Angela Radford
Angela Radford is a seasoned Business Development Manager at Empire Marketing Strategies, where she leads brand partnerships and drives strategic growth for Empire Marketing Center Stores. With over three decades of experience in sales and marketing, Angela has a proven track record of developing and executing initiatives that generate significant business results. Her career has included leadership roles with The Kraft Heinz Company and Nestlé USA, where she successfully managed key accounts, launched new products, and created opportunities for growth across both national and regional customers.
Throughout her career, Angela has demonstrated a commitment to community engagement and philanthropy. She has been actively involved with Children’s Protective Services, organizing fundraisers and delivering holiday support to children in foster care. Additionally, she has contributed to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, helping to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Angela’s professional accomplishments are complemented by her dedication to giving back, reflecting her belief in strengthening communities through collaboration and service.
Angela earned her Associate’s Degree in Marketing and Management from NHCC, where she was recognized on the Dean’s Honor List and became a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Known for her proactive, results-oriented approach, she continues to drive excellence in sales leadership while mentoring teams and building strong client relationships. Outside of work, Angela enjoys connecting with her community, supporting charitable causes, and fostering partnerships that create meaningful impact.
• North Hennepin Community College - AAS
• Division of the Year Award
• The Kraft Winning Circle of Excellence
• Divisional Achievement Award
• Sales Leadership Ring
• Childrens Protective Services
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to give my best effort and celebrate my successes along the way. The industry is more open and fair now than ever before, so it’s important to build genuine relationships, stay true to my commitments, and make meaningful connections as I grow professionally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to seek out mentors who challenge and support them. I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career. Mark Koshawitz, who was a merchandiser at Kroger when I took over the role, pushed me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and taught me invaluable lessons about merchandising. Jerry Monk, a Planning Manager in our division, continually motivated me to grow and pursue new opportunities. And Tom Becker, more than a mentor, became a true friend—always innovative, genuinely invested in his customers’ success, and a person of unmatched integrity. The guidance, challenges, and support I received from them were instrumental in shaping my career, and I encourage young women to seek mentors who will do the same for them.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are collaboration, giving back, and making a meaningful impact. I am most proud of partnering with Kraft Heinz and Kroger to develop a charity event for Texas Children’s Hospital, which my team and I have grown over the past six years to support research and provide donations for children in need. Volunteering and supporting causes that matter is also very important to me—I have served as a volunteer coordinator for Children’s Protective Services and helped raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Outside of work, my faith and community are central to my life. I am passionate about my church and women’s group, cherish time with my 9-year-old granddaughter, and enjoy interior design and traveling, especially to our home-away-from-home in Cabo. These experiences and connections keep me grounded, inspired, and committed to contributing meaningfully wherever I am.