Leadership

JOEL CONNER, Executive Chairman

Mr. Conner has been involved with Bellisio Foods since Michelina’s was created, and his tenure and contributions make him an invaluable leader to our team. Today, as Executive Chairman, he leads the Company’s day-to-day management and focuses on developing and overseeing strategic growth objectives. Mr. Conner has also helped lead consumer marketing and international sales and has led efforts in building sales in the alternative retail channel.

A consummate businessman, Mr. Conner has been involved in many successful startup and turnaround companies, both public and private, and has served on the boards of organizations in banking, real estate, restaurant management, professional sports, and manufacturing. Mr. Conner has also served as Chairman of the Board of Regis Corporation. a $20 Billion NYSE Company, and the world's largest operator and franchiser of hair care salons with 13,000 salons and 60,000 employees worldwide. Additionally, Mr. Conner served on the Board of Directors of Provalliance, Inc., Europe's largest haircare company based in Paris, France.

Mr. Conner earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Cornell University School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration in Ithaca, New York. He has a Doctor of Law-Honorabilia from Flagler College and has served as a lecturer and faculty assistant at the graduate and postgraduate level of five colleges and universities, including Cornell. Mr. Conner is also active in numerous civic and non-profit organizations, including: Enactus, Flagler College, Children’s Heartlink, and the Alan Page Education Foundation.

TOM SMITH, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Tom Smith joined Bellisio as its Chief Financial Officer in 2016 just as the company embarked on a sale process.  Mr. Smith supported the finance and accounting aspects of the sale and the integration of Bellisio into CPF.  After 2.5 years, he is now acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer responsible for the overall business. Prior to Bellisio, Mr. Smith served in executive roles in various marketing services, manufacturing, and business service organizations.  A graduate from the University of St. Thomas with a BA in Accounting and a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) from the state of Minnesota, Mr. Smith lives in Minneapolis, MN. 

MARGOT MCMANUS, Senior Vice President - Chief People Officer

Ms. McManus has an innate talent for bringing personalities together and creating a successful growth culture. Her infectious laugh has been a part of the Bellisio family since December 2012.  Ms. McManus has over 30 years of experience in human resources and training, 13 of which have been in the food industry. Experienced in mergers/acquisitions/divestitures, Ms. McManus has created HR functions in distribution, technology, and hospitality industries. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and History from the University of Wisconsin. Active in the community, Ms. McManus enjoys serving on the board of the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery and the Women’s Leadership Council.

ANDREW SALISBURY, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Bellisio Foods Canada

Mr. Salisbury actively oversees our Canadian sales, marketing, finance, and operations support organization . He has over 25 years of experience in consumer packaged goods sales, as well as marketing and general management in food-related industries. Most recently, Andrew was Vice President – General Manager of Pinnacle Foods Canada and also held brand management roles at Hershey Canada and Nestle Canada.  He is a guest lecturer at various Canadian universities and enjoys playing a variety of sports, including golf, volleyball, and hockey.  Mr. Salisbury holds a Honors Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Canada’s Wilfrid Laurier University.

MIKE EVANS, Senior Vice President- Jackson Operations

Mr. Evans oversees the Company’s largest manufacturing plant which is located in the town of Jackson in southeastern Ohio.  A facility spanning 16 football fields, the Jackson plant produces over 2 million meals a day and employs over 1,200 people. Mr. Evans' responsibilities include supply chain, manufacturing, and warehousing. Prior to joining Bellisio Foods in 1994, Mr. Evans worked at Pillsbury and Campbell Soup in business unit management and manufacturing roles. A graduate of Morehead State University, Mr. Evans went on to earn his MBA at the University of Toledo.  A football coach and avid runner, he also volunteers his time to youth sports.

JEFF TUTTLE, Senior Vice President of New Brands and Innovation

Mr. Tuttle expertly identifies and pursues our growth expansion opportunities. Mr. Tuttle currently has responsibility for our Overall Farms Co-Manufacturing division as well. He joined Bellisio Foods in 2006 and is responsible for general management of its strategic growth initiatives and various partnerships. Mr. Tuttle has over 25 years of marketing and executive general management experience in the consumer products industry, and has worked with Fortune 100 companies as well as with smaller companies. Mr. Tuttle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado College and a Masters degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.