Reston, Va. – The Convenience Distribution Association (CDA) has announced Richard Owen as its new president & CEO. He will take over from Kimberly Bolin, who plans to retire at the end of this year. To facilitate a smooth transition, Owen will start on September 2, 2025, and gradually assume responsibilities. He will officially become President & CEO on November 7, 2025, when Bolin will move into an advisory role.
“I am honored and excited to be selected to lead such a respected organization,” said Owen. “Under Kimberly Bolin’s leadership, CDA has built an enviable record of supporting its members and advancing the convenience distribution channel. I look forward to expanding on that record to ensure that the critical role of distributors in the supply chain is kept front and center.”
“I am pleased to welcome Richard into this role and into the CDA community,” said Bolin. “His extensive association experience and collaborative nature will allow him to quickly build strong relationships with our staff, members, and stakeholders. Just as important, his forward-looking perspective will open exciting new ways for CDA to expand its reach and maximize members’ success. I look forward to working together over the next five months to ensure that the association continues its momentum when Richard assumes leadership.”
CDA Chair Jodi Buckner, CFO of Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, in Port Allen, Louisiana, added, “Throughout his career, Richard has distinguished himself as an exceptional strategist, a thoughtful leader and an effective advocate. Distributors are the key to the success of the entire convenience retail industry—and as the trade association representing this $102 billion sector, CDA is perfectly positioned to turn today’s opportunities into tomorrow’s realities. Our Executive Committee is confident that Richard is the leader who can make it all happen.”
Owen is President & CEO of the American Peanut Council. Previously, he held senior roles at the Produce Marketing Association, now the International Fresh Produce Association, overseeing legislative, regulatory, membership, and global business development. He was also Executive Director of the World Airline Entertainment Association and Director of Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Trade Representative's Office. A Certified Association Executive since 2000, Owen has a B.S. in Agricultural Education from Virginia Tech.
