NCGA Names CEO

In late September the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) announced that Don McLemore has been named chief executive officer. McLemore has more than 25 years of leadership in cooperative grocery, general merchandise, specialty and natural foods. He most recently served as president of a $700 million business unit, including two general merchandise distribution centers and the Copps Division of Roundy’s, a cooperative wholesaler and retailer in the Midwest.

In another NCGA staffing change, Jodie Larson was named chief financial officer, succeeding Steve Wolfe, who was serving as NCGA’s interim financial manager.

The NCGA now represents 94 independent natural food co-ops with 111 retail locations coast-to-coast and $626 million in annual retail sales. Additional co-op retails have NCGA membership applications pending.

“We are pleased to have someone with Don’s background and depth in the industry leading our team,” said Holly Jarvis, president of the NCGA board of directors. “He has a mastery of the retail and wholesale food business that we expect will serve the NCGA membership particularly well now and into the future.”

“I’m excited about my role as NCGA’s leader,” said McLemore. “I’m impressed by the NCGA’s commitment to create and support its reorganization initiatives, which were not only timely, but critical. Together, we will solidify our position in the marketplace by leveraging the association’s new infrastructure.”