Women Grocers of America (WGA) has appointed Kristie Maurer, owner of Maurer’s Urban Market, as its new president, and Donna Zambo, EVP and chief information and marketing officer at Allegiance Retail Services, as vice chair.
The two succeed outgoing President Kristin Popp and Vice Chair Heidi Huff, whose tenure expanded WGA’s national presence and strengthened its programming for executive and emerging leaders across the independent grocery sector.
New leadership, shared mission
Maurer is a next-generation independent grocer in Wisconsin who has helped operate and expand her family’s grocery business, including developing innovative urban store concepts serving diverse communities. She steps into the WGA presidency with a background in operational leadership and community engagement.
“WGA is a community where women across the independent grocery industry come together to advance their careers and support one another,” Maurer said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation Kristin and Heidi have established and continuing to create opportunities for women at every stage of their careers.”
Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association (NGA), said Maurer’s profile reflects the kind of leadership WGA needs to sustain its momentum.
“Kristie represents the entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking leadership that define the independent grocery industry. She understands both the operational realities and the community impact of independent grocers, and I am confident she will continue the impressive growth and momentum of Women Grocers of America,” Ferrara said.
Ferrara also acknowledged the outgoing leaders.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Kristin Popp and Heidi Huff for their exceptional service. Their dedication has strengthened WGA’s mission and expanded its reach across the country. We are equally excited to welcome Donna Zambo as Vice Chair and look forward to the leadership and strategic insight she will bring to the organization,” he added.
What’s ahead
Maurer and Zambo will work alongside the WGA board of directors to expand engagement opportunities, strengthen mentorship and networking programs and advance women’s leadership throughout independent food retail. WGA operates as a professional development network under the National Grocers Association Foundation.
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