Jackie Halas, VP of business IT, Global Partners, is set to discuss technology innovations impacting the convenience store industry, as a panelist for the session, “Charging Ahead with Tech,” at CStore Momentum — CStore Decisions’ young retail executives conference hosted by Chestnut Market, set for Aug. 19-21 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Halas will share the stage with Dana Moloney, COO, Warrenton Oil; and Abigail Cerra, director of marketing, loyalty & communications, Chestnut Market, as they share how they are leveraging tools such as loyalty programs, retail media networks, delivery and order ahead to drive growth and stay competitive to today’s market.
CStore Momentum is an event specifically for convenience retail professionals in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. The event combines leadership development, peer-to-peer networking and industry education, giving attendees practical strategies they can apply within their organizations while building relationships with fellow emerging leaders from across the country.
CStore Decisions spoke with Halas to learn about her career path, her insights on leadership and her advice for young executives.
CStore Decisions (CSD): What initially drew you to your role at Global Partners, and how did your path lead you into this industry?
Jackie Halas (JH): What initially drew me to Global Partners was the opportunity to work again with an exceptional leader, Lorraine Spadaro. Anyone who has had the privilege of working with or alongside Lorraine understands the impact she has on the people around her. When she joined Global, I made it clear that I wanted to be part of that journey. What has kept me here is that Lorraine’s leadership is reflected throughout the organization. From the executive team to colleagues across the business, I’ve had the opportunity to work with talented, genuine people who care deeply about doing the right thing. Being part of that culture is what has made this role and this industry so rewarding.
CSD: Looking back, what experiences in your career most shaped how you think about leadership today?
JH: I’ve learned that the real test of leadership is how you show up when there’s ambiguity, change or uncertainty. In those moments, people need transparency, direction and clarity more than anything. Sports have been a constant throughout my life, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from some incredible coaches. Their influence shaped how I lead my teams, support my clients and partner with others. Whether navigating unexpected shifts in business priorities or helping organizations adapt and reinvent themselves after the pandemic, I learned that leadership isn’t about having every answer. It’s about building trust and giving people the confidence to do their best work.
CSD: How is Global Partners using technology today to improve the customer experience at its convenience stores?
JH: Technology is central to how we continuously improve the guest experience at Global. Every investment begins with the guest and focuses on making every interaction simpler, faster and more convenient. Across the customer journey, from mobile ordering and loyalty programs to digital payments, personalized offers and data-driven insights, we’re creating more seamless experiences for our guests. We also invest in technologies that improve inventory visibility, streamline operations and ensure the products our guests want are available when and where they need them.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly important part of our strategy as we look for new ways to anticipate customer preferences, deliver more personalized experiences, improve decision-making, and create greater operational efficiency. Ultimately, technology and AI are valuable because they help us eliminate friction, empower our teams and create experiences that keep customers coming back.
CSD: What role does data analytics play in your decision-making processes and what kind of insights are most valuable?
JH: Data analytics plays a critical role in how we make decisions. Just as important as having access to data is ensuring it’s trusted, reliable and well managed. Without that foundation, it’s difficult to make informed decisions at scale. I encourage our teams to use data to support strategies, recommendations and investments because it shifts conversations from opinions to outcomes. It also helps us prioritize the opportunities that will have the greatest impact for our customers and the business. The insights I value most connect customer behavior, operational performance and business results. Bringing those perspectives together helps us make better decisions, adapt more quickly and continuously improve the guest experience.
CSD: What tech innovation in the c-store industry are you most excited about?
JH: AI has the potential to fundamentally redefine convenience. Today, customers tell us what they want. In the future, technology will increasingly anticipate their needs and help simplify their day. Imagine waking up and telling your digital assistant, “I have a meeting across town at 9:00 a.m. and need to stop for gas on the way.” AI could automatically plan the route, identify the most convenient store location, place an order for your favorite breakfast sandwich and coffee, and have it ready when you arrive around 8:00 a.m.
What excites me most is the convergence of AI, personalization, loyalty and connected experiences. The companies that seamlessly integrate these capabilities into customers’ daily routines will create lasting value and stronger loyalty.
CSD: If you could automate one part of your work life with a “magic button” (no budget or technical limits), what would you make disappear and what would you use that extra time for instead?
JH: Expense reports. It’s one of those necessary but time-consuming tasks that never seems to rise to the top of the priority list. If I could automate it completely, I’d gladly reinvest that time where it matters most by being more present with our teams and partners. There never seem to be enough hours in the day, and even small pockets of time back would make a real difference in staying connected and engaged with the people we work with.
CSD: What’s one thing CStore Momentum attendees can expect to learn from you during your panel discussion at the conference?
JH: I hope attendees leave with the reminder that technology doesn’t create impact on its own. People do. Your influence comes from how you show up, build credibility and consistently do the right thing, especially when no one is watching. Technology can accelerate great leadership, but it will never replace it.
Retailers can register at CStoreMomentum.com. Supplier companies must sponsor to attend.
