As Managers’ Conference Closes, ‘Together, We Can Accomplish Anything’

As the first Retail, Food and Service Managers Conference came to a close, Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull praised the event as an unqualified success.

“This is the best conference ever,” Shull told managers. “What an honor it has been to spend time with each of you. This is truly a unique team, all in to support our troops and their families. What you do matters. Your amazing character, talent and passion are second to none.”

Other senior leaders praised the conference as well. President Jason Rosenberg told managers that he found the conference invigorating.

Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull delivers closing remarks at the first Retail, Food and Service Managers’ Conference.

“My first main store manager conference was in 1997,” Rosenberg told managers. “I left that conference and I fell in love with AAFES all over again. It’s the same this week. When I go out to the field and visit stores, I tell people who ask, ‘How was your trip?’ that I’m refueled. Well, nothing refuels me like a tenfold dose of you all over four days.”

This was the first time that managers from the Services and Food Directorate (SFD) joined Exchange general managers and main store managers at the conference. Rosenberg and Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Marla Randolph added that SFD will continue to be a part of the conference in the future.

“This was phenomenal,” Randolph said. “We’re excited to do this again next year. It was really great having SFD here for the first time ever.”

This was the last managers conference for Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, senior enlisted advisor, who is retiring from the Air Force this summer. Osby said his time at the conference reinforced the feeling of love he’s found at the Exchange.

“I’ve probably taken more selfies this week than in the whole four years I’ve been here,” Osby said. “Thank you for being amazing people and allowing me to represent you as the senior enlisted advisor and tell your stories.”

Shull called his own journey with the Exchange “nothing short of amazing.”

“Together, we accomplish anything we want to accomplish,” he said. “I’ve never seen an organization execute the way that you do. Our mission is sacrosanct. What you do is sacred, serving those who serve. Please continue to unite among yourselves because that’s what strengthens the benefit. I’m so grateful to be your teammate.”

Watch a highlight video from the conference, produced by the Exchange’s Digital Media Network team, here.

From left, Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Marla Randolph and Exchange President Jason Rosenberg at the closing of the first Retail, Food and Service Managers’ Conference.