Mary Bohannon
Mary Bohannon is a seasoned sales and customer management professional with a remarkable 38-year career at General Mills, where she most recently served as Senior Customer Manager. Over her tenure, Mary led sales teams for major accounts, including Wakefern, Giant Carlisle, Wegmans, and Peapod, while also spearheading e-commerce initiatives in the Northeast. She is widely recognized for her expertise in sales management, negotiations, and problem-solving, with a focus on creating win-win solutions that benefit both her company and retail partners. Mary’s leadership style emphasizes coaching and developing others, ensuring her teams consistently achieve excellence.
A highlight of Mary’s career was co-developing and launching the ShopRite Partners in Caring program with Wakefern in 1999. Now celebrating over 25 years, this initiative has donated millions to fight hunger, reflecting Mary’s commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the workplace. Her early career also included pioneering non-traditional grocery channels in the 1990s, including partnerships with Price Club/Costco, drugstores, and mass retailers, showcasing her ability to innovate and adapt in a dynamic industry. Throughout her career, Mary has been recognized with multiple honors, including the General Mills Lifetime Achievement Award, Special Distinction Achievement Award, and being named a Woman of Influence in 2010.
Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Temple University, graduating magna cum laude, and remains active in professional and community networks, including the Network of Executive Women. Since retiring in 2025, she has continued to engage in community volunteering and local initiatives while considering consulting opportunities in the near future. Mary’s career exemplifies dedication, strategic leadership, and a lasting commitment to both business excellence and social impact.
• Temple University
• General Mills Lifetime Achievement Award
• Network of Executive Women
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace giving back and seek out mentorship—both receiving it and offering it. I focus on providing practical tools and guidance to help others grow, exceed expectations, and reach their full potential. Supporting each other is key to building lasting success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life center around maintaining strong relationships and a healthy balance. I deeply value time with my family, staying active through pickleball and the gym, and bringing that same energy and commitment into everything I do. Taking care of myself and the people I love helps me show up as my best, both personally and professionally.