Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) has elected Greg Rush, president of Houchens Food Group (HFG), to fill an open position on its board of directors.
A 100-percent employee-owned company, HFG operates in the grocery, convenience, hardware and restaurant industries. It has more than 400 locations across 15 states, including Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Alabama, among others.
HFG is a subsidiary of Houchens Industries Inc., one of the largest and most diversified wholly owned S Corp ESOP companies in the United States.
“We are thrilled to welcome Greg Rush to AWG’s Board of Directors,” said Dan Funk, AWG president and CEO. “His extensive experience and proven leadership in the industry make him an invaluable addition to the board.
“His expertise will undoubtedly contribute to AWG’s continued growth and success. We look forward to working closely with Greg and benefiting from his strategic vision.”
Barry Queen, chairman of the AWG Board of Directors, welcomed the addition.
“Greg’s deep industry knowledge and innovative mindset will be instrumental to the board,” he said. “His commitment to excellence and forward-thinking vision will be an asset in helping guide our strategic initiatives.”
Rush expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I have had the privilege of working with the outstanding AWG leadership team in my previous roles with Houchens, and I look forward to contributing to the future of the cooperative,” he said.
Rush is active in the community and within the industry, having previously served as a board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Bowling Green, Kentucky; Tennessee Grocers and Convenience Store Association (TGCSA); and the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA).
He also is a board member of Houchens Food Group and Feeders Pet Supply, as well as chairman of the board for Alliance Retail Group.
About AWG
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from nine wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2024 were $12.1 billion.
In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services and pharmaceutical products.
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