From Our Print Edition

SUSAN DURFEE

DIRECTOR OF DAIRY, FROZEN, PET, BABY & NON-FOODS, TOPS MARKETS

Durfee has been at Tops for 16 years, and is a member of the board of directors of the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. 

Mentoring others is what’s given her the most satisfaction/pride in her career. “Helping new people gain knowledge and become stronger is the most satisfying part of the job. When someone tells me how I helped them or taught them something, it fills me with pride.” 

Her favorite charity is No Kid Hungry (nokidhungry.org), because “Children should not suffer hunger through no fault of their own. Offering meals at school gives these children nutrition they desperately need.” Durfee is also active with the Buffalo City Mission, which helps feed the hungry locally.

It’s important to have women in leadership positions because they “can provide fresh perspectives for improved decision-making,” she says. “They are more empathetic, helping create a stronger team when they know communication is open and acceptable. My advice is to speak up with confidence — your thoughts are important and needed.”