Kaye Marie Powell

Class of 2026

For Kaye. Powell, a 35-year career in the confectionery and convenience industry grew from family roots into a legacy built on relationships, hard work and giving back. What was never part of her original career plan ultimately became a calling she cannot imagine living without.

Born October 10, 1957, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kaye grew up with her parents, Abe and Adele Abraham, and siblings Alan, Cheryl and Carol. Her parents were devoted to family, church and community, creating a home filled with love and laughter while instilling the importance of education, hard work, generosity and giving back. Her father worked seven days a week, often 10 to 12 hours a day, at the family business, S. Abraham & Sons, Inc. (SAS), setting an example that shaped Kaye’s own work ethic.

Kaye graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1975 with dreams of opening either a dance studio or a candy store. Neither came to pass, but candy eventually found its way into her life. She earned a business administration degree with an emphasis in human resources from Central Michigan University in 1979.

While at Central Michigan, Kaye met her future husband, Mike, through the matchmaking efforts of their college roommates. They married in 1982 and raised two children, Melissa and Rick. Today, her four grandchildren — Maci, Melanie, Brooke, and Ryan — are among her greatest joys.

Kaye began her career in human resources, working at Michigan National Bank, Structurelite, and First Knox National Bank. Her natural ability to connect with people would prove equally important when she joined the family business.

Although she had worked summers at SAS during high school and college, Kaye officially joined the company in 1992. She held roles in purchasing, tobacco buying, promotions and advertising, category management, and trade marketing before becoming Vice President of Trade Marketing. Among the most meaningful parts of her career was the opportunity to work alongside her father and brother and contribute to the business her father had worked so hard to build.

For Kaye, the appeal of confectionery comes from its fast pace and constant change, but it is the relationships, collaboration, and sense of community that have made her career especially rewarding.

One of her proudest accomplishments is creating WIRE — Women in Retail Excellence — a three-day retreat for female executives from chain retailers, manufacturers, and brokerages. The program offers an opportunity to network, collaborate, and share best practices. What began with 11 participants six years ago has grown to include 39 women by 2026.

Kaye’s industry involvement includes nine years on the Convenience Distribution Association Board of Directors, where she co-chairs its Industry Affairs and Events Planning committees. She received the CDA Leadership Award in 2024 and has also participated on the NACS Exhibitor Advisory Committee.

Kaye leads with integrity, confidence, and humility, believing success comes from hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning. Mentoring is an important part of that philosophy. She openly shares both successes and failures, encouraging emerging leaders to think bigger, embrace innovation, and remember those who helped them along the way.

Away from work, Kaye enjoys walking, traveling, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is active in her church and has volunteered with the Women Helping Women fundraiser for the past 16 years. Aruba is a favorite destination, and she loves country music and game shows.

After more than three decades in the confectionery industry, Kaye’s legacy is defined not simply by what she has accomplished, but by how she has accomplished it: with determination, loyalty, generosity and genuine care for others. A daughter who followed her father into the family business, she has built a career grounded in the same values she learned from her parents — hard work, strong relationships and giving back.