Wesson Kingma, Fareway’s regional supervisor, has been named the 2025 Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) Volunteer of the Year. The honor recognizes Kingma’s outstanding commitment to service, leadership and community involvement across Iowa.
Kingma’s journey with the Johnston, Iowa-based retailer began at age 16 when he took his first job as a courtesy clerk at the Pella store. His dedication and leadership propelled him 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 deep commitment to the grocery industry and the communities Fareway serves.
He was selected as one of the inaugural members of the 2023 LEAD Council for the Iowa Grocery Industry Association. As part of the first seven-member advisory group, Kingma played a key role in shaping the future of the LEAD Council by helping identify and develop resources, events, networking opportunities and communications strategies that serve members and attract new ones. His leadership contributed to a stronger, more connected grocery industry across Iowa.
Kingma’s volunteer efforts span food drives, youth mentorship programs and industry advocacy initiatives that have made lasting impact throughout the state.
“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 is also rooted in Fareway. He met his wife, Jenny, while working together at the Burlington store in 2008. Today, they reside in Iowa with their five daughters, continuing to embody the values of family, service, and community.
“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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