Illuminators Yearbook Membership Guilde and Roster2023

MESSAGE FROM ILLUMINATOR HEADLITE, GREG SIEGEL

Dear Fellow Illuminators,

We’re excited to present this year’s Illuminator Yearbook, a look back at the fantastic year we had together with Joe Perez as our Headlite.

We started our year in May 2022 with the Midyear Board Meeting in Palm Desert, CA hosted by Joe and Anabell Perez with a theme of Moving Forward, celebrating our new class of Hilites and new Tailite Subriana Pierce.

Next up was our first big event, supporting the 2022 California Grocers Association Strategic Conference in Palm Springs in September, delighting 800 attendees with our Golf Tournament, Greeter Table, Breakfasts & Lunches and more! We look forward to seeing you all again this year at the 2023 CGA Conference from 9/24-9/26/23.

In November our Diversity & Inclusion event titled ‘Connectable: From Isolation to All In’ was held on November 15th, 2022, at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, CA where we also honored the Founders of our D&I Committee.

Our 2022 WAFC Rallies were held in early February in Woodinville, WA, Danville, CA and Seal Beach, CA and were all big successes due to the tremendous efforts by the Committees and excellent attendance and support from our retailer partners, Illuminator members and vendor community. We look forward to and are excited about some new locations for the WAFC Rallies in early 2024.

Wrapping up the year was the 2023 WAFC Convention at the beautiful JW Marriott in Palm Desert, CA in early May 2023 with over 1,800 attendees where our Illuminator Committees performed flawlessly as always. We also unveiled the Inaugural Christianson Classic Golf Tournament. We can’t thank our Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs and Volunteers enough for their tremendous efforts! And we very excited about the 2024 WAFC Convention from May 4 thru 8, 2024 at a brandnew location for this event: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado!

We hope that you had a great time ‘Spreading the Lite of Good Fellowship’ this past year and look forward to spending time together this year at the upcoming events, conferences and conventions supported by the Illuminator organization!

Thank You and Shine On!

Greg Siegel 94th Illuminator Headlite Idahoan Foods gsiegel@idahoan.com

A FINAL WORD FROM DIMMED HEADLITE, JOE PEREZ

Illuminator Family,

I’m filled with much gratitude for the opportunity I had to serve as the 93rd Illuminator Headlite and President, it has been a true labor of love.  I’m grateful for my wife Anabell and our sons, Joseph and Jacob who have been very supportive during my term on the board and as an Officer, I could not have done any of this without their endless support.  I’m eternally grateful to God for placing Paul Christianson and his lovely bride Carole in my life as they introduced me to this amazing organization and helped me navigate this awesome food industry.

Servant leadership is at the core of everything we do and I’m so grateful for the leaders that came before me and laid a strong foundation on which we could not only stand but also continue to build on.  I’m confident in the future growth and success of our organization as we have a great group of leaders coming up the ranks.  The future of our organization is brighter because of you.

I’m grateful for the exposure to grocery executives and the new business opportunities I’ve received throughout the years.  Most importantly I’m grateful for the newfound relationships I’ve developed over the years that have changed the trajectory of my life and my career!  We truly form an industry family that is unlike any other in the United States.  It is said that people come into your life for a reason, for a season, and for a lifetime.  I’ve created many friendships in this industry that will last a lifetime.  I’m truly grateful!

When someone attends the CGA Strategic Conference or the WAFC Convention it doesn’t take long to figure out that the Illuminators are surrounded by the most admired group of Grocery Executives and Leaders in our Nation! Let’s keep up the great work and move our organization forward, making it better than we found it and leaving it stronger for the next generation that steps in.

“I’m grateful for the newfound relationships I’ve developed over the years that have changed the trajectory of my life and my career!”

The greatest advice I can give to a new Illuminator member is simple: volunteer, get involved, and stay involved.  What you put in is what you get out.  The more you volunteer and get involved the more exposure you get in the industry and the more exposure you get in this industry the greater the opportunities you will have to grow your business!  Volunteer and get involved!

I’m proud to have served as the 93rd Illuminator Headlite and President, but the Illuminators Organization is much brighter and more resilient than ever and it has little to do with me and everything to do with my amazing Illuminator Officer Team, Advisory Officers, Board of Directors, Board Advisors, and our members at large!

Shine On, Take Care, and God Bless,

Joe Perez 93rd Illuminator Headlite & President

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

ADVISORY OFFICER

BOARD ADVISOR

Headlite Greg Siegel

Sidelite

Subriana Pierce

Spotlite Lori Brown

Taillite Thomas Huls

HILITE’S 3RD YEAR

HILITE’S 2ND YEAR

HILITE’S 1ST YEAR

“Hard-working and dedicated members...we are a strong and vibrant organization because of you.”

- Greg Siegel, 94th Illuminator Headlite

TESTIMONIALS

Throughout my career I have met some amazing people through my company with the work we do, through my educational journey, and at industry events. The lasting relationships I have forged with so many of our vendor partners all have one thing in common, they are Illuminators. This group of dedicated professionals work tirelessly in partnership with retailers to continue to support our people by advancing the food industry through education and leadership. They are always the folks that raise their hand to help and have been the foundation of industry events like the WAFC Convention year after year. I am proud to have built a wonderful network of great partners through the Illuminators but more importantly have many personal friends as well.

Levi Wingo Senior Vice President, Operations

“The Illuminators organization and its dedicated members are the preeminent grocery industry networking organization. Beyond their longevity and history, they are a contemporary organization dedicated to improving the connectivity and camaraderie across the food industry in the western United States. If you are interested in growing your long-term personal and professional relationships, and giving back to our industry, you should seriously consider joining their ranks.”

Doug Scholz SVP, Chief Operating Officer California Grocers Association

2022 WAFC

As an entrepreneur building my first food and beverage business, the Illuminators have truly been a guiding light in my journey. I knew we had a great product, but I was clueless about how to get it on grocery shelves. The Illuminators helped provide both insights and connections into what is otherwise a quite opaque industry. We’re thankful for the friends and business partners we’ve met through the Illuminators, and it’s been an integral part of the success we’ve had so far. Their mission to improve relationships with suppliers like us and support education is a boon to the whole industry!

Steven Tang Co-Founder at JUJU Spirits

The Illuminators are a group of outstanding individuals that have been a great partner and supporter of the California Grocers Association for over 90 years. Their commitment to building the next generation of leaders through education is a value shared by myself and the entire CGA organization. I’m especially impressed by their support of the CGA Strategic Conference where they work long hours in service of the retailers and vendor/supplier partnership. I truly value their friendship and support during my time with CGA and I look forward to continuing the partnership and fellowship for many years.

Dennis Darling 2023 CGA Chair

2022 WAFC

ILLUMINATORS SUPPORTING WAFC & CGA

HOW CAN I HELP?

When I hear those words, I know I am talking to a servant leader. Servant leaders are a special breed. They do not wonder if you need help, or even if they can help with your exact need. They know they can jump in and help in any way, and that doing so is also very gratifying to them. The Illuminators is made up of an army of servant leaders; dedicated professionals with “day jobs”, and yet they find the time and energy to passionately serve in the industry we love, with some of the best people on the planet.

The Illuminators are the secret sauce behind several amazing events, including the WAFC and CGA conferences. The planning process for these events begins months before the first attendees fill out their registration form. The behind-the-scenes work is planned out to the smallest detail, and the troops are rallied to fill their positions. There are twentytwo Illuminator committees staffed by incredible volunteers who work together to make it happen.

And speaking of rallying, each Winter, the Illuminators gather all their industry friends in Northern California, Southern California, and the Pacific Northwest to create excitement for the upcoming WAFC convention in May. These rallies are so popular that both California rallies sold out this year, and the rally at the Chateau St. Michelle Winery was epic. The rallies always set the tone for the upcoming convention, and this year’s rallies did not disappoint.

Pictures do not begin to describe the WAFC event this year. The talented WAFC team is always looking for ways to surprise and delight us. In San Antonio, it was a trip out to the ranch, complete with dinner, dancing, and a rodeo. This year, it was a WHITE OUT! Everyone remembered to pack their special outfit, and the results were phenomenal. Way to go,

Pat

Posey, Dana Hendry, and team!

It’s fall, which means CGA is right around the corner. So much activity at last year’s event, and the Illuminators were there to support the hotel staff serving meals, greeting attendees, and ensuring all our guests had an amazing experience. The rally committees are already busy planning for next year’s events, including one in Arizona in 2024. So, yes, you can help! There’s always room for a servant leader. Thank you for joining us on this wild and rewarding journey, my friends. Shine on.

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM PAST EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.ILLUMINATORS.ORG >>>

THE ILLUMINATORS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

1ST ANNUAL CHRISTIANSON CLASSIC - WAFC CONVENTION

Words are inadequate to express our appreciation to the Illuminators, the WAFC and all of those that participated in the 1 st Annual Christianson Classic Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 5, 2023, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert.

At the November 2022 Board of Directors Meeting of the WAFC in San Diego, Headlite-Joe Perez announced the name change which brought tears to my eyes. What an honor for our family and especially a well-deserved tribute to Paul.

A quote from Lisa Wingate on making sure we leave a legacy: “We die once when the last breath leaves our bodies. We die a second time when the last person speaks our name. The first is beyond our control…but the second we can strive to prevent.”

Thanks to the Illuminators with the support of the leadership of the Western Association of Food Chains, Paul’s legacy of volunteerism and servant leadership will live on.

I cannot imagine a greater gift of recognition and on behalf of our entire family, thank you!

Fondest regards,

Carole Christianson

“I cannot imagine a greater gift of recognition...”

MAY 5, 2023

WELCOME PAT POSEY NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER WAFC

I’d like to thank the Illuminators for this opportunity to reflect on my first year at the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC). I have learned so much over the past year, the complexity of this organization was more than I expected. I now have a much better understanding of how the retailers, wholesalers and suppliers work together to help educate our industry through WAFC’s initiatives. Even being a WAFC Board Member for the past eleven years did not expose me to all of the interactions of our organizations. I feel fortunate to have been so close to WAFC for so long as it really gave me a chance to hit the ground running.

Educationaly, Cherie Phipps is making great strides towards streamlining our processes to get more grocery retail and supplier team members enrolled in our Retail Management Certificate program. Cynthia McCloud is working on growing and improving the highly successful Food Industry Management (FIM) Program and our Food Industry Executive Programs (FIEP) at the University of Southern California. Enrollment in our USC programs looks to be beyond capacity this year, and we may need to develop waiting lists. Andrea Dimond has spent the last six months working with our friends at AlixPartners on developing a more strategic

education plan that will take us into the next decade. The grocery industry is moving fast and if WAFC doesn’t keep up with the pace we could find ourselves falling behind.

I am still getting comfortable working with our supplier community and exposing them to the benefits of working and investing in WAFC. The goal is to bring more value to our donor sponsors investment in WAFC by bringing more benefits and exposure not only at the convention but during the year. We’re always looking at new ways to help our suppliers grow their business through exposure, networking possibilities and educating their workforce.

As far as the convention goes, 2023 was the largest attended, most costly, and most successful by all measures in WAFC Convention history. The survey results were “off the charts” and the feedback was tremendous. Dana Hendry and I still have lots to work on to move towards our convention goals, but I think we are on the right track. Can’t wait for everybody to see what Paul Gianetto, Greg Siegel and Dana have planned for us in “Colorful Colorado” next year.

Hopefully if you’re involved with WAFC you have recognized some new energy around our programs and if your organizations are not heavily involved in WAFC, we can create more interest in investing in our programs and the future of food retailing.

Thank you again for the opportunity to write about our passion to educate.

Pat Posey Chief Operating Officer WAFC

We’re always looking at new ways to help our suppliers grow their business through exposure, networking possibilities and educating their workforce.

2022 ILLUMINATOR MID-YEAR EVENT-INTRODUCING HEADLITE JOE PEREZ, AT YOUR SERVICE!

In June 2022 we headed back down to one of our favorite places, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in beautiful Palm Desert. Joe and Anabell Perez have always been gracious hosts, and this event was no exception. The evening started with a welcoming reception in the familiar Headlite suite. This night is always a treat, not only to see all our wonderful friends, but also very entertaining to see our Dimmed Headlites behind the bar. Pro tip,

Joe also shared his special message for his year, Moving Forward. In Joe’s words, “The theme for my Headlite year is Moving forward. If you want to go fast you go alone, but if you want to go further you go with others. This year we will move the organization forward as a team. We will Move Further Faster Together! “

The Illuminators are a resilient, tenacious family of servant leaders with grit, and who live the mission of the organization. We stick together and lift each other up. A great example of this was our group video message sent to our dear friend, Dimmed Headlite Dave Dimond during dinner. Here’s to great friends and good health, DD!

Please welcome our 2022 incoming Hilites:

-Victoria Corbin

-Timme Taylor-Bennett

-Mike Phillips

-Kory Cox

-Lisa Mendonca

hold on to our apron, or it could disappear. Ask any of our seasoned veterans. And speaking of veterans, some our favorite retired veterans were on hand at the special event, ready to spring into action and help. Always nice to see Gary Pogue, Willie Crocker, Kory Cox, and our beloved patriarch, the late Tom Bezick. Rest in peace, brother.

Saturday was a busy day, including our Mid-Year board meeting in the morning, and golf and free time in the afternoon. Saturday night’s dinner at Mikado’s, a teppan-style restaurant, was special as we got to know each other a little better over the entertainment of our meal preparation. Joe welcomed in the new Hilites, and gave them their own aprons, in which they proceeded to model. Mike Phillips, you get my vote, buddy!

Such a fun weekend, and we left feeling energized, and ready to take on our next challenges. Joe has a relaxed style that makes his role look easy. It is not. He also has Anabell, his amazing wife, and two incredibly mature and sweet sons, Joey and Jacob. Thank you for sharing your family with us, Joe! Happy to be along for the ride, and to serve alongside you. At YOUR service, my friend. Thank you for your servant leadership, Joe. Shine On.

Lori Brown Spotlite SVP of Industry & Customer Development

THE ILLUMINATORS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The Illuminators Educational Foundation has distributed over $1,450,000 in scholarships over the years to deserving families within our industry.

A revolution in education within our industry!

The Illuminators Educational Foundation has distributed over $1,450,000 in scholarships over the years to deserving families within our wonderful industry.

A REVOLUTION IN EDUCATION WITHIN OUR INDUSTRY!

We are focused on educating our industry by teaming up with the WAFC and the Retail Management Certificate Program specifically targeting funds to support current industry employees to start the RMC and to those who complete the program and wish to continue their grocery education.

On behalf of the llluminators Education Foundation Board I would like to personally thank Greg Siegel and the llluminators Board for their generous donation to the Illuminators Education Foundation.

JOIN THE REVELOUTION AND SUPPORT THE IEF!

We are focused on educating our industry by teaming up with the WAFC and the Retail Management Certificate Program. We are specifically, targeting funds to support current industry employees to start RMCP. We also support those who complete the program and wish to continue their grocery education.

THE PERFORMANCE GROUP

On behalf of the Illuminatiors Education Foundation Board, I would like to personally thank Greg Siegel and the Illuminators Board for their generous donation to the Illuminatiors Education Foundation.

JOIN THE REVOLUTION AND SUPPORT THE IEF!

“I would like to take a moment to thank the IEF for your generosity. With this scholarship I will be the first person in my family to be able to attend college and fulfill my dream of becoming

2022-2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Aiden Nasser Smart & Final University of St Thomas

Ansley Van Gorkom NuCal Foods University of California-Irvine

Celeste Murphy Nonn Consulting Chapman University

Christian Iniguez Smart and Final Extra Palo Verde College

Aiden Pacunas UNFI, Inc Bradley University

Brandon Uribe Melendrez Gonzalez Northgate Market Cerritos College

Charlton Whittington Smart and Final Cerritos College

Evelyn Martinez Garcia Northgate Gonzalez Market Santa Ana College

Jesus (Albert) Ayala Northgate Gonzalez Markets Cerritos College

Brianna Donnelly Barilla Hofstra University

Chista Niknam Esfahani Sprouts Farmers Market San Diego Miramar College

Fernando Ortiz Smart and Final Gavilan College

Alyssa Marquez Smart and Final University of Cal-Los Angeles

Catherine Cranston The J.M. Smucker CO The University of TennesseeKnoxville

Christian Benjamin Niagra San Bernardino Valley College

Gabriel Martinez Albertsons Dallas College

2022-2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Jeslyn Chavez Galdamez Smart and final California State UniversityStanislaus

Karla Ash Gelson’s Humboldt State University

Aiden Nasser Smart & Final University of St Thomas

Michael Stine III Smart & Final University of Southern California

Jonah McLaughlin Stater Bros. Markets California Baptist University

Kenneth Chang Vons University of California-Los Angeles

Melanie Gallegos Staters Bros. Market California Baptist University

Michelle Safransky Ralphs Grocery Company Boston University

Jose Hernandez

Madelyn Suarez Bay Cities Long Beach City College

Melissa Rosales Northgate Gonzalez Market Long Beach City College

Nicholas Lam Gelson’s University of California San Diego

Juliana Sandoval Smart & Final University of California-Davis

Megan Ericksen King Soopers University of Colorado

Mia Calvo T&C Specialties LLC Santa Clara University

Noor Ameri The Flower Apothecary Santa Monica College

Alfredo Donovan Smart & Final MiraCosta College

Aliyah Rouse

Ralphs Howard University

April Peralta Smart and Final Distribution Center California Career Institute

Brittany O’Boyle Retailer

Four-Year College or University

WINNERS

LaceyEscamilla Retailer Two-Year College or University

Maddux Locklear

Avery Dennison Appalachian State University

Melani Morales

Northgate Gonzales Markets #19 East Los Angeles College

Meloney Ujunwa Retailer Vocational or Technical

Nicole Safransky

Ralphs Pharmacy California State University-Northridge

Yancey Tejeda

Northgate Gonzalez Market Cerritos College

Karena Patel Smart & Final California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Olivia Aquilina Hostess Brands College of the Canyons

Sasanna Shubin COSTCO Santa Ana College

Ryan Gonzalez Gonzalez Northgate Market Arizona State UniversityDowntown Phoenix

Vincent Costello Proctor & Gamble Las Positas College

Sophia Tagge Olive Crest Northern Arizona University

Christiana Benjamin Niagara California State UniversityFullerton

Stephanie Cuadra Barnava Northgate Gonzalez Market Concorde Career College San Diego

Evan Nasser Smart & Final, Chedraui USA University of California-Santa Barbara

ILLUMINATORS ROSTER

LAST NAME FIRST NAME COMPANY NAME EMAIL ADDRESS

Abandonato Dana 2 Towns Cider House D.Elliott@2townsciderhouse.com

Abarca Monica The Performance Group monicaa@tpgsalesservices.com

Adams Chris Retail MS chris@retailms.net

Adams Hal haladams2@gmail.com

Adlman Jeffrey M George Chiala Farms, Inc. adlman0211@gmail.com

Adragna Joan Martinellis jadragna@martinellis.com

Ajemian Michael Barilla America, Inc Michael.Ajemian@Barilla.com

Albaugh Robert Tony Chachere Creole Foods robert@tonychachere.com

Alden Jon Jelly Belly Candy Co. jalden@jellybelly.com

Algin Anu Manzana Products Co. anormak@gmail.com

Allen Brian Chosen Foods brian.allen@chosenfoods.com

Alvarez-Sell Elizabeth Ajinomoto Foods elizabeth.alvarezsell@ajinomotofoods.com

Alvarez Ernesto Destination Coffee destinationcoffee01@gmail.com

Ameri Karim CEO, Recycling Solution Sites, Inc Karim@crvsites.com

Ameri Nadia The Flower Apothecary nadia@theflowerapothecary.com

Anaya Filiberto

Aquilina Michael Hostess Brands Services, LLC maquilina@hostessbrands.com

Aufricht Phillip philaufricht@yahoo.com

Baird Joani Miyokos jbaird@miyokos.com

Baum Josh Savi josh@savisales.com; jsbaum19@gmail.com

Baxter John Phillips Foods jbaxter@phillipsfoods.com

Beckwith Pete JB Foods pbeckwith@jbfoods.com

Bekker Megan Golden West Packaging meganbekker@gmail.com

Belcastro Denny Kimberly Clark NA denny.j.belcastro@kcc.com

Bilello Lawrence JTM Foods lbilello@jtmfoods.net

Black Adam Yum Earth ablack@yumearth.com

Bollack Darryl Mariani Nut Company darrylbollack@gmail.com

Bonicatto Michael Specialty Food Sales Michael@specialtyfoodsales.net

Boone Walter Unique Snacks wboone@uniquesnacks.com

Bordalo Jane Alliance Sales and Marketing jbordalo1@comcast.net

Botana Linda Retired WAFC Coordinator lindylou42@gmail.com

Brown Lori Instacart lori.brown@instacart.com

Bunten Jonathan jonathan.bunten@gmail.com

Cabot Rita Norco Ranch rcabot@norcoranch.net

Carter Michael BGJ Group mike@bgjgroup.com

Casarez Dave Peco Pallet Inc dcasarez@pecopallet.com

Catuar Marie Keurig Dr. Pepper marie.catuar@kdrp.com

Chacon Steven Reyes Coca-Cola Steven.chacon@reyesccb.com

LAST NAME FIRST NAME COMPANY NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

Chidester Traci Pacific Seafood tracic@pacificseafood.com

Chiono Vic Retired-Coca-Cola North America vichiono@outlook.com

Christianson-Hayter Amanda CH Robinson amanda.hayter@chrobinson.com

Christianson Carole Western Assoc of Food Chains carole@wafc.com

Clark Dean Mission Foods dean_clark@missionfoods.com

Clark Jennifer Talking Rain; Sparkling Ice jclark@talkingrain.com

Clark Justin Epic Sales jclark@epicsales.com

Clark Kristal Ruiz Foods kristalc@ruizfoods.com

Clark, Jr. James A. lowersherwin@earthlink.net

Clifton Elizabeth Vestcom eclifton@vestcom.com

Clute Taylor taylor.clute11@gmail.com

Cohen Lisa NFA Foods monica@nfafoods.com

Colalongo Christian Pangea CDS ccolalongo@pangea-cds.com

Colburn Lois Gavina lois.colburn@gavina.com

Compas Gerry nite2gerry@aol.com

Corbin Victoria City of Hope vcorbin@coh.org

Costello Phil The Performance Group pcostello@tpgsales.com

Cox Kory Talking Rain Beverage Co. kcox@talkingrain.com

Crocker Mary Dairy Farmers of America mary.crocker@altadenadairy.com

Crocker Willie Bimbo Bakeries USA willie.crocker@grupobimbo.com

Crockett Lashonda Pennie’s Tea info@penniestea.com

Curran Al alcurran922@icloud.com

D’Ambrosio Mike New York Sausage mikey@newyorkstylesausage.com

D’Aquino Renna Gaetano D’Aquino Italian Importing Co., Inc. compliance@daquino.com

Davis Brandi Old Trapper brandi.davis@oldtrapper.com

Dean Kayla Olive Crest kayla-dean@olivecrest.org

DeLuca Heather heatherdeluca@yahoo.com

Detherage Doug Dougdetherage760@gmail.com

Dimond Dave Milton’s Baking Co. ddimond@miltonsbaking.com

Dinh Maria maria.dinh@gmail.com

Dinsmore Robert Better Butter rdinsmore@betterbutter.com

Dodge David Flowers Foods david.dodge@flocorp.com

Dodson Matthew Retail MS mdodson@retailms.net

Doggett David Organic Girl David.Doggett@iloveorganicgirl.com

Dossey Alan Faribault Foods adossey@faribaultfoods.com

Dotson Gary Talking Rain; Sparkling Ice

Dougherty Heather RMS Inc Heather@retailms.net

Du Jiashu Better Together Foods info@bettertogetherfoods.us

Dyer Angelee angeew@msn.com

Driscoll Lori Upfield lori.driscoll@upfield.com

Dvorsky Rado Savage Rabbit Distributing inc. savage@savagerabbit.com

Elste Charles Retired - NuCal Foods chuck.e@live.com

LAST NAME FIRST NAME COMPANY NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

Escobar Anthony Nucal Foods anthony.escobar@nucalfoods.com

Felix ; Pike Chrissy Chosen Foods chrissy.felix@chosenfoods.com

Feitelson Leigh Compliance Metrix leigh.feitelson@compliancemetrix.com

Flamm Jay Talking Rain Beverage Co. jflamm@talkingrain.com

Forehand Chuck Daisy Brand chuckm4hand@comcast.net

Foss Randall Golden West Packaging randy.foss@goldenwestpackaging.com

Fowler Kimberlea Kellogg kimberlea.fowler@kellogg.com

Frankish Ken Frankish Enterprises LLC kaywood6@outlook.com

Franko Dwayne Catalina dwayne.franko@catalina.com

French James Co-Sales Northern California french4505@aol.com

Frenkel Bryan Blue Triton bryan.frenkel@bluetriton.com

Fuchs Karen Q Mixers karen@qmixers.com ; ksfuchs68@gmail.com

Fujimoto Steve Navigator Sales sfujimoto@navigatorsales.com

Gagel Jessica Organic Girl, LLC jessica.gagel@iloveorganicgirl.com

Gallagher Tessie BG Foods tessie.gallagher@bgfoods.com

Gallo Robert oldcrow9@yahoo.com

Galvan Jesse Sparkling Ice jgalvan@talkingrain.com

Gamboa Arnie Marketline Connections a-gamboa@sbcglobal.net

Garabaldi Vincent Torani vgaribaldi@torani.com

Gasparyan Agavni Diageo agavni.gasparyan@diageo.com

Gerdwagon Yvonne ygerdwagon@gmail.com

Gering Christine iFoods christine@ifoodds.com

Green Harmon ‘Ben’ Brazilian Pet Products hbgreen@sbcglobal.net

Greer Stacie Talking Rain ; Sparkling Ice

Groeper Lauren Shannan.ackerman@thehappygroup.com

Grosse Dave The Performance Group daveg@tpgsalesservices.com

Gustafson Elizabeth East West Tea liz.gustafson@eastwesttea.com

Haddy Roger Frontier Co Op roger.haddy@gmail.com

Hahm Paul hanulj@gmail.com

Hansa Dominic dominic@grocerytv.com

Hansen Jeff Bard Valley Date Growers jeff.hansen@bvdg.com

Harlan Craig Earth Friendly Products craig@ecos.com

Harms Kathy F Gavina & Sons kathy.harms@gavina.com

Harpole Orv Harpole Consulting corvette4orv@aol.com

Heberger Ryan Monster Energy ryan.heberger@monsterenergy.com

Hemaidan Jehan jehonda97@yahoo.com

Hendrickson Arne Thomas-Hendrickson Inc arne@thincpartners.com

Hepler Ed Bonnie’s Jams ed@bonniesjams.com

Hernandez Cesar Vilore Foods chernandez@vilore.com

Herpich Chris Valassis Digital herpichc@valassis.com;

Hewett Winston Bay Cities winstonh@bay-cities.com

Hilton Alisa Chosen Foods alisa@chosenfoods.com

LAST NAME FIRST NAME COMPANY NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

Hotchkiss Andy Plenty ahotchkiss@plenty.ag

Howard Shaun Talking Rain showard@talkingrain.com

Huls Thomas Chosen Foods thomas.huls@chosenfoods.com

Hulterstrom Steven Presence Marketing shulterstrom@pmidpi.com

Hurst Michael Stores Consulting mhurst@storesconsulting.com

Izza Remo Ruiz Foods remoi@ruizfoods.com

Jenkins Richard Pleasant Valley Farms Inc. melissa@pvfarmsca.com

Jenkins Tomarra Pepsi Co.

Johannes Jake Earth Friendly Products jjohannes@ecos.com

Johnson Ginger Retail Data Systems jjahn@rdspos.com

Johnson Jamie Talking Rain ; Sparkling Ice

Juarez Lisa Tabasco lisa.juarez@tabasco.com

Kamholz Paul Golden West Packaging Paul.Kamholz@goldenwestpackaging.com

Kargl Justin Challenge Dairy justin.kargl@challengedairy.com

Kelly Robert (Bob) 19bkelly76@gmail.com

Kennick Cheryl City of Hope ckennick@coh.org

Kniffen Ken Accelerate 360 kkniffen@accelerate360.com

Kocaya Chris Ocean Spray ckocaya@oceanspray.com

Konrad Karl Impact Group kkonrad@acosta.com

Kopulsky Craig Pre Zero craig.kopulsky@prezero.us

Kosko Catherine Blue Oco katie.kosko@blueoco.com

Kuerbis Matt Hoss Soss LLC hello@heatyoucanhandle.com

Kuykendall Joell Alliance Sales jkuykendall@alliancesalesinc.com

La Bounty Brent blabount@gmail.com

Lansing Greg greg.lansing@gmail.com

Lape Tracy Advantage tracy.lape@advantagesolutions.net

LaPointe Jaclyn Upside jackie.lapointe@upside.com

Lapp Adam Talking Rain Beverage Co. alapp@talkingrain.com

Lawson Kristyn Chosen Foods kristyn.lawson@chosenfoods.com

Lewis Christine Oatly US christine.lewis@oatly.com

Liddy Matthew Promotion in Motion mliddy@promotioninmotion.com

Lieberman Marie Jacent Retail marielieberman@jacentretail.com

Llena Loren Vestcom loren.llena@gmail.com

Lombardo Tim Ruiz Foods timl@ruizfoods.com

Losoya Sarah Yum Earth slosoya@yumearth.com

Lukyanova Valeriya Local Express veronikab@localexpress.io

Ly Mark Sugar Bowl Bakery mark_ly@sugarbowlbakery.com

Macdonald Tim Duracell macdonald.tm@duracell.com

Macias Marcela MW Polar Foods marcela138@mwpolar.com

Maddan Michael mikejr@maddanco.com

Marnien Gerry Precision Refurbishing precisionrefurb@aol.com

Martel Dean Organic Girl Dean.Martel@iloveorganicgirl.com

LAST NAME FIRST NAME COMPANY NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

Maslin Ashley Reyes Coca Cola ashley.maslin@reyesccb.com

Mason Roy Harkins Popcorn 1357rmason@gmail.com

Maybee Brett Humm Kombucha bret.m@hummkombucha.com

Mayo Dailey La Croix Beverages Rmayo@LaCroixbeverages.com

McAbee Brendan Bimbo Bakeries brendan.mcabee@grupobimbo.com; bmcabee11@gmail.com

McClafferty Nick Talking Rain ; Sparkling Ice

McCoy Alex alexandramccoy0@gmail.com

McDevitt Mike Faribault Foods mmcdevitt@faribaultfoods.com

McDonald Eamon Pasmosa eamon@pasmosa.com

McIntosh Marla Smuckers Marla.mcintosh@jmsmucker.com

McQuistan Chelsea Perdue Farms chelsea.mcquistan@perdue.com

McVay Kristina Del Monte kristina.mcvay@delmonte.com

Meade Jan Shelby Publishing janmeade@shelbypublishing.com

Meckler Frank

Mendonca Lisa TOMRA lisa.mendonca@tomra.com

Menkins Daniel Alliance Sales dmenkens@alliancesalesinc.com

Merritts Lee Encore Associates Leemerritts@aol.com

Michels Herbert

Miller Gabe Blue Oco gabe.miller@blueoco.com

Miller Kenn Drunk Fruit kenn@drinkdrunkfruit.com

Miller Mark Nucal Foods mark.miller@nucalfoods.com

Millhiser Matt G Plastics ana@gplastics.net

Monroe Allison General Mills allison.monroe@genmills.com

Morales Marcella Torani mmorales@torani.com

Morikawa Ryan Talking Rain Beverage Co. rmorikawa@talkingrain.com

Moschetti Dominic Vida Marketing Communications dmoschetti@vidamc.com

Myhoob Adam Nuts on the Run lydianutsontherun@gmail.com

Myrick Leonard Fresh KO Produce jmyrick@freshkoproduce.com

Verbeck Taylor Social Sampling, Inc. tnakken@socialsampling.com

Nazarian Noah Bahamii noah@bahamii.com

Nelson Jason jasonmichaelnelson@gmail.com

Nichols Anthony McKee Anthony.Nichols@mckee.com

Nickitas Nick Instacart nick.nickitas@instacart.com

Nickless Maria Olive Crest

Nonn Larry Nonn Consulting NonnLarry@gmail.com

Olejnik Mark C&H Sugar - ASR Group mark.olejnik@asr-group.com

Okland Nucal Foods bokland@nucalfoods.com

Osterman Tom Humm Kombucha, LLC tom@humm.com

Parks Maureen VDriven Maureen.parks@Vdriven.com

Pena Xavier Brand X Marketing and Sales Solutions xpena@brandx.marketing

Perez Joe Waste Stream Solutions solutions@wastestream.net

Perry Ben Manzana Products Co. bperry@manzanaproductsco.com

LAST NAME FIRST NAME COMPANY NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

Pesavento Laura New York Style Sausage laura@newyorkstylesausage.com

Phan Christine christinephann@gmail.com

Philips Michael Mesa Verde Trading Co. mike@mesaverdetrading.com

Phillips Landon landonphillips@mac.com

Pierce Subriana Navigator Sales and Marketing subriana@navigatorsales.com

Pierson Gerald Jelly Belly Candy Co. gpierson@jellybelly.com

Pogue Gary Pogue Consulting garypogue13@outlook.com

Pontius Tim Hidden Villa Ranch tpontius@hiddenvilla.com

Porter Joe porterj62@hotmail.com

Pottier Brenden Bimbo Bakeries USA brenden.pottier@gmail.com

Powers Jacob Premier Sales Solutions jpowers@premiersalessolutions.com

Prairie Gordie Hidden Villa Ranch gprairie@msn.com

Purkhiser David DavidPurkhiser@gmail.com

Rasmussen Robert dionras@aol.com

Ratcliff David Bimbo Bakeries david.ratcliff@grupobimbo.com

Rector John Itasca jrector@itasca-rector.com

Reeves Bob Shelby Publishing Co., Inc. rreeves@shelbypublishing.com

Reinsant Matthew Marzetti mreinsant@marzetti.com

Rewick Todd Jelly Belly Candy Co.

Rhee Michael PreZero michael.rhee@prezero.us

Rico Adrian Supply King Procurement Services aricobaez@outlook.com

Roberts Matthew Presence Marketing mroberts@pmidpi.com

Robertson Vern Win Consulting lrobert628@comcaStnet

Robinson Tricia Campbells tricia_robinson@campbells.com

Robinson Wendy Mission Foods wrobinson@missionfoods.com

Rodriguez Margarito Juanitas Foods kmontenegro@juanitasfoods.com

Rodriguez Wenddy Ole Mexican Foods Wesasales@outlook.com

Roeper Glen Popcornopolis (retired) gbrcdr@aol.com

Rogers - Wilson Christina Loacker CRogers@loacker.com

Rongey Lisa Danone lisa.rongey@danone.com

Ruiz Johnny Talking Rain ; Sparkling Ice

Sawchuk Dan Chobani dan.sawchuk@chobani.com

Schierloh Nicholas schierlohn@yahoo.com

Schmitt Pete SF Bay Coffee Co. peeschitt@yahoo.com

Schott Nick Red Bull nick.schott@redbull.com

Schweizer Michael US Nestle michael.schweizer@us.nestle.com

Sebasto Ron BevWestco r.sebasto@sbcglobal.net

Seel Will Freight Handlers, Inc. (FHI) wseelnc@gmail.com

Sencer Michael Hidden Villa Ranch msencer@hiddenvilla.com

Severns Jeff Pepsi Beverages Co. jeff.severns@pepsico.com

Shaffer Donna Hostess Brands dshaffer@hostessbrands.com

Sheeder Mike Olds Fitz msheeder@oldsfitz.com

LAST NAME FIRST NAME COMPANY NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

Sheldon Greg Anheuser-Busch greg.sheldon@anheuser-busch.com

Shkolnik Paula Crepini sandy@crepini.com

Siegel Greg Idahoan Foods, LLC gsiegel@idahoan.com

Skoog Dick Cascade Coffee Inc.

Slabaugh Eric NuCal Foods, Inc. eslabaugh@nucalfoods.com

Smith Dave

Snortum Ernest

Soghomonian Armen Status Group armen@stratusgp.com

Somers Jeffrey Biosteel jeffrey.somers@biosteel.com

Sonenberg Amanda AppCard amandas@appcard.com

Spangler Chris HS&R Sales and Marketing Chris.spangler@hsrsales.com

Staehle Randy Organic Girl randy.staehle@iloveorganicgirl.com

Stahl Lesia Lesiastahl@gmail.com

Stevenson Charles ‘Rick’ Torani rstevenson@torani.com

Sullivan Mike Sun Maid Growers of California msullivan@sunmaid.com

Svete Kyle iFoodDS kyle.svete@ifoodds.com

Tagge Rhonda Olive Crest Treatment Cntr Rhonda-Tagge@olivecrest.org; Maria-Nickless@ olivecrest.org

Takeda Steve Morgan Stanley steve.takeda@gmail.com

Tallia Ron Earth Friendly Products rtallia@ecos.com

Tang Steven Drunk Fruit steven@drinkdrunkfruit.com

Taylor Larry Bimbo Bakeries USA tlarry301@gmail.com

Taylor-Bennet Timme TimmeTBennett@gmail.com

Teeters, Jr. Clem Teeters & Associates clemteeters@sbcglobal.net

Telford Holly Jelly Belly Candy Co htelford@jellybelly.com

Temborius Jim JTM Foods jtemborius@jtmfoods.net

Thatcher Connie Advantage Solutions connie.thatcher@advantagesolutions.net

Thomson Rob Wonderful Sales robert.thomson@wonderful.com

Torralva Daniel Danielt6109@gmail.com

Trickel Shelly Ventura Foods skenttrickel@gmail.com

Trillas Juan Bimbo Bakeries USA Juan.trillas@grupobimbo.com

Troiano Tony Flowers Bakeries LLC tony.troiano@flocorp.com

Tuoto Mario Acosta MTuoto@acosta.com

Van Gorkom Jim NuCal Foods, Inc. jvangorkom@nucalfoods.com

Van Winkle Dave Monster Energy david.vanwinkle@monsterenergy.com

Vander Giessen John

Vaughn Michael City of Hope mvaughan@coh.org

Verbeck Brandon Social Sampling brandon@socialsampling.com

Verleur Lois Olive Crest Treatment Cntr lois-verleur@olivecrest.org

Victor Stu Advantage Solutions stu.victor@advantagesolutions.net

Vijay Priyanka KDRP Priyanka.Vijay@kdrp.com

LAST NAME FIRST NAME COMPANY NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

Villarreal Paulina Preferred Sales + Marketing pauvillarreal@gmail.com

Villanueva Mickie the Performance Group Mickie@MSVconsult.net

Violi Jayme Faribault Foods, Inc. jvioli@faribaultfoods.com

Walker Peter Gourmet Demonstration Services gdsmarketing@outlook.com

Wallace Clare clare.ashton.wallace@gmail.com

Ward Jennifer Punchh jennifer.ward@punchh.com; jennifer.ward001@gmail.com

Warnick Russell Pepsi Co. russell.warnick@pepsico.com

Waters Kristi Talking Rain Beverage Co. kwaters@talkingrain.com

Watson Ada

Weaver Guillaume Monster Energy gui.weaver@monsterenergy.com

Webb William D. Proctor & Gamble (Retired) 6277wdwebb@gmail.com

Whitbeck Dave Manzana Products Co., Inc. dwhitbeck@manzanaproductsco.com

White John Advantage Solutions john.b.white@advantagesolutions.net

White Scott Golden West Packaging danielle.medina@goldenwestpackaging.com

Whitmore Jerry Retired: Dreyers Grand Ice Cream jerry.whitmore500@icloud.com

Wilkerson James Schwans jim.wilkerson@schwans.com

Williams Benjamin 2 Towns Ciderhouse B.Williams@2Townsciderhouse.com

Willis David Willis Marketing Inc. (retired) dbwillis@willismarketing.com

Wright Alexander boco.alexw@gmail.com

Wright Evan

Wright Robin Gavina robin.wright@gavina.com

Wunsch Dave C & H Sugar - Domino Foods david.wunsch@asr-group.com

Wyatt Bruce Flowers Baking Co.-Retired bruce.wyatt65@gmail.com

Wyatt Missy Talking Rain Beverage Co. kwaters@talkingrain.com

Yates Kimberley Natures Bakery kyates@naturesbakery.com

Yeck Tyson Pacific Seafood tyeck@pacseafood.com

Yochem Cathy Ruiz Foods cathyy@ruizfoods.com

Zimmerman Charles Nestlé USA charlesjzim@gmail.com

TESTIMONIAL

The Illuminators are a remarkable group of dedicated industry professionals that do amazing work on behalf of our industry. Their support for educating our future leaders with their own scholarship fund and the incredible work they do behind the scenes for the WAFC and CGA have built a legacy that continues to be second to none. Along with the important educational work they do, I have found that they truly do spread the light of fellowship in the food industry. Over the years, many of the friendships I value most have been from my association with the Illuminators. If relationships with the retail leaders of the western US are important to you and your business, you will want to be a part of this terrific organization.