WAFC names Levi Wingo education chairman as Mike Hendry retires

YORBA LINDA, Calif. — The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced a leadership transition in its education programs, naming Levi Wingo the education chairman after longtime chairman Mike Hendry's retirement.

Hendry, who has served as WAFC’s education chairman since 2018, was recognized at the 2026 WAFC Convention for his contributions to the organization’s mission to advance leadership development and education across the food industry. Wingo was elected to the role by the WAFC Board of Directors at the association’s annual convention in May.

The transition comes as Hendry retires from Northgate Markets after 14 years as executive vice president of merchandising and marketing. Over a grocery career spanning more than four decades, he also held leadership roles at Vons, Safeway, Catalina Marketing and SUPERVALU.

During his tenure as education chairman, Hendry helped expand WAFC’s educational programs, strengthen industry participation, and support the development of future leaders in the grocery industry.

“Mike’s dedication to education and leadership development has left a lasting impact on the WAFC’s education programs and the many industry professionals who have benefited from our programs,” said Pat Posey, chief operating officer of WAFC. “His passion for investing in people and strengthening our industry will continue to influence the WAFC for years to come.”

Reflecting on his service, Hendry said the role had been one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.

“The WAFC’s greatest impact isn’t measured by programs or scholarships alone. It is measured by the people who return to their companies inspired, better prepared to lead and committed to helping others succeed,” Hendry said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident that the WAFC is in great hands with Levi and the next generation of WAFC leaders.”

Wingo brings more than 20 years of grocery retail leadership experience to the position. He currently serves as senior vice president of product and merchandising innovation at The Raley's Companies, overseeing merchandising, innovation, private brands, manufacturing, construction, facilities maintenance and pharmacy operations across the enterprise, as well as leading premium banner AJ's Fine Foods.

A graduate of California State University East Bay, Wingo also completed both the Food Industry Management Program and the Master of Science in Food Industry Leadership Program at USC Marshall School of Business.

“Levi’s passion for education and growing the next generation of industry leaders makes him exceptionally well-suited to help lead the WAFC education programs into the future,” Posey said. “We are excited to welcome him into this important role and look forward to his leadership.”

Wingo said WAFC’s focus on investing in people has long distinguished the organization within the industry.

“What’s always made WAFC different to me is that it’s never just been about networking or business development,” he said. “At its core, it’s about investing in people, helping create opportunities for growth, leadership and education that genuinely change careers and lives.”

WAFC said it remains committed to providing educational opportunities, scholarships and leadership development programs designed to strengthen the food industry workforce and prepare future generations of leaders.