The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has elected three new directors to its board and has reinstated a previous member.
“We are pleased to welcome these talented industry leaders to the WAFC board of directors. We look forward to their contribution to increase participation of WAFC accredited education initiatives,” said Greg McNiff, Western Association of Food Chains president and chairman and president of Stater Bros. Markets.
Doug Campbell
Campbell is the SVP of operations of the Seattle Division of Albertsons/Safeway and most recently served as SVP of marketing and merchandising in the Southern Division. Campbell is known for his ability to consistently drive sales and profit through effective promotions and merchandising.
Chris Cowgill
Cowgill is the VP of marketing and merchandising for the Denver division of Albertsons Cos. He started his 33-year journey with Albertsons in Lubbock, Texas, as a courtesy clerk. Serving in a variety of roles in multiple markets, he is “obsessed” with using data to make impactful decisions to guide the team to success.
Ryan Voorhees
Voorhees is group VP of category management and merchandising support at Albertsons Corporate. Ryan started with Safeway in procurement in 2002 but has spent most of his career in a variety of merchandising roles starting in 2004. He was a WAFC scholarship recipient and is a 2012 graduate of the USC Food Industry Management Program.
Phil Miller
Miller is the VP/general manager for the West Region and Hawaii with full cross functional P&L responsibility and the customer experience at C&S Wholesale Grocers. He has more than 30 years of management experience, primarily in logistics, finance, retail and foodservice management with industry leading companies. Miller previously served on the WAFC board of directors from 2013 to 2016.
Established in 1921, with grants of more than $34.3 million, the WAFC is focused on providing educational opportunities for food industry associates. The highly acclaimed Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business has been available to qualified industry participants for 63 years. In 2000, the WAFC expanded its scope by working with community colleges throughout the Western U.S. to establish the Retail Management Certificate Program. The program curriculum is currently available at 160 college/satellite locations and online nationally.
