Abby Ayers joined Fair Trade USA in 2016 and serves as the Senior Director of Retail Partnerships. In this capacity, she works with Fair Trade’s retail partners to create actionable plans to make and get credit for Fair Trade commitments and celebrate those with associates, investors, and customers. Abby supports retailers in developing private brand programs, creating sustainability goals and commitments, sourcing certified national brands, and promoting these items to drive business results. At Fair Trade she supports over 80 retailers across 13 Channels. Abby brings 10+ years of retail experience and is known as a brand Launcher. Prior to Fair Trade USA, she supported private brand development at Kroger, supporting the launch of the Simple Truth Organic brand- the largest organic brand in the world, and HemisFares- an ultra-premium import brand as well as the Sunless Inc. skincare line, Evolv Sunless. Abby earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Strategic Communication from the Ohio State University, as well as an Executive MBA from Cleveland State University. She has been named one of Progressive Grocer’s inaugural GenNext Award winners and a Women of Influence in the Food Industry.