Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
As the SVP of Sales and Support, James has comprehensive oversight of several key member-facing service groups, including Retail Business Solutions, Business Analytics, Marketing & Advertising, the Retail Marketing Network, and our AIM ad group. These teams are dedicated to providing essential services such as e-commerce platforms, digital marketing strategies, retail pricing guidance, loyalty programs, and a complete suite of advertising and marketing support. Furthermore, James leads the teams responsible for business development, real estate, store engineering, and design sourcing. These groups are instrumental in fostering new business ventures and assisting our members with the growth and modernization of their operations. He is also actively involved in member-centric initiatives aimed at ensuring the continued relevance and competitiveness of AWG members within their respective markets.
Derek leads all operations functions, including all division support centers and corporate support center distribution. Derek’s direct reports include one executive leadership team member and four Senior Vice Presidents of regional operations.
Shelly is responsible for the Information Technology and Security functions supporting AWG and its members. This includes alignment of technology roadmap and strategy to business priorities and ensuring the contracts and services used are reliably integrated, secure and cost controlled. Her direct reports are responsible for Application Service Development & Delivery, Enterprise Data & Analytics and Infrastructure & Security.
Tye is responsible for Merchandising and Analytics. This includes all Category Management, Procurement, Business Data Analytics, and AWG Brands private brands programs. Tye’s responsibilities cover all AWG departments including Center Store Grocery, Frozen Food, Dairy, Supplies, Meat, Produce, and Deli/Bakery/Food Service.
Emile is responsible for leading Sales & Member Services departments. His direct reports include marketing, advertising, retail business solutions, store engineering, real estate, Design Source Group (DSG), Valu Merchandisers (VMC), Learning & Development, and the Price Cutter Stores program.
Richard has company-wide responsibility for distribution and logistics strategy, automation, inbound transportation, outbound transportation planning and execution to members, labor negotiations, industrial engineering, facilities and maintenance support services, food safety, and sustainability. Additionally, Richard oversees the new automated All-in-One distribution hub in Hernando, MS.
Stephanie is responsible for leading all legal affairs for the company and its subsidiaries. Stephanie is a key leader in AWG’s current growth projects, as well as leading the company’s work with the National Grocer’s Association pressing for changes in the enforcement of antitrust laws. Her direct reports are the AWG legal team.
Gary is responsible for the technology, business development, financial, risk management, payroll, and audit functions within the company, as well as facilitating financial support for members. His direct reports include the SVP, Finance & Treasurer; SVP, Chief Admin Officer; VP, Corporate Controller; and VP, Tax & Internal Audit.
President and CEO
David is responsible for leading and managing AWG and its affairs, as well as developing, communicating, and executing the organization’s vision, mission, and purpose. This includes strategies and goals that protect and build the image and culture and ensure AWG’s success. David reports to AWG’s board of directors.