Gate Petroleum has promoted Misty Jackson Skipper to the newly created role of chief strategy officer and John Cockerham to senior vice president of operations and merchandising, the company announced last week.
“These promotions reflect the incredible talent and dedication that both Misty and John bring to GATE,” said Mitchell Rhodes, CEO of Gate Petroleum. “...I am confident they will drive our company forward as we continue to serve our customers and fellow employees.”
Skipper will lead strategic development and implementation and oversee corporate initiatives, crisis management, disaster recovery and projects that require collaboration across departments. Additionally, she will lead the company’s real estate development division and handle Gate’s marketing, communications and government affairs.
Skipper first joined Gate Petroleum as vice president of marketing and communications in 2016, according to her LinkedIn profile. In 2020, she was promoted to vice president of merchandising, marketing and external affairs, a role she held until this promotion.
“Misty’s strategic vision and proven leadership will ensure we continue to grow and thrive in an increasingly competitive market,” said Rhodes.
She has also held communications roles with advertising firm Dalton, rail company CSX and the city of Jacksonville, Florida.
Cockerham, who was most recently VP of operations for the company, will now be responsible for leading Gate stores’ category management, pricing and inventory management and internal distribution center teams, in addition to overseeing its c-store operations in Florida and its foodservice programs.
He first joined Gate Petroleum in 2021, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“John’s operational expertise and commitment to excellence make him the ideal leader to take our store operations and merchandising to the next level,” noted Rhodes.
Gate Petroleum operates more than 70 Gate Stores along the East Coast, from North Carolina to Florida. The company also has car washes, fleet and fuel services, real estate and hospitality operations.
