The California Grocers Association named Susan Bonilla as its next president and CEO, and president of the CGA Educational Foundation, effective Nov. 2.
She will replace Ron Fong, current CGA president and CEO and CGA Educational Foundation president, who is retiring after 19 years leading the association and foundation.
Bonilla spent six years as a member of the California State Assembly, representing Contra Costa and Solano counties. Before her time in the Assembly, she served as a Concord city councilmember and mayor, and later as a Contra Costa County supervisor. Bonilla joins the association from the California Pharmacists Association, which she has led for the past six years.
“With strong executive leadership skills and the invaluable knowledge of a true political insider, Susan brings vital expertise that will be a difference maker for grocers,” CGA Board Chair Richward Wardwell said. “She knows what it takes to make policy and impact change at all levels of government, and this will be a key asset for the association and its members.”
Before her career as an elected official, Bonilla began her working life as a high school English teacher in Concord and Walnut Creek. She then spent the next 14 years in public service after being elected to the Concord City Council in 2002.
Following her time in elected office, Bonilla was California director for the Council for a Strong America, a nonprofit focused on equity, educational opportunity and long-term policy solutions for California children and families. Since 2020, she has led the California Pharmacists Association as its chief executive.
“The last several years have demonstrated just how important the grocery industry is to our communities,” Bonilla said. “Whether it’s food access or affordability, grocers are top of mind for every Californian right now, as well as for elected officials. My experiences position me to connect the dots for policymakers between their work and its impacts on grocers and shoppers.”
As part of her new role, Bonilla will also oversee the CGA Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization that supports and provides educational opportunities for the grocery industry. In 2026, CGAEF celebrated awarding a record-breaking $1,150,000 in scholarships for the industry.