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CSP · Convenience Retailing University
Category Manager of the Year
Now in its 12th year. The award that names the people moving the convenience-store industry forward — and it starts with a nomination.
CSP's 2027 Category Manager of the Year (CMOY)
Nominations are open through Nov. 1, 2026.
Why it Matters
For 12 years, CSP has honored the convenience-store category managers who drive sales with data, build strong relationships across the channel and influence the wider industry.
There are seven categories, and each has two winners: one from a chain with 200 or fewer stores and one from a chain with 201 or more. Small operators compete on equal footing with national brands.
Categories: Alcohol · Behind the Counter · Center Store · Dispensed Beverages · Foodservice · Loyalty + Tech / Operations · Nonalcohol Beverages
How to Nominate
Anyone can nominate, including yourself. Pick a category and write a few sentences on why the person deserves to win. Each nomination takes about two minutes, and you can nominate more than one person.
To be a finalist, the nominee must still hold their role, or work for another c-store chain, as of Dec. 1. Chain size is based on CSP's Top 202 list, published each June.
Nominations are open through Nov. 1, 2026.
What Happens Next
Meet Our 2026 CMOY Winners
Beyond the Counter
Congratulations to our 2026 Category Manager of the Year Beyond the Counter winners, Alex Kupper (Large Chain) and Jessica Starnes (Small Chain)!
Dispensed Beverages
Congratulations to our 2026 Category Manager of the Year Dispensed Beverages winners, Stephen Murray (Large Chain) and Matthew Rogers (Small Chain)!
Foodservice
Congratulations to our 2026 Category Manager of the Year Foodservice winners, Kate Weisman (Large Chain) and Madison Malone (Small Chain)!
Loyalty + Tech
Congratulations to our 2026 Category Manager of the Year Loyalty + Tech winners, Lanna O'Connor (Large Chain) and Abigail Cerra (Small Chain)!
Alcohol
Congratulations to our 2026 Category Manager of the Year Alcohol winners, Nick Gierer (Large Chain) and Kathy Williams (Small Chain)!
Non-Alcohol
Congratulations to our 2026 Category Manager of the Year Non-Alcohol winners, Danna Engelbrecht (Large Chain) and Daniel Scott (Small Chain)!
