Forty Under 40: Thuy Rushing

Thuy (pronounced “twee”) Rushing knows a thing or two about big brands.

Her entire career in retail has been built on The Hershey Co., the largest chocolate manufacturer in the United States, and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the largest retailer in the world.

Together, those brands make Rushing one of the top executives in Northwest Arkansas, the Silicon Valley of retail. Her favorite part of the job is working with five powerhouse subordinates who know their jobs so well that Rushing knows they’ll get it done.

And, for Rushing, the talent and ambition of those around her makes her want to work harder.

“You have to bring your A-game every day,” she said of the pressures of managing an account the magnitude of Hershey’s.

Rushing, a graduate of Oklahoma State University who also has an MBA from the University of Arkansas, has serious accolades on her record. During Rushing’s tenure as the supply chain team leader, Hershey’s was named Walmart’s Dry Grocery Supplier of the Year, and Hershey’s named Rushing a “game-changer” in her functional area.

While Rushing holds down one of the nation’s premier retail jobs, she is also an active volunteer with NWA Mercy Family YMCA, and is raising three sons.