The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association is pleased to announce the addition of Rena Shiles, vice president of operations at Albertsons Companies, to its Board of Directors.
Shiles leads the ACME Markets subsidiary of the MidAtlantic Division of Albertsons, overseeing 86 grocery stores that cover central and southern New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, down to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“ACME Markets always has been a supportive and active association member. We’re excited to welcome Rena to the board as we continue that relationship,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “Rena’s impressive personal and professional experience will be a great asset to the association.”
Shiles rose quickly within the company. In January 2016, she joined Albertsons’ Safeway Division as an assistant store director, moving up the ranks to store director. She eventually became a district manager, controlling more than 21 stores in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in 2019. During this tenure, she was recognized for being a focal point of her division’s high growth in sales. She increased creative marketing strategy initiatives and built cohesive, diverse teams that exponentially improved her company’s economic stature.
Prior to Albertsons, she served with distinction in the U.S. Army for over 25 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. She attributes this life experience to developing a strong sense of commitment, high motivational presence and lead from-the-front mentality. She demonstrates these qualities daily, which is witnessed by her subordinates, peers and supervisors.
Shiles is an expert problem-solver and innovator. This allows her to get the best performance from her employees and teach them to show an exemplary presence in customer relations.
Shiles earned a Master’s in Business Administration from American University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Texas. Her husband, Timothy, is currently serving overseas in the U.S. Army.
PFMA is led by a 35-member Board of Directors that includes retail and associate members. This volunteer group shapes the association’s agenda.