Fry’s and Ralphs execs join grocery group’s board

Vice presidents of merchandising at Fry’s Food Stores and Ralph’s and two other executives are the newest members of the board of the Western Association of Food Chains.



The trade group said four new members were elected to its board at its annual meeting this month in LaQuinta, Ca. Joining the board are Monica Garnes, Vice President of Merchandising at Fry’s, Dennis Gibson, president of QFC Stores, Valerie Jabbar, Vice President of Merchandising at Ralphs and Rob McDougall, President and CEO of Gelson’s.



“We are thrilled to welcome these industry executives to the WAFC Board of Directors. Their commitment reinforces our mission of advancing the food industry through education and leadership,” said Sue Klug, WAFC President and Chairwoman and Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer of Unified Grocers. “I am confident that their participation will further extend our education initiatives and look forward to working with each of them.”



WAFC may not have the high national profile of some other retail trade groups, but the organization has been around since 1921. The group is focused on providing educational opportunities for food industry associates through initiatives such as the long-running Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. In 2000, the WAFC expanded its scope by working with community colleges throughout the Western United States to establish the Retail Management Certificate Program that is currently available at 160 college and satellite locations and online nationally.