product content and delivery. She is a trusted advisor to F500 executives, with extensive experience working with chief financial officers, chief commercial officers, and general counsel.
Before joining Pluralsight, Delvecchio was a chief revenue officer at Fourth. Before that, she was an executive vice president of sales and customer success at EVERFI. Earlier in her career, she worked with CEB as an executive director. Delvecchio graduated from the University of Virginia with a Master’s degree in English Literature (British and Commonwealth) and from Florida Atlantic University with an undergraduate degree.
17. Michelle Lardizabal
Chief Sales Officer - North America, Azamara
Michelle Lardizabal has extensive experience in the travel and hospitality industry, particularly in sales and leadership roles. Lardizabal is currently serving as the Chief Sales Officer of North America at Azamara, a cruise line based in Miami, Florida, that operates four cruise ships on worldwide itineraries. A
Throughout her career, Lardizabal has demonstrated her ability to drive sales growth, develop sales strategies, and build strong relationships with clients. Previously, she worked as the SVP and commercial sales officer at MSC Cruises USA. She also held the position of vice president of US sales at Club Med. Before that, she served as the vice president of sales at City Wonders LTD. Earlier in her career, Lardizabal worked at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in various roles, including associate vice president of global sales and distribution and director of sales, for the mid-Atlantic region. She also gained experience at Unilever and Calvin Klein Cosmetics as an area manager, travel retail, market manager, travel retail, and sales coordinator.
Lardizabal earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from the Florida State University's School of Business.
19. Jessica Fields
Chief Sales Officer, Frontdoor
Jessica Fields has a diverse work experience spanning over 20 years. Fields currently serves as the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Frontdoor, Inc. Frontdoor serves 2.2 million customers across the US through a network of approximately 17,000 pre-qualified contractor firms that employ an estimated 60,000 technicians.
Prior to this role, Fields was the executive vice president and channel revenue officer at Rocket Mortgage. She also held various executive positions at Rocket Homes, including executive vice president and senior vice president of real estate strategy and operations. Before joining Rocket Homes, she worked at International Bancard Corporation as the senior vice president of sales and vice president of business development and emerging markets. Fields also has experience in the retail industry, having worked at Sears Holdings Corporation as a senior director and director in various roles. She started her career at The EPI Group as a VP, providing marketing and supply chain services.
Fields holds an MBA in Integrative Management from the Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Michigan State University. Additionally, she studied Deutsch at The University of Freiburg. In 2016, she obtained the ETA Certified Payments Professional (CPP) certification from the Electronic Transactions Association.
21. Robin Sanders
Chief Sales Officer, Impellam Group
Robin Sanders is the Chief Sales Officer of Impellam Group. Impellam is a connected group offering unparalleled workforce and STEM talent solutions expertise to provide organizations with mission-critical skill sets to future-proof businesses. Their blended approach fuses extensive workforce solutions expertise, with access to deep communities of STEM talent. Sanders has 26 years of experience. She began her career in 1998.
Sanders is an accomplished speaker and a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). She is recognized as a global sales leader. With expertise in complex pricing strategy, high-profile negotiations, profit and loss management, and strategic planning and execution, she has a proven track record of closing high-margin business, resulting in revenue growth and client retention. As a positive and motivational leader, Sanders mentors and develops high-potential employees, leading to low turnover and long tenure within the organization. She excels as a strategic partner, working through solutions that result in long-term partnerships, new business, and reference-able clients. Additionally, she provides subject matter expertise and executive counsel in talent acquisition, process improvement, risk mitigation, diversity, and cost control.
Before joining Impellam Group, Sanders was a senior vice president of client solutions at Lorien. Before that, she was a senior vice president of client solutions at Guidant Global. Earlier in her career, she worked with Remedy Intelligent Staffing as an account manager. Sanders graduated from Texas Tech University with an undergraduate degree in communication studies.
23. Mary Santoro
Chief Sales Officer, Bluebeam
Mary Santoro has extensive work experience in sales and leadership roles. Santoro currently serves as the Chief Sales Officer at Bluebeam, Inc. Bluebeam pushes the boundaries of innovation, developing smart, simple project efficiency and collaboration solutions for design and construction professionals worldwide. Since 2002, Bluebeam has made desktop, mobile, and cloud-based solutions for paperless workflows that improve project communication and streamline processes across the entire project lifecycle.
Santoro is a top-performing sales leader with over 30 years of sales experience and 20 years of sales leadership. She has a proven track record of building and growing successful sales organizations, increasing market share, and executing sales and marketing strategies in multiple markets. With a demonstrated success at meeting and exceeding sales targets, she possesses the ability to hire, train, motivate, and build effective sales teams. Her leadership skills have contributed to her success in driving revenue growth and achieving business objectives.
Previously Santoro worked at Altus Group as a VP of Sales and later as the VP of global SMB/inside sales, sales development, and maintenance renewals. Before joining Altus Group, she held various positions at SAS, including senior director, director of inside sales, and account executive. Santoro attended the University of Rhode Island, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree.
26. Stewart Sylvester
Chief Sales Officer, Ora
Stewart Sylvester joined Ora in 2019 and currently serves as Chief Sales Officer. Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia. For over 45 years, they have proudly helped their clients earn more than 85 product approvals.
Driven to continually improve customer, partner, and patient experiences with Ora, Sylvester leads strategy and program planning and implementation for business development. A creative thinker and sharp observer, she brings novel perspectives and a results-oriented approach to all she does. Sylvester guides and motivates her teams to deliver the most rewarding experiences for those they serve. Sylvester’s extensive knowledge comes from years of experience centered exclusively on ophthalmology. Her commitment to the specialty formed during her early career role as an ophthalmic clinician. She swiftly gained a strong foothold in the ophthalmic industry, taking on leadership roles in sales, marketing, and brand management at life-sciences companies large and small.
Most recently, Sylvester worked for publicly held Johnson & Johnson Vision and, before that, she was with the start-up TearLab. At both organizations, she developed training, education, and communication programs for internal and external audiences, as well as customer-focused sales, marketing, and branding initiatives that played a vital role in both companies’ growth. Sylvester has lived and worked internationally, leading global teams and building relationships with key opinion leaders and sponsors around the world. She earned a Master of Arts in History at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she also completed her undergraduate degree.
27. Paige Bouma
Chief Sales Officer, Trader Interactive
Bouma joined Trader Interactive in 2017 as the Executive Vice President of Sales and Operations and is currently serving as the Chief Sales Officer. In this role, she connects buyers and sellers in various industries and helps dealers effectively run and market their businesses. Trader Interactive is the leading provider of online marketplaces and digital marketing products serving the lifestyle vehicles and commercial equipment segments.
Throughout her career, Bouma has demonstrated strong leadership skills, developed growth strategies, and exceeded revenue goals. She started her career in 2001 as a marketing coordinator at ForRent.com. She then worked at EmploymentGuide.com as a marketing and communications manager, where she was responsible for training staff and increasing revenue. Bouma joined CycleTrader.com in 2005 as a national sales manager and successfully exceeded sales targets. Bouma then moved to Dominion Enterprises as the general manager of CycleTrader.com, leading various teams and ensuring customer needs were met. She was later promoted to vice president of recreational brands, overseeing RV Trader and Cycle Trader.
Bouma has a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Media Studies from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Old Dominion University.
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31. Christie Wilmer
Chief Sales Officer, Old World Industries
Christie Wilmer is the Chief Sales Officer of Old World Industries. Old World Industries is among the largest privately held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets around the world.
Wilmer is an accomplished sales executive with over 25 years of sales leadership experience, primarily with Fortune 500 companies, representing world-class brands in the consumer products industry. Her expertise includes leading top customer teams, managing multiple channels of business, and creating and executing national strategy. With a proven track record of top performance, she has successfully delivered against objectives, increased market share, grown topline profits, and built capabilities within her organizations. Her dedication to excellence and strategic approach have consistently driven success throughout her career.
Wilmer first got her start in 1997 as a district manager at Altria. From there, she went on to PepsiCo, before eventually rising to vice president of beauty sales at Henkel, her most recent position before joining Old World Industries. She graduated from Ohio University with an undergraduate degree in marketing and international business.
33. Katie Frink
Chief Sales Officer, New Chapter
Katie Frink is the Chief Sales Officer of New Chapter, a Vermont-based vitamin and supplement company with a deeply held mission to deliver the wisdom of nature to nourish body, mind, soul, and Mother Earth.
With over 15 years of experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), Frink has excelled in various roles encompassing sales, customer marketing, strategy, and research across the Clorox Company portfolio. Her expertise extends to renowned brands, such as Clorox, Brita, Glad, Hidden Valley, Kingsford, and Burt's Bees. She has been at the forefront of emerging channels and capabilities, including shopper marketing, and has demonstrated success in engaging retail customers in the Club and e-commerce channels.
Frink’s core strengths lie in collaboration, thriving in ambiguity to drive clarity, championing brands with passion, strategic thinking, and being a devoted team player and coach. She brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a wealth of experience to every project, contributing to the success and growth of the brands she represents. She graduated from Davidson College with an undergraduate degree in biology.
36. Keslie Crichton
Chief Sales Officer, BeneLynk
Keslie Crichton is the Chief Sales Officer of BeneLynk. BeneLynk's integrated approach to impacting Social Determinants of Health serves Managed Care Organizations and their members. Their services drive risk-adjusted and quality performance revenue and member retention while helping members live their healthiest lives. Crichton joined Benelynk in May 2020, bringing over 25 years of comprehensive managed care and healthcare technology experience.
Crichton’s passion lies in working on strategies that put members at the center and that ensure clients are provided with the services to drive accurate risk-adjusted and quality performance revenue. Previously, she spent 13 years as vice president of sales at Change Healthcare and its predecessor companies, helping plans improve risk-adjusted revenue and quality performance scores through dual enrollment and retention, as well as health education campaigns.
Prior to that, Crichton led marketing for commercial and Medicare plans at US Healthcare, with a focus on provider risk-sharing payment models tied to quality and member surveys. Crichton graduated from Sacred Heart University with an MHA and MBA in healthcare administration and from Regis University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
37. Jessica Lungariello
Chief Sales Officer, Unreal Snacks
Jessica Lungariello serves as Chief Sales Officer at UNREAL Snacks, where she leads growth and sales strategy to propel their mission of offering consumers delicious, less-sugar options for treats they love. With an impressive 15-year tenure in the industry, Jessica's journey began as a founding team member at barkTHINS snacking chocolate where she played a pivotal role in its success, and eventual acquisition and integration into The Hershey Company.
Driven by her passion for delivering better-for-you options to consumers, Jessica skillfully aligns UNREAL's mission with modern consumer preferences, leveraging her natural ability as a connector. Her career epitomizes a steadfast commitment to ethical practices in the consumer packaged goods industry, fostering collaborations with brands dedicated to consumer welfare, sustainable farming, and industry progress. Jessica also takes significant pride in the achievements of her team as she carefully parallels her attention to their growth, development, and success.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessica is a proud mother of two boys, Matthew and Alex. She is actively engaged in her local community, serving as president of the Byram Hills Education Foundation. In this capacity, she leads initiatives that extend educational opportunities beyond the district's budget, empowering students through grants aimed at enhancing learning and personal development. Jessica's holistic dedication to her career and community underscores her unwavering commitment to effecting positive change wherever she goes.
40. Samantha Kates
Chief Sales Officer, Spector & Co.
Samantha Kates is the Chief Sales Officer of Spector & Co. Founded in 1950, Spector & Co. has established itself as an ASI supplier and has built a reputation for innovative product development and decoration, exceptional product quality, and outstanding customer service. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and with offices in Dongguan, China, and throughout North America, Spector & Co. employs over 300 people worldwide.
As an engaging and enthusiastic sales leader, Kates excels in building motivated sales teams through collaboration and hands-on guidance. With a proactive approach, she tackles challenges head-on, foreseeing multiple steps ahead while remaining attentive to detail. Her passion lies in nurturing the potential of others and strengthening companies by developing the talents and skills of her team members.
In 2007, Kates was the president and co-founder at Wholesome Tummies WT Cafe. From there, she went on to iPROMOTEu, before eventually rising to VP of sales at commonsku, her most recent position before joining Spector & Co. Kates graduated from the University of Central Florida with an undergraduate degree in marketing and communications.
43. Kelly Pappano
Chief Sales Officer, DocuVault
Kelly Pappano is a seasoned sales executive with over two decades of sales experience, and she brings a wealth of expertise to the table as a Chief Sales Officer at DocuVault. With a proven track record of driving growth, forging strategic partnerships, and leading high-performing sales teams, Pappano is recognized as a dynamic leader in the document management industry.
Throughout her career, Pappano has consistently exceeded sales targets and delivered innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of clients. She is known for her ability to cultivate long-term relationships, identify new market opportunities, and navigate complex sales environments with finesse. Prior to her current role, Pappano held key sales leadership positions in various organizations winning multiple awards while she honed her skills in sales strategy development, pipeline management, and sales operations optimization. She has a passion for mentoring and developing sales talent, empowering teams to achieve their full potential.
With her extensive experience and strategic vision, Pappano is committed to driving continued growth and success for her organization, while delivering exceptional value to customers and stakeholders alike.
44. Jennifer Krohn
Chief Sales Officer, Snuggle Me Organic
Jennifer Krohn is the Chief Sales Officer of Snuggle Me Organic. She first joined the company in 2016. Creating a minimal and timeless babyhood has become infinitely more important to families navigating modern parenthood. A minimal and timeless baby and childhood is what they strive for. Snuggle Me products are a reflection of these values. They blend seamlessly into the home as non-intrusive support aids, ready and waiting to give an extra hand.
In this role, Krohn leads strategic sales initiatives, develops robust business plans, and fosters effective communication channels within the organization. She excels in devising comprehensive sales strategies and implementing sales planning processes to drive revenue growth. With a keen focus on team leadership, she empowers her colleagues to achieve their fullest potential and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. She is known for her strong leadership skills and her ability to cultivate key account relationships, resulting in sustained top-line growth and business development success.
Previously, Krohn was a director, associate director, and instructor at Sylvan Learning Centers. She earned an undergraduate degree in education and music from Concordia College. She currently lives in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area.
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48. Lauren Dunnaway
President & Chief Sales Officer, REACH Meetings & Events
Lauren Dunnaway is a 20-year meetings and events industry veteran, who founded REACH Meetings and Events in 2020 and serves as President and Chief Sales Officer for the growing organization with a consulting bent on events management. REACH Meetings and Events offers full-service event management expertise. The company’s services include venue sourcing, meeting and event management, training and incentive programs, executive retreats, event staffing, and travel management.
Dunnaway has served as an associate professor at Collin College in the D/FW area, where she taught the Introduction to Meetings and Events and Special Event Design courses and has held volunteer positions within the Meeting Professionals International D/FW Chapter as a Board Member from 2009 to 2014 and the Society of Incentive Travel Executives from 2017 to 2021. She received the honor of being recognized as a Rising Star for MPI DFW in 2010 and subsequently served the MPI chapter as President from 2012-2013.
As a career-high honor, the MPI DFW Supplier Sales Blitz, which Dunnaway created, won a Global Rise Award for Marketplace Excellence in 2018. She was recognized as one of Connect Marketplace’s Top 40 Under 40 in the world in 2019. Dunnaway served as the SITE TX President in 2020, and under her leadership, the chapter was recognized with the Global Chapter of The Year, Excellence in Education and Excellence in Membership awards. She was a graduate of the elite business community Leadership Coppell class of 2023.
49. Debbie Battista
Chief Sales Officer - Retail, MyForest Foods
Debbie Battista began her professional career 36 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Sales Officer of Retail of MyForest Foods, an American food technology company spun out of Ecovative in 2020. MyForest Foods’ proprietary platform uses a natural super-ingredient called mycelium to grow nutrient-rich fibers that replicate the textures and mouthfeel of meat.
With a distinguished career spanning twenty-five years, Battista has excelled in executive leadership roles across Fortune 500 and private equity-held CPG companies. Her diverse background encompasses account management, sales management, marketing, market research, and software product development. Renowned for her expertise in brand building, talent acquisition, and cross-functional team management, she thrives on solving challenges with creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness.
Battista got her start in 1988 as a manager at BAUSCH & LOMB. From there, she went on to Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), before eventually rising to VP of sales at Hail Merry, her most recent position before joining MyForest Foods. Battista graduated from Kent State University with an undergraduate degree in political science and business.
50. Darcie Evans
Chief Sales Officer, Crème Collective
Darcie Evans is the Chief Sales Officer of Crème Collective, a 360º sales, creative, marketing, and fulfillment agency led by beauty and wellness experts since 2013. They provide distinctive creative, top-notch strategy, dynamic marketing, and invaluable retail support to burgeoning and best-in-class brands.
Evans has over a decade of experience. In her role directing distribution development strategies at Crème Collective, she is responsible for generating new business and nurturing existing relationships. Her expertise extends to strategic consulting, where she specializes in developing comprehensive business plans and sales strategies to drive growth and success. Evans attended Orange Coast College. She currently resides in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.
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