CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. vice president of pharmacy Philecia Avery was recognized by the National Diversity Council with a 2015 Most Powerful & Influential Women Award.

Kroger said Thursday that Avery was presented with the award at the 8th Annual Ohio Diversity & Leadership Conference in Columbus, Ohio. She was one of 13 women honored for their professional accomplishments during the Ohio Diversity Council’s annual gathering.

“I’m honored and humbled by this recognition, which reflects the work of our incredible team of pharmacists, technicians and support staff in our more than 2,100 pharmacy locations nationwide,” Avery stated.

Avery began her career with Kroger in 1997 as a pharmacist in the Nashville Division. She was later promoted to pharmacy manager and then as pharmacy coordinator for the division. In 2007, she moved to Kroger’s general office, where she served in several roles of increasing responsibility, including manager of clinical services, manager of pharmacy benefit sales and services, and director of pharmacy operations.

Last year, Avery was promoted to vice president of pharmacy, overseeing Kroger’s 2,116 pharmacy locations in its 2,623 supermarkets and multi-department stores. The food and drug retailer’s two dozen store banners include Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.