Who doesn’t love HoneyBaked Ham? In addition to serving up delicious food, philanthropy takes a top spot on the company’s menu. As Chief Marketing Officer of HoneyBaked Ham, Jo Ann Herold champions the brand and its CSR efforts.
Jo Ann is a purpose-driven executive and brings more than 25 years of marketing experience. Jo Ann has a long track record of delivering financial results and award-winning marketing programs that build sales and profitability for iconic brands such as The Honey Baked Ham Company, Arby’s Restaurant Group and Interface, Inc. She is a passionate community volunteer and served as Vice Chair of the Arby’s Foundation, whose mission is to end childhood hunger. Jo Ann started her career at McDonald’s as a STAR, giving the birthday parties and wearing the Hamburglar costume!
Keep reading to learn more about Jo Ann, HoneyBaked Ham and their recipe for success in the community. Let’s Take 5 with Jo Ann!
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- First, congratulations on your lifetime achievement award from the American Marketing Association, Atlanta Chapter! What did it mean to you to receive this award at this point in your career and what are the biggest changes you’ve seen in your field over your career span? I was in awe of winning the Lifetime Achievement award by the AMA. The AMA is an organization I’ve been involved with and loved for many years. It’s such an honor to be recognized by my peers and by so many people I love. It is somewhat funny to receive it at this stage of my career—especially since I plan to keep working for a long time to come.The biggest changes in the field have been the significance of digital and how it has changed the landscape of commerce. Speed is critical and consumers are very savvy about brands. Innovation and disruption is the key to success.
- Tell us more about your CSR efforts at HoneyBaked Ham and what your philanthropic efforts are currently focused on? HoneyBaked has always been a company that gives back. We are focused on providing more eco-friendly packaging. Most importantly, we are in the process of defining our impact on the world—especially as it pertains to ending hunger in America.
- What’s the most amazing thing people should know about you or your job? Giving and service is my hobby. I try to incorporate giving into everything I do. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work with so many great leaders including Dan Hendrix at Interface and Hala Moddelmog who have incorporated purpose into growing the business.
- From your perspective, what is the biggest challenge facing corporate philanthropy today? It is mostly transparency. Consumers are demanding information about where they give their time and resources. They want to ensure that their philanthropic efforts are making an impact and difference.
- What person has had the most influence on your career? Many people have made a huge difference on my career, but the standouts for me are—Dr. Jimmy Abraham (Mississippi State mentor), Linda van Rees (CEO at The Honey Baked Ham Company), Ken Bernhardt (Regents Professor of Marketing Emeritus at Georgia State), Hala Moddelmog (CEO at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce), Kate Atwood (Executive Director at ChooseATL), John Wells (former President at Interface) and Dan Hendrix (Chairman of the Board at Interface).
Five Fun Facts About Jo Ann:
Favorite App: Moves-I check my steps every day. I also love the Delta app!
Last Book Read: Lynchpin by Seth Godin (thanks to Jon Bridges at Chick-fil-A for the recommendation)
Hobby: Volunteering and hanging out with my family and friends
Favorite Place to Unwind: Double Zero in Druid Hills
Guilty Pleasure: Chardonnay!
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