Associated Wholesale Grocers Executive and Leadership Team

Dan Funk, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Associated Wholesale Grocers, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest cooperative food wholesaler in the United States. Funk oversees the expansion of services across 28 states, ensuring that over 3,200 retail locations receive consistent support. By aligning the cooperative model with modern market demands, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives growth in both grocery distribution and supermarket development services. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain the financial health of the cooperative. Through the optimization of wholesale divisions, Dan Funk ensures that member retailers remain competitive against national chains. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the organization by fostering innovation in product categories ranging from specialty foods to pharmaceutical items.

Duane Severson, the Chief Financial Officer at Associated Wholesale Grocers, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the cooperative. Severson oversees the financial reporting and budgeting processes that support 9 wholesale divisions across the country. By monitoring the economic performance of the logistics network and warehouse facilities, the Chief Financial Officer ensures operational efficiency and sustainable growth. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to evaluate real estate investments and supermarket development opportunities. Through rigorous financial analysis, Duane Severson mitigates risk while maximizing value for member retailers. The Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of the cooperative's balance sheet, supporting the distribution of diverse product categories including health and beauty care items and general merchandise to thousands of independent locations.

Shelly Moore, the Chief Information Officer at Associated Wholesale Grocers, architects the digital infrastructure required to support a massive logistics and distribution network. Moore oversees the implementation of technology solutions that streamline supply chain operations and enhance the efficiency of 9 wholesale divisions. By integrating advanced data analytics, the Chief Information Officer enables better inventory management for over 3,200 retail locations. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to deploy digital marketing tools and pharmaceutical distribution platforms. Through the modernization of internal systems, Shelly Moore drives operational excellence across the entire organization. The Chief Information Officer ensures that the cooperative remains at the forefront of retail technology, providing member retailers with the digital resources necessary to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving grocery landscape.

Patrick Reeves, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Associated Wholesale Grocers, manages the talent strategy and organizational culture for the cooperative. Reeves oversees recruitment, training, and employee development programs across the company's extensive logistics and warehouse operations. By fostering a high-performance environment, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of supporting independent supermarkets. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and benefits that attract top talent to the grocery distribution sector. Through the implementation of comprehensive human capital initiatives, Patrick Reeves drives employee engagement and retention. The Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer supports the broader business goals by ensuring that the organization possesses the necessary expertise to manage complex supply chain and retail development functions.

Stephanie Pilkington, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Associated Wholesale Grocers, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance for the cooperative. Pilkington oversees the management of corporate governance, contract negotiations, and risk mitigation across 28 states. By providing counsel on real estate development and supermarket expansion, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures that all business activities adhere to industry standards. This leadership role involves protecting the cooperative's interests in complex distribution agreements and logistics operations. Through proactive legal oversight, Stephanie Pilkington supports the organization's commitment to its member retailers. The Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel navigates the regulatory environment surrounding pharmaceutical products and specialty foods, ensuring that the company maintains its reputation for excellence and reliability in the wholesale grocery industry.

Stephanie Becker, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Associated Wholesale Grocers, manages the intellectual property and internal policy frameworks for the cooperative. Becker oversees the legal aspects of the company's print and digital marketing solutions, ensuring compliance with advertising regulations. By advising on labor relations and operational safety standards, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel supports the smooth functioning of the warehouse facilities and trucking operations. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to address emerging legal challenges in the retail grocery sector. Through the development of robust compliance programs, Stephanie Becker mitigates operational risks and safeguards the cooperative's assets. The Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures that all business practices align with the long-term strategic objectives of the organization and its member retailers.

Richard Kearns, the Executive VP, Distribution & Logistics at Associated Wholesale Grocers, directs the massive supply chain network that serves independent supermarkets across the country. Kearns oversees the operations of multiple warehouse facilities and the extensive trucking fleet that ensures timely delivery of goods. By optimizing logistics routes and inventory flow, the Executive VP, Distribution & Logistics drives efficiency in the distribution of natural, organic, and specialty products. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to scale operations in response to market demand. Through the management of complex distribution channels, Richard Kearns ensures that member retailers receive consistent service. The Executive VP, Distribution & Logistics maintains the operational backbone of the cooperative, supporting the delivery of diverse product categories to thousands of retail locations.