"One thing clear about the financial and retail sectors is that few things are more necessary for success than knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to determine when to take risks," the features editor said. "Whether on Wall Street or Main Street, women are facing a host of challenges."

Teresa Chipps was one of 15 executives named to the 2011 Top Women in Retail and Finance.

Then, she served as vice president of independent marketing and education for all of SuperValu's independent grocers. She was responsible for leading development of marketing capabilities of SuperValu-supplied independent grocers. She also oversaw SuperValu University, which provided online and classroom training designed specifically for the independent retailing environment.

Chipps came to SuperValu from Kellogg Co. where she worked as the director of team sales for five years. Prior to joining Kellogg, she worked for 16 years in sales, marketing, and innovation at Procter and Gamble. She also worked for eight years at Mercantile Stores.

Chipps holds a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from Regis College in Denver and is a member of Network of Executive Women, an organization that promotes diversity, career development, and networking opportunities for female leaders in the consumer packaged goods and retail industries.

Chipps was recognized as a 2011 Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocer magazine.

Currently she works in Global Product Development with Compassion International, a holistic child development-through-sponsorship organization. She has also served as vice president with Emergenetics International, and Western Union.