Wesson Kingma, Fareway’s regional supervisor, has been named the 2025 Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) Volunteer of the Year, recognized for his commitment to service, leadership and community involvement across the state.
Kingma’s journey with the Johnston, Iowa-based retailer began at age 16 when he started as a courtesy clerk at the store in Pella. He rose through the ranks from store manager to regional supervisor, a position he has held since 2020.
Kingma oversees 13 Fareway locations, guiding teams with the same passion and integrity that marked his earliest days with the company. A 2022 graduate of the IGIA Leadership Institute, Kingma has consistently demonstrated commitment to the grocery industry and Iowa communities.
A member of the 2023 LEAD Council for the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Kingma played a key role in shaping the future of the first seven-member advisory group by helping identify and develop resources, events, networking opportunities and communications strategies that serve members and attract new ones.
Kingma’s volunteer efforts span food drives, youth mentorship programs and industry advocacy initiatives.
“Being selected as the IGA Volunteer of the Year is an incredible honor,” Kingma said. “Fareway has always felt like family to me – from my first shift in Pella to now working with teams across our southern region. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the communities that have given me so much.”
Kingma’s personal story also is rooted in Fareway. He met his wife, Jenny, in 2008 while they worked at the store in Burlington. Today, they have five daughters.
“Wesson’s leadership is grounded in humility, hard work and heart,” said Tom Laven, SVP of retail operations and supervisors at Fareway.
“He’s not only a role model within our company, but also a champion for the communities we serve. This recognition from the IGA is well-deserved and a testament to the impact he’s made.”
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