Melissa Nutter has built an impressive career in the beverage industry, serving as customer development director II-Kroger at Coca-Cola Consolidated. In this role, Ms. Nutter oversees Kroger operations in Columbus, managing 113 stores across three states and ensuring budgetary goals are met for both Kroger and Coca-Cola Consolidated. She liaises between the operations, marketing, product supply, and finance teams and drives collaboration and efficiency. Her career path reflects a steady rise through the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Consolidated ranks, showcasing her leadership and expertise in customer service, key account management, and strategic planning.
Ms. Nutter’s academic background has been a cornerstone of her professional success. She earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing from the University of Findlay and an Associate of Arts in marketing and sales from Owens Community College. This solid foundation in marketing equipped her with the knowledge and skills to excel in the industry. Her career began with a market research role immediately after college, followed by an opportunity to join Coca-Cola as a market development manager. From there, she transitioned to Coca-Cola Consolidated, where she advanced through various roles to her current position.
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Nutter has achieved significant milestones. She worked as a district sales manager at the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Consolidated before becoming a customer development manager III-value. In 2018, she earned her current leadership role, where her contributions have been pivotal in enhancing operations and strengthening partnerships. Her dedication and ability to adapt to challenges earned her recognition as one of the rising stars for top women in grocery in 2021. This honor held special meaning as it followed the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she and her team navigated new processes and protocols.
Ms. Nutter actively contributes to professional organizations and initiatives that support industry growth and development. She is a member of NextUp and serves as president of the women’s research group at Coca-Cola Consolidated. Her leadership in these groups underscores her commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation within the industry. She also volunteers as a judge for Distributive Education Clubs of America Inc. and supports the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, reflecting her dedication to community engagement.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Nutter enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her spouse, Jason Nutter, and their two stepdaughters. She is passionate about personal and professional growth and looks forward to continuing her career at Coca-Cola Consolidated, aspiring to advance to vice president. Her journey is marked by a relentless drive to excel, a strong work ethic instilled by her parents, and a genuine enthusiasm for positively impacting her field and beyond.