Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year, now in its 40th year, exemplifies the university’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and fostering female leadership within the local and regional business community. Established in 1986, this prestigious event honors exceptional businesswomen who have made substantial and enduring contributions to the Charlotte region’s business, civic, and cultural life.

On March 13, 2026, we will award Tammy DeBoer, President of Harris Teeter, as the 2025 Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year.

Tammy DeBoer, President of Harris Teeter, boasts over 30 years of experience in retail, encompassing executive management, operations, merchandising, marketing, brand strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. She is at the helm of strategic growth and development for Harris Teeter, a division of Kroger valued at over $9 billion.

In her role, Tammy is responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of initiatives aimed at maximizing sales, gross margin, and market share while enhancing the customer experience across more than 260 stores in seven states and Washington, D.C. Under her leadership, Harris Teeter has achieved four consecutive years of record sales, undergone a cultural transformation, completed a significant brand refresh, and secured substantial capital investments for both short- and long-term growth.

Before joining Harris Teeter in 2020, Tammy was the Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Family Dollar, a subsidiary of Dollar Tree, Inc. There, she oversaw the strategic development of all consumables and discretionary merchandising, managed global sourcing operations in Hong Kong and China, and guided the company through its merger with Dollar Tree.

Tammy spent 19 years at Delhaize (Food Lion and Bloom), where she held various leadership roles and played a key part in the company’s significant strategic growth and development.

Her contributions to the industry have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as “One of the Most Influential Women in Mass Market Retail” by MMR and a “Top Executive to Watch” by Supermarket News. Progressive Grocer named her a “Top Female Executive in the Supermarket Industry,” while the Griffin Report recognized her as a “Top Female Executive in the Grocery Industry.” She was also honored as Female Executive of the Year by Shelby Report and featured in the NC Power List of Most Influential Leaders.

Tammy holds a bachelor’s degree in Technology from Appalachian State University and completed the Supermarket Business Executive course at Cornell University.

She most recently served as chair of the Board of Directors for the International Fresh Produce Association and serves on the board of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. Tammy is also an Advisory Board Member for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and a member of the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council.

As the 2025 recipient, Tammy embodies the selection criteria of the McColl School of Business leadership philosophy: the Three C’s — Character, Competence, and Commitment to Community.

2025 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year

The luncheon will offer in-person only options. A limited number of table sponsorships are available for eight (8) in-person attendees.

Registration is now open for the luncheon.

Registration Options

Individual In-Person Ticket | $125
Table Registration | $1,250
Community Supporter Sponsorship | $2,500

Table registrations include a table for eight (8) in-person attendees and company recognition in the program & day-of signage.

For $2,500 a table registration can become a Community Supporter Sponsor, a high-value upgrade that delivers far more visibility. This level expands your organization’s presence at the Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year with:

• Organization’s logo in event emails
• Day-of Logo placement on posterboards
• Logo on the event website
• Name listing in the printed program
• Day-of digital signage recognition
• Acknowledgment in closing remarks

To upgrade your table registration to our Community Supporter Sponsorship level, please reach out to Ariani Huguenin (huguenina@queens.edu).

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Individual in-person attendees may switch to virtual before Friday, February 13, 2026. No refunds will be given, and changes after this date will not be honored. Individual registrations are transferable to another guest.

Table Sponsorships include eight (8) in-person attendees. Table Sponsor attendees cannot attend virtually. The deadline to submit table guests’ information is Friday, February 20, 2026.

History

Established in 1986, this award honors the achievements of exceptional businesswomen based on their contributions to the business, civic and cultural communities in the Charlotte region. Past recipients include Tanya Blackmon, former Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer of Novant Health; Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County Manager; Peggy Brookhouse, Founder & President of Brookhouse; Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President & Systems Chief of Staff of Atrium Health; and Andrea Smith, former Chief Administrative Officer for Bank of America.

Recognized for its longstanding history and prestige, the Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year kicks off the spring award season. With ample professional development and network opportunities, this event reaches 275 of the area’s business and thought leaders. The nomination process for selection of the annual BusinessWoman of the Year is available during the month of September and can be accessed on this webpage.

Previous Award Recipients

BWOY Quote Book 1986-2024

2024 Kristi Coleman

2023 Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer

2022 Diane (Di) Morais

2021 Tanya S. Blackmon

2020 Dena Diorio

2019 Peggy Brookhouse

2018 Carol Lovin

2017 Theresa Drew

2016 Andrea B. Smith

2015 Debra Plousha Moore

2014 Susan DeVore

2013 Lynn Good

2012 Laura A. Schulte

2011 Ann Caulkins

2010 Carol Hevey

2009 Cathy Bessant

2008 Jennifer Appleby

2007 Lauri Eberhart

2006 Dee Dixon

2005 Christie Taylor

2004 Peyton Howell

2003 Dana Rader

2002 Krista Tillman

2001 Vicki Wilson-McElreath

2000 Mary Tribble

1999 Jeannie Falknor

1998 Gail Brinn Wilkins

1997 Carol Pontis

1996 Phyllis Schultz

1995 Ruth Shaw

1994 Katie Tyler

1993 Linda McFarland Farthing

1992 Jill Flynn

1991 Muriel Helms

1990 Patricia Rodgers

1989 Betty Trautwein & Elaine Lyerly

1988 Dale Halton

1987 Bonnie Widenhouse

1986 Joan Zimmerman

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Event Contacts