Laura Aufleger, President
OnCue

Laura Griffith Aufleger was born and raised in Stillwater. Laura started working in OnCue stores at 15. Laura graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma with an emphasis in advertising and a Spanish Minor. Prior to returning to OnCue, she was a Vice President at Direct Development, a commercial real estate development company in Dallas. She also worked for Ackerman McQueen in OKC and The Richards Group in Dallas.

In recognition of her hard work locally and in the industry, Laura has received the Top Women in Convenience Award, the Journal Record’s Achievers Under 40, Convenience Store Decisions 40 Under 40 Leaders to Watch and more. She is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class 34 and a member of the OKC chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

Laura's generosity and compassion for others has ushered OnCue into a new era of community engagement. In December of 2022, Laura led the way for OnCue’s record-breaking $1 million dollar donation to the Stillwater Medical Foundation. The funds brought to life the OnCue Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Stillwater, which now provides critical care for newborns while helping families stay closer to home.

Laura is an advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving as a mentor for over a decade in the Stillwater, Norman, and Dallas communities, and served on the governing board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. Laura currently serves on the Stillwater Medical Foundation Board of Directors. Laura is extremely active in her local schools, including being a member of the PTO and Homeroom Parent. Laura is also an active member of the National Association of Convenience Stores as well as the Pi Beta Phi Alumni Association, the OU Alumni Association, and Life Church Stillwater.

Laura and her husband have three children.

Chris Bambury, President
Bambury, Inc. dba Bonneau Markets

Chris is the President of Bambury, Inc., a fourth-generation fuel and convenience business rooted in Northern California’s wine country. Founded in 1922, the company has grown under Chris’s leadership from a legacy family business into a modern, tech-forward enterprise. He has driven expansion, embraced innovation, and launched the successful BONNEAU fuel brand in 2021, carrying on the entrepreneurial spirit of company founders August & Catherine Bonneau.

Chris began his career in information technology with a national internet service provider before joining the family business as an entry-level c-store employee—a hands-on experience that continues to shape his leadership philosophy.

He is an active industry leader. In 2023, Chris served as President of the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA), the state association representing over 10,000 fuel and convenience locations. In 2017, he chaired the Pacific Fuels & Convenience Summit (PFCS), an event that draws over 1,500 attendees annually and achieved a record net profit that stood until 2024. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and chairs its Retail Engagement Committee.

Chris is committed to innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence. He continues to focus on sustainable growth, industry advocacy, and delivering long-term value to partners, customers, and the communities he serves.

Agnieszka Bobrukiewicz, Board Member of Orlen Unipetrol, Dir. Non-fuel Segment for ORLEN S.A
ORLEN Unipetrol a.s.

AGNIESZKA BOBRUKIEWICZ is a member of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group’s Board of Directors, responsible for retail in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, and serves as Executive Director for the ORLEN Group’s non-fuel segment.

She is a senior executive with 20+ years of international experience in fuel and convenience retail and FMCG across Central and Eastern Europe. In her current roles, she oversees P&L for ORLEN retail operations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria and leads the non-fuel business across seven markets: Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Germany and Lithuania, shaping the ORLEN Group’s non-fuel strategy.

Agnieszka has a proven track record in driving business transformation, strengthening retail brands and delivering growth across fuel and non-fuel segments, including convenience and food. She has extensive experience leading cross-border teams, launching new formats and executing commercial strategies in highly competitive markets.

She focuses on innovation, customer experience and building high-performing teams that deliver sustained business impact.
Alongside her executive responsibilities, she has for many years actively supported women in business through close collaboration with foundations and women’s professional organizations, advancing leadership development, inclusion and equal opportunities across markets.

Heather Davis, Senior Director of Food Service
Parker’s Kitchen

Heather Davis serves as the Senior Director of Food Service at Parker’s Kitchen, where she drives operational excellence and enhances customer loyalty through innovative leadership and a commitment to quality. In this strategic role, Heather oversees food service operations across over 100 locations, ensuring alignment with corporate goals while delivering outstanding quality and customer satisfaction.

Heather is committed to culinary excellence, working alongside her team to refine menu offerings and analyze performance for profitability. She plays a key role in adopting advanced technologies to drive operational efficiencies and enhance customer the experience.

She has successfully led the launch of new menu items such as Parker’s Fried Chicken Tender Sandwich and has expanded grab-and-go offerings to include fresh salads, sandwiches, and desserts.

Parker’s is known for its technologically driven efficiencies, and Heather has worked with the Parker’s Technology team to implement the innovative SmartKitchen, which allows Parker’s Kitchen to predict food demand, keeping food fresh and stocked for customers while reducing waste. Additionally, she served on the team that rolled out customer-facing ordering kiosks to Parker’s Kitchen locations.

Recognized for her leadership skills, Heather mentors a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment. Her commitment to compliance and food safety ensures that all operations meet or exceed industry standards.

Prior to joining Parker’s Kitchen, Heather held operational leadership positions within the food service industry, where she developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends.

Heather is passionate about delivering exceptional food experiences and positioning Parker’s Kitchen as a leader in the industry. She was recognized as a TWIC Rising Star by Convenience Store News in 2021.

Steve Evans, Chief Technology Officer
Haffner's Energy North Group

A business-focused technology leader with 20 years’ experience in Fortune 200 engineering and oil and gas companies, Steve Evans serves as the Chief Technology Officer for Energy North and Haffner's, responsible for all technology services across its five business entities. From the phones, computers and ERP systems in the offices to the handheld devices in the convenience stores to the dispatch software used by the delivery drivers, Steve and his team ensure that technology services are strong, secure and seamless.

Christopher Hartman, VP of Fuels, Advertising, and Development
Rutter's

Chris is currently the Vice President of Fuels, Advertising, and Development for Rutter’s convenience stores, in York, PA, as well as President of M&G Realty. He is the 11th generation to work in the family business, dating back to the founding of the Rutter’s farm in 1747.

Chris grew up working in his family’s stores, beginning at age 13, while also attending and participating in various convenience store industry events for over 20 years.

In 2016, Chris moved to Washington D.C. to attend George Washington University’s Global MBA program, receiving his master’s degree in 2018, with a concentration in Finance. In July of 2018, Chris returned to his roots, joining Rutter’s as Director of Fuels and Forecourt, later adding Advertising, Construction and Real Estate acquisition to his responsibilities with the company.

In his free time, Chris enjoys travelling and golfing. He currently lives in York with his wife, Hilarie.

Barbara Kessler, Marketing Director
CrossAmerica Partners

Barbara Kessler brings decades of expertise in the food, beverage, and convenience retail sectors, with a proven track record of driving innovation and growth in foodservice. As Senior Director of Food and Beverage for The Wills Group, Barbara oversees the strategic development of Dash In's foodservice offerings across the Mid-Atlantic region. Her leadership has been instrumental in elevating the brand's culinary program, crafting modern menus, and redesigning retail concepts to meet evolving customer expectations.

Barbara's passion for innovation aligns with the mission of CFVG to reimagine the role of foodservice in the convenience channel. She is deeply committed to knowledge sharing and collaboration, believing that cross-functional partnerships and bold ideas are essential to shaping the future of convenience foodservice. A recognized industry leader, Barbara was honored as a 2022 Top Women in Convenience, Senior Leader Level.

Through her work, Barbara continues to champion excellence in foodservice, creating memorable guest experiences while delivering measurable results for her organization and the industry at large.

Steve Kimmes, Owner
Country Stores of Iowa

Michael Lipton, CEO
Lipton Inc.

Michael Lipton graduated from Boston University in 1996 & moved back to Pittsfield, MA in 1998 to work in his family business. He is now CEO of Lipton Inc & has taken over as the 4th generation. Lipton Inc owns & operates 10 convenience & gas stations, 2 car washes, a propane rail terminal, & an oil/propane business delivering to homes/businesses. Lipton Inc was started my Michael's great grandfather in 1910.

Don Longo, Former Editorial Director
Convenience Store News

Don Longo is Editorial Director Emeritus of Convenience Store News. He joined the brand in 2005 as Editor-in-Chief. With the highest recognition of any c-store industry media journalist, Don has given presentations to business groups throughout the U.S., Europe and South America, appeared as a guest on Fox Business News and National Public Radio, and is a highly sought source for major consumer and business news. For the past 40-plus years, Don has been making outstanding contributions to the development of editorial excellence in business media. In the course of his career, he has covered discount stores, drug stores, home improvement stores, supermarkets and, of course, convenience stores. Among other accomplishments, he co-launched the Hispanic Retail 360 Conference (the first conference recognizing the importance of diversity in retail media), the Top Women in Convenience Awards event, and the Convenience Foodservice Exchange

Jesper Østergaard, CEO
Reitan Convenience Denmark A/S

7-ELEVEN DANMARK

• City stores, railway stores and gas stations (Uno-X)
• First 7-Eleven store in Denmark opened in 1993
•  Market leader in the Danish convenience market
• High focus on food & beverages – including healthier choices
• "Convenience retailer of the year 2019”, NACS
• Won “the plant-based product prize 2021” for offering a large range of plant-based products nationwide

JESPER ØSTERGAARD

• CEO since 2006
• Value driven and very operational / customer centric
• Driven by achieving goals with the franchisees and the team

Jonathan Polonsky, CEO
Plaid Pantry

Jonathan Polonsky is the current Chairman and CEO of Plaid Pantry, a regional convenience store company headquartered in Portland, OR. Plaid Pantry owns and operates 107 stores in Oregon and Washington. Mr. Polonsky joined Plaid Pantry in July 2012 as COO, was promoted to President in 2016 and to CEO in 2018. Prior to his experience at Plaid, Mr. Polonsky spent 12 years with a NW packaging distributer as a sales executive. His other career experience includes 7 years as an executive with May Company Department Stores and 4 years as a co-owner of a regional retail store safety & sanitation distribution company. Mr. Polonsky has a Bachelor Degree from the University of Washington.

Outside of work, Mr. Polonsky enjoys spending time outdoors across the Pacific Northwest, cycling, playing handball, and exploring hard to get to locations courtesy of his private pilot’s license. Mr. Polonsky lives in Portland, OR with his wife, Jessica.

Donnie Rhoads, Director of Business Development
The Convenience Group, LLC

Donnie Rhoads is Director of Business Development at The Convenience Group, LLC. Based in Southwest Washington, TCG is a collection of community stores that both reflect and serve their individual neighborhoods.

Donnie works to streamline store operations and oversee initiatives for growth, especially when it comes to the implementation of new technology. He is also an avid Seahawks fan and loves to cook.

Mark Samuels, EVP of Convenience Retailing
Dash In/The Wills Group

Mark Samuels is a Retail Executive with over 35 years of experience in the Foodservice, Convenience, and Retail industries. Mark currently serves as Executive Vice President of Convenience Retailing for the Wills Group and leads the Company’s customer facing businesses that include Dash In Food Stores and Splash In Eco Car Wash.

During Mark’s 26-year career at the Wills Group, he held several key leadership roles within the organization. Over the past decade, the Wills Group has been focused on transforming its portfolio of Brands. Dash In, under Mark’s leadership, has focused on creating a disruptive convenience concept based on a standardized building design, restaurant quality food and beverage, and a new visual identity; all of which will enable rapid growth. Additionally, Splash In has focused on delivering a superior wash experience for our guests that exists as part of an integrated offering with Dash In Fuel and Convenience, as well as stand-alone Express Exterior wash facilities.

Mark Holds an Executive MBA from Loyola College of Maryland and undergraduate degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Business Management, and Psychology.

Michael Sansolo, President
Sansolo Solutions

Countless studies and years of work with some of the world’s most innovative companies gives Michael Sansolo a unique and diverse view of the changing nature of trends impacting shoppers, employees, competition, economics, supply chains and management. A long-time senior vice president of the Food Marketing Institute and now a consultant, speaker and author, Sansolo has traveled the globe working with companies on adjusting to new market conditions.

He currently serves as the research director of the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Councils of North America, working with these groups on emerging business topics such as social networking, emerging technology, store management and changing consumer wants and needs.

Sansolo recently authored Business Rules! a collection of diverse and useful lessons in business success. Stories are gathered from companies of all sizes and lessons from professional sports, Broadway Theater, a New York City catering company and pop star Lady Gaga.

Previously, Sansolo co-authored The Big Picture: Essential Business Lessons from the Movies, a book that identifies creative lessons in leadership, marketing and workplace dynamics gleaned from movies as varied as The Godfather and Young Frankenstein. Topics in the book include ethics, brand building, crisis management, outside-the-box thinking and diversity. Sansolo also writes a weekly column on wide-ranging business trends for www.MorningNewsBeat.com, a daily blog with nearly 35,000 readers.

Lynne Schultz, CEO
Tri-State Marketing

Lynne Schultz is a seasoned leader in the food service industry with an impressive 49-year career. As the CEO and co-founder of Tri-State Marketing, she has played a pivotal role in establishing the company as one of the nation's premier food service manufacturer's rep groups. Alongside her partner, Bart Gobioff, Lynne launched Tri-State Marketing 25 years ago with a vision to represent high-end, top-quality manufacturers. Under her leadership, the company has expanded across four key industry territories, earning a stellar reputation for excellence and innovation.

Beyond her success in the food service sector, Lynne is deeply committed to mentoring young adults, offering guidance in both business and life skills. Her passion for advocacy extends to her work as the founder of Harvest Moon Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to the care and well-being of animals.

Adding to her diverse accomplishments, Lynne is also a published author of children's books, using storytelling to inspire and educate young readers.

With her vast industry expertise, commitment to mentorship, and dedication to philanthropy, Lynne Schultz continues to make a lasting impact on both the business world and the community.

Will Welch, Director of Foodservice
Kwik Trip

I serve as the Director of Foodservice, supporting and developing Food Service District Leaders while driving consistent execution across food programs. My focus is on selling more food safely, strengthening leadership, and partnering across teams to deliver quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Amy Wood, Director of Enterprise IT
Friendly Express, Inc.

Amy Wood is the Director of Enterprise IT at Friendly Express, a locally owned convenience store chain headquartered in Waycross, Georgia. With 38 locations across Southeast Georgia, Friendly Express is known for its commitment to fast, friendly service, quality food offerings, and embracing technology to enhance the customer experience.

Amy brings over 25 years of experience in retail technology and operations, previously serving in leadership roles at Flash Foods and Gate Petroleum. She holds a degree in Computer Science from Mercer University and was recognized as one of Convenience Store News’ 2025 Top Women in Convenience.

She enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the GA Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves! Go DAWGS! Go BRAVES!

With 16 years of IT technology and petroleum retailing experience, he has been a part of expanding the company outside Amarillo, increasing the company’s security, and improving the technology processes for Toot ’n Totum.

He is excited to be working at such a pivotal time for the company during their expansion south of Amarillo. Rance serves on the Executive Board for Toot ‘n Totum, Verifone Petroleum Advisory Council, Acumera Client Advisory Board, and is a member of Conexxus. Other areas of interest include PCI Compliance, Data Security, Point to Point Encryption (P2PE), Internet of Things, Smart Safes, Surveillance Systems, Blockchain/Cryptocurrency, AI Applications in business, self-checkout systems, Cloud Hosting, automation, and any other technology that can help his company succeed.

Rance has been married to love of his life, Megan, for 13 years. They enjoy every minute raising their 5-year-old son Tripp. They enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, music, soccer, hockey, gardening, cooking, training their field bred Golden Retriever Poppy, and attending church with their friends and family.