Harps Food Stores has promoted Chris Lesso to director of information systems, where he will oversee the company’s technology infrastructure and lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
Lesso’s career at Harps began in summer 1998 at Store 177 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he worked part-time as a sacker while attending high school. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles, gaining hands-on experience in every corner of the grocery business – from stocker, cashier and receiver.
In 2007, Lesso shifted his focus to technology, joining the Harps General Office as a programmer intern in the information systems department. He balanced his new role with completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Arkansas.
After graduation in 2008, Lesso accepted a full-time position as a programmer analyst, where he began developing and supporting critical systems for Harps.
Lesso later was promoted to senior programmer analyst, where he led major projects and mentored others in the department.
“From bagging groceries as a teenager to leading the IS department, my journey with Harps has been one of continuous learning and growth,” Lesso said. “I’m honored to take on this new role and look forward to helping our company innovate and succeed.”
Harps, a 100-percent employee-owned company, operates 147 stores in six states, including Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. The company was founded in 1930 by Harvard and Floy Harp in Springdale, Arkansas. Since then, it has grown to employ more than 6,700 associates.
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