26 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2018 W hen speaking about retail industry veteran Pam Mortensen, colleagues and employees often remark on her leadership, vision and opened-minded nature. They also cite her hands-off management style and her ability to see the big picture—to build out categories strate- gically without getting mired down in the details. But perhaps the greatest accolade comes from Jillian Roig, a senior buyer for fine jewelry at J.C. Penney, who has worked under Mortensen since she joined the company a little over six years ago. When asked to share her boss’ best qualities she said Mortensen is “family-oriented,” which means a lot to Roig personally as the mother of a young son. It also means a lot in a day and age when women are ascendant in corporate America and are once again pushing conversa- tions about paid family leave and work-life balance to the fore. “She’s truly shown that women can have a great career and a great family and be successful at both,” Roig says. “She can be an inspira- tion in that sense.” Mortensen would be pleased to hear her message has been re- ceived, as balancing family and work is one of piece of advice she has for young women starting out in jewelry retail today. She says she encourages her employees not to miss out on their children’s special moments, because she certainly didn’t when she was a young buyer at Zale Corp., which, very progressively for the time, had its own daycare facility. “It wasn’t easy, but I just made it a priority. My children were my priority,” Mortensen says of her two sons, now in their 20s. “Of all I have accomplished, I am most proud of my family.” LEADERSHIP, VISION AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE She works hard but never loses sight of what’s important, and she makes sure her employees do the same. BY MICHELLE GRAFF Pam Mortensen is the senior vice president and general merchandise manager for jewelry, watches and fashion accessories at J.C. Penney. R E T A ILER HALL OF F A M E MAJORS INDUCTEE 2018 PAM MORTENSEN