The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has elected three new members to its board of directors—Barry Craft, Richard Wardwell and Rick Williams.
Craft is VP of merchandising, marketing and procurement for Bashas’ Inc. in Chandler, Arizona. His career spans 40 years in the supermarket industry and includes executive leadership roles in major markets throughout the Southeastern and Southwestern U.S.
Wardwell is president of Superior Grocers in Santa Fe Springs, California. Superior Grocers is one of Southern California’s largest independent supermarket chains, operating 46 locations. He has more than 35 years of grocery retail experience and has been with Superior Grocers for more than five years.
Williams is area VP South for Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions in Fullerton, California. He has 34 years experience working in the grocery industry.
“We are pleased to welcome these talented industry leaders to the WAFC board of directors. We look forward to their contribution to increase participation in WAFC accredited education initiatives,” said Greg McNiff, WAFC president and chairman and president of Stater Bros. Markets
Established in 1921, with grants in excess of $33 million, the WAFC is focused on providing educational opportunities for food industry associates. The Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business has been available to qualified industry participants for 62 years.
In 2000, the WAFC expanded its scope by working with community colleges throughout the Western United States to establish the “Retail Management Certificate Program.” The curriculum is currently available at 160 college/satellite locations and online nationally.
