Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. has appointed Tennessee grocer Dana Naifeh to the company’s board of directors. Naifeh replaces James Neumann, who recently joined AWG as SVP of special projects.
AWG President and CEO David Smith welcomed the addition of Naifeh, who is president of Naifeh’s Inc.
“Her hands-on experience as an owner-operator in the highly competitive west Tennessee marketplace and her dedication to the industry and community involvement will make her an invaluable member of the board,” Smith said.
Naifeh has worked in the grocery industry for more than 25 years. She runs and owns the family business with her husband, Judson, a fourth-generation grocer.
She attributed many of her successes to the opportunities she had working with and learning from her husband, as well as Oney and Joe, who represent the second and third generations, respectively.
Naifeh’s has two locations in Tennessee. The company recently acquired a store in Covington and remodeled the 45,000 square foot building.
“Dana is a great addition to the AWG Board,” said Barry Queen, chairman of the board of AWG.
“I have personally known the Naifehs as fellow retailers and friends for many years, so I believe that her expertise and fresh perspective will represent AWG and the Mid-South Division well and contribute to our ongoing growth and leadership in the industry,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside Dana and our other esteemed board members as we navigate the future of AWG.”
Involved in her local community, Naifeh serves as chairman-elect on the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation Board of Trustees. She also serves on the city of Covington’s industrial development board.
Naifeh described the appointment as a “real honor,” adding that she is “ truly excited about the opportunity to work alongside other industry leaders working together to continue to grow and lead AWG.”
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