SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) recognized Cheryl Williams, of South Brunswick, as a 2012 honoree at a biennial Salute to Policy Makers dinner on May 17.
The event, which was held at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, honored women of professional distinction in the state .
Williams is the vice president of digital commerce and innovation at Wakefern Food Corp. According to a press release from the company, the event provides some of the state’s most prominent organizations with an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women in their companies.
It also raises funds for the EWNJ Graduate Scholarship program and other programs that support the advancement of women. Since the program’s inception, Salute Dinner proceeds have provided over $1.1 million in scholarships to more than 350 deserving New Jersey women seeking advanced degrees.
“Since joining Wakefern in 1997, Cheryl has made a powerful impact on the success of the company and on the evolution of the supermarket industry as a whole,” said Joe Sheridan, president and COO of Wakefern Food Corp.
Gov. Chris Christie served as this year’s distinguished honorary dinner chairman. Past recipients of the Salute to Policy Makers distinction include Children’s Specialized Hospital, Lucent, Johnson & Johnson, Schering-Plough, Prudential, Summit Bank, Hoffman-Laroche and Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey.
EWNJ President-Elect and 2012 Salute Dinner Chair Keitha M. Lackey, who also serves as a director for Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey, said EWNJ has championed the advancement of women to the most senior levels of international corporations, nonprofits, and public service firms since its founding in 1980.
“At this year’s event, we celebrated the professional accomplishments of 36 exceptional New Jersey executives,” Lackey said. “It is my honor and pleasure to serve as chair for this year’s gala, which served a dual purpose: honoring an outstanding group of women and benefiting an excellent cause.”
Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer owned cooperative in the U.S. Founded in 1946 and as the merchandising and distribution arm of ShopRite and PriceRite, Wakefern, with its member companies, employs more than 50,000 people.