Safeway’s Poggi Named Chair of CGA Educational Foundation

The California Grocers Association has named Pam Poggi, VP, corporate human resources development for Pleasanton, Calif.-based Safeway, Inc., chair of the trade group’s Educational Foundation board of trustees, which comprises grocery retailers and suppliers from throughout the state.

“Pam Poggi is an excellent appointee for this important position,” said CGAEF president Ronald Fong. “Her knowledge, leadership abilities and vision will help the foundation reach the next level.

Poggi’s career in human resources spans more than 25 years. She began her career as a personnel officer for what is now Bank of America. Poggi joined Safeway in 1995 and has held her current position since 2004.

She is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Food Industry Management Executive Program. Under her leadership, her department won the Food Marketing Institute’s Maximizing People Award for Safeway’s Retail Management Training.

The foundation’s goals include conducting industry research and sharing information, promoting and encouraging educational and employment opportunities, developing training and educational methods and materials, and promoting and encouraging community service programs.

“In order to achieve our objectives, my vision includes a strong partnership with CGA’s board of directors to ensure that we align our strategic direction regarding the programs and services we offer to our members,” noted Poggi. “Our offerings will be strengthened by building solid relationships with the Food Marketing Institute, the National Grocers Association, and the Western Association of Food Chains, as well as collaborating with other educational foundations to learn and incorporate best practices.”