Leading by example and delivering results
The NRF Foundation is shining the spotlight on store leaders who embody their brand’s values, inspire their teams, and make meaningful impacts on their customers and communities.
Nominees are leaders who drive team growth and development, lead high-performing stores, and demonstrate excellence through both business results and people-first leadership.
To nominate your store leader for our 2027 NRF Foundation Store Leader Spotlight, share their leadership journey, scope of responsibility, and the tangible impact they’ve made within your organization.
Meet the five amazing store leaders who lead by example and deliver results - and who were honored with the 2026 NRF Foundation Store Leader Spotlight.
Macy's Store Manager
Paramus, NJ
Macy’s Store Manager Ashley Baker’s contagious commitment to finding new ways to innovate achieves outstanding results.
As a leader of Macy’s prototype store in Paramus, New Jersey, Ashley’s team hosts key partners, vendors and media – showcasing how Macy’s Bold New Chapter strategy comes to life for colleagues and customers.
DICK'S Sporting Goods Store Manager
Orchard Park, NY
In 2024, DICK’S Sporting Goods Store Manager Jordan Dussett’s location in Orchard Park, New York ranked 556th in the organization. In 2025, her location was named the Store of the Year.
The team was always there – they just needed Jordan to take them to new heights. Jordan’s coaching and teaching have built teammate morale and driven store sales – clearly demonstrating the importance of connecting with each athlete.
BJ’s Wholesale Club – Club Manager
Dedham, MA
BJ’s Wholesale Club - Club Manager Sophonias Gabremariam exemplifies people-first leadership by consistently supporting team members, club members and the local community.
At his club in Dedham, Massachusetts, he played a key role in launching the Superior Member Service program pilot – an initiative that has since been adopted company-wide. Through his genuine care for people, strong operational leadership and meaningful community partnerships , he brings to life BJ’s Wholesale Club’s purpose: we take care of the families who depend on us everyday.
CVS Pharmacy Store Manager
Las Vegas, NV
In the heart of Las Vegas, CVS Pharmacy Store Manager Jennifer Mitchell leads one of the highest volume store in the company, serving locals, tourists and convention attendees.
Jennifer began her career as a part-time colleague and quickly embraced the CVS Pharmacy culture — leading by example, bringing fun into the workplace and consistently rewarding her team.
Lowe's Store Manager
Kerville, TX
Lowe’s Store Manager Bill Ryan is known as the unofficial mayor of Kerville, Texas. His longtime work with community organizations helped him immediately activate his team to support his community in the wake of the most devastating floods in Hill Country history.
Bill’s commitment to his community is only matched by his commitment to his team. In the last year, all four of Bill’s Assistant Store Managers – who all began their careers as hourly associates on his team — were promoted to roles across the market.
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