Nerissa Johnson, manager of Food Lion in Columbia for the past 11 years, was selected recently as one of Progressive Grocer’s 2017 Top Women in Grocery.

Johnson grew up in Doris’ Store in Gum Neck, the last true country store in Tyrrell County, operated by her parents Buddy and Annie Lee Brickhouse. She and husband Edwin, parents of five, reside in the southern Tyrrell County community now.

Progressive Grocer magazine will present its new slate of Top Women in Grocery in its June 2017 print issue, which will be devoted to showcasing overall excellence and continued achievement among female movers and shakers in the North American retail food industry.

All Top Women in Grocery winners will also be recognized at a gala awards celebration on November 9 in Chicago.

Food Lion’s top management emailed store managers and other leaders in the chain on May 2, announcing Johnson and two other female store managers as winners.

“These associates consistently go above and beyond in support of our stores, our communities, our associates and our customers,” wrote Greg Finchum, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations. “In turn, we would like to thank each of them for inspiring the entire Food Lion organization, and showing us what is possible through their strategic focus, determination, commitment and enthusiasm. We are grateful for their valued contributions and leadership in bringing our brand to life.”

The Food Lion grocery store company, launched 60 years ago and based in Salisbury, operates more than 1,100 supermarkets in 10 southeastern states with 63,000 employees. The Columbia store has 56 employees.