• ORLANDO, Fla.

On May 11, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) held its annual Express Seminar, and while leaders and Express managers learned about new products and solutions for the convenience channel, the Exchange announced the presentation of a new award during the event. 

The top Express in each region was recognized with the COO Xpress Award. Winners were determined based on financial performance including: sales and earnings without gas before depreciation; Snack Avenue gross margin; productivity; and Military Star program applications and penetration growth.
 

“This award represents both a prestigious recognition of operational excellence and a meaningful financial incentive that enables leaders to share success with their teams,” said
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (EVP/COO) Marla Randolph.  

“Our convenience stores are fundamental to our mission, consistently driving growth and contributing significantly to enterprise financial performance,” she said. “This award acknowledges their impact, dedication and commitment to excellence.” 

WINNERS 

The winners of the inaugural COO Xpress Award, with those store personnel receiving the award on behalf of their respective stores in parentheses: 

Central Region: Fort Polk, La., South Main Express (Express Manager Mario Carrillo) 

Eastern Region: JB Langley-Eustis, Va., Langley Express Class Six (Express Class Six Manager Kimberley Martin) 

Europe/Southwest Asia Region: Grafenwoehr, Germany, Express (Express Manager Rosephine Grant and Assistant Store Manager John Cooper) 

Pacific Region: JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Pohakuloa Class Six (Class Six Manager Carl Wolfe) 

Western Region: JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Elmendorf Main Express Class Six (Main Express Class Six Manager Shelly Deano) 

“It is important that Express managers receive the same level of recognition as other facility leaders,” Randolph noted. “Our 

convenience stores are fundamental to our mission, consistently driving growth and contributing significantly to enterprise financial performance.  

“This award acknowledges their impact, dedication and commitment to excellence, [and it] reflects my sincere appreciation for our teammates and reinforces the value they 

bring to the organization every day. These teams are not only delivering results — they are shaping the future of the Express business.” 

Source: AAFES 

Edited by Larry Lapka