The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced the retirement of Mike Hendry, its longtime education chairman, and the appointment of Levi Wingo as his successor.
Hendry, who had held the position since 2018, was recognized during the 2026 WAFC Convention for his leadership and commitment to advancing the association’s mission of transforming lives through learning.
Hendry recently announced his retirement from Northgate González Markets after 14 years with the company, where he served as EVP of merchandising and marketing.
Throughout his more than four-decade career in the grocery industry, Hendry held leadership roles with Northgate, Vons, Safeway, Catalina Marketing and SuperValu.
As education chairman, he played a pivotal role in strengthening WAFC’s educational programs, expanding industry engagement and supporting the development of emerging leaders across the food industry.
“Mike’s dedication to education and leadership development has left a lasting impact on the WAFC’s education programs and the many industry professionals who have benefited from our programs,” said Pat Posey, COO of WAFC. “His passion for investing in people and strengthening our industry will continue to influence the WAFC for years to come.”
Hendry reflects on tenure
“Serving as education chairman has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Hendry said. “Throughout my time with WAFC, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how education and leadership development can transform careers and strengthen our industry.
“The WAFC’s greatest impact isn’t measured by programs or scholarships alone – it is measured by the people who return to their companies inspired, better prepared to lead and committed to helping others succeed.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident that the WAFC is in great hands with Levi and the next generation of WAFC leaders.”
Wingo welcomed
Wingo serves as SVP of product and merchandising innovation at Raley’s Companies, leading major merchandising initiatives, innovation, private brands, manufacturing, construction, facilities maintenance and the pharmacy business, as well as the premium format AJ’s Fine Foods.
His grocery career began more than 20 years ago on the store floor and progressed through key leadership roles in operations, including leading the development of new store formats and key merchandising programs.
A graduate of California State University East Bay, Wingo also completed the Food Industry Management Program (2015) and the Master of Science in Food Industry Leadership Program (2020) at the USC Marshall School of Business.
“Levi’s passion for education and growing the next generation of industry leaders makes him exceptionally well-suited to help lead the WAFC education programs into the future,” Posey said. “We are excited to welcome him into this important role and look forward to his leadership.”
Continuing the mission
“What’s always made WAFC different to me is that it’s never just been about networking or business development,” Wingo said. “At its core, it’s about investing in people – helping create opportunities for growth, leadership and education that genuinely change careers and lives.
“I’m really grateful to follow leaders like Mike, whose leadership and vision helped build such a strong foundation for all of us to continue growing from. It’s exciting to think about the next generation of leaders going through these programs right now and the impact they’ll have on our industry over the next several years.”
About WAFC
The WAFC is dedicated to transforming lives through learning by providing educational opportunities, scholarships and leadership development programs that strengthen the food industry workforce. For more information about education programs, email [email protected].