Town & Country Markets, a family-owned grocer with six stores across Washington’s Puget Sound region, has appointed Jennifer Daquiz Hare, Leslie Rice and Ed Nakata to its board of directors. Nakata, son of Ron Nakata and a grandson of co-founder Mo Nakata, also serves as president of the company’s Family Council, supporting the preservation of family values and preparation for future generations of ownership.
The new board members bring expertise spanning corporate finance, business strategy and business growth in the banking and investments, insurance and technology sectors.
“We’re intentional about building a board that reflects the expertise and values needed to guide our future and align with the evolving needs of our guests,” said Ryan Ritter, CEO of Town & Country Markets. “Our board of directors plays a critical role in shaping long-term strategy, stewarding resources and family values and ensuring the organization thrives in our dynamic retail landscape. We’re thrilled to welcome these new leaders to our team. Each brings unique experience and perspective, and a shared commitment to our mission.”
Daquiz Hare joins with more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in corporate finance, strategy and growth. Named one of the Puget Sound Business Journal‘s 2026 Directors of the Year, she led PNC Bank’s corporate and institutional banking expansion across the Pacific Northwest, building the region’s first office into a $2 billion business while advising companies on complex financing and long-term growth strategies. She also serves as board chair at Washington STEM and as a board advisor to the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Washington.
Rice is a financial executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning finance, operations and strategic growth. Her executive career includes senior leadership roles at Wells Fargo, Safeco, DaVita and PEMCO, bringing expertise in financial oversight, governance and organizational strategy. She has served on numerous nonprofit and corporate boards, providing guidance and financial oversight to organizations across the Pacific Northwest.
Nakata brings more than 20 years of experience leading technology strategy, enterprise platforms and digital transformation for organizations including Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase and McKinstry. His only prior work for the company was a stint as a courtesy clerk in high school.
As president of the Family Council, Nakata plays a role in fostering family engagement, governance and long-term stewardship, while helping to bridge the perspectives of family shareholders and company leadership. The council took shape after family members gathered in 2023, as a CEO retirement approached and senior members of the family stepped back from daily operations. Fifteen Nakatas, including spouses, committed to the council, and 20 family members are part of a broader family assembly. Nakata helped put the family’s core values into writing.
“I’m honored to join the board at a time when the company continues to deepen its commitment to its mission and the communities it serves,” Nakata said. “Since its founding, Town & Country Markets has been guided by the principles of care, integrity and respect. I look forward to listening, building relationships and helping create more opportunities for our guests to shape the future of the company.”
Town & Country Markets was founded in 1957 by brothers John and Mo Nakata and their friend Ed Loverich. Three of its stores operate under the Town & Country banner and three under the Central Market banner.