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 alignment of 9 wholesale divisions to ensure efficient service for over 3,200 retail locations. By managing complex relationships with member retailers, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives growth across diverse product categories including specialty foods and pharmaceutical items. Dan Funk maintains focus on long-term sustainability through the optimization of the extensive logistics network and trucking operations. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine business development services and real estate initiatives. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive advantage of independent supermarkets in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. Ultimately, Funk ensures the cooperative model delivers maximum value to every member.

Duane Severson, the Chief Financial Officer at Associated Wholesale Grocers, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the cooperative. Severson oversees financial planning, reporting, and risk management to support the distribution of diverse product categories across 9 wholesale divisions. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial viability of real estate and supermarket development services provided to member retailers. Duane Severson directs the budgeting process for the extensive logistics network and trucking operations to maximize operational efficiency. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities in health, beauty, and specialty food sectors. Through disciplined financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required to serve over 3,200 retail locations. Severson drives long-term value creation by optimizing cost structures and capital investments. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial resources needed to sustain the cooperative mission.

Shelly Moore, the Chief Information Officer at Associated Wholesale Grocers, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the vast logistics and distribution network. Moore manages the integration of advanced technology solutions to streamline operations across 28 states. By implementing robust data systems, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of supply chain management and inventory tracking for member retailers. Shelly Moore drives the digital transformation of marketing solutions and pharmaceutical distribution platforms to maintain operational excellence. This role requires constant coordination with logistics teams to ensure real-time visibility into warehouse facilities and trucking operations. Through the deployment of scalable software, the Chief Information Officer supports the expansion of digital services for independent supermarkets. Moore secures the integrity of critical business data while fostering innovation in retail technology. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer provides the technical foundation necessary for the cooperative to scale its comprehensive service offerings effectively.

Patrick Reeves, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Associated Wholesale Grocers, directs the talent strategy and organizational development for the entire cooperative. Reeves oversees workforce planning, recruitment, and employee engagement across all 9 wholesale divisions and warehouse facilities. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the alignment of human capital with the company's mission to support independent supermarkets. Patrick Reeves manages complex labor relations and training programs to maintain high performance within the logistics and trucking operations. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to implement policies that drive efficiency and retention. Through the development of robust compensation and benefits structures, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer supports the growth of the workforce. Reeves secures the organizational health necessary to sustain large-scale distribution efforts. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer empowers the team to deliver superior service.

Stephanie Pilkington, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Associated Wholesale Grocers, manages the legal framework and regulatory compliance for the cooperative. Pilkington oversees all corporate governance, contract negotiations, and risk mitigation strategies related to wholesale distribution and real estate development. By providing expert counsel, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures adherence to industry standards across 28 states. Stephanie Pilkington directs the legal response to complex challenges involving pharmaceutical products, general merchandise, and natural food categories. This leadership role involves constant interaction with the Board and executive team to protect the interests of member retailers. Through the proactive management of litigation and regulatory affairs, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel secures the operational continuity of the logistics network. Pilkington drives the development of policies that support ethical business practices. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel provides the legal foundation necessary for the cooperative to navigate the competitive grocery landscape.

Stephanie Becker, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Associated Wholesale Grocers, directs the intellectual property and commercial law initiatives for the cooperative. Becker oversees the legal aspects of print and digital marketing solutions provided to member retailers. By managing complex licensing agreements and brand protection strategies, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures the integrity of the company's service offerings. Stephanie Becker drives the legal review of new business development projects and real estate ventures. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to navigate the legal complexities of the grocery industry. Through the oversight of compliance programs, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel secures the cooperative against potential liabilities. Becker provides strategic guidance on contractual matters to facilitate smooth operations across all wholesale divisions. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel supports the growth of the cooperative by providing essential legal expertise for all commercial activities.

Richard Kearns, the Executive VP, Distribution & Logistics at Associated Wholesale Grocers, directs the end-to-end supply chain operations for the cooperative. Kearns oversees the management of multiple warehouse facilities and the extensive trucking network that serves over 3,200 retail locations. By optimizing distribution routes and inventory flow, the Executive VP, Distribution & Logistics ensures the timely delivery of specialty foods, health products, and general merchandise. Richard Kearns drives the implementation of advanced logistics technologies to improve efficiency across 9 wholesale divisions. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional operations to maintain high service levels for independent supermarkets. Through the strategic management of transportation assets, the Executive VP, Distribution & Logistics supports the company's commitment to reliable supply chain solutions. Kearns secures the operational capacity required to handle diverse product categories. Ultimately, the Executive VP, Distribution & Logistics ensures the seamless movement of goods to support the success of member retailers.