KANSAS CITY, KS - After 40 years in supermarket operations, Chuck Murfin has retired from the business and, in turn, resigned from the Associated Wholesale Grocers’ (AWG) Board of Directors.

“It’s been a great opportunity, a wonderful ride, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I will never forget all the great people I’ve met over the years,” Mr. Murfin commented, having joined the board in 1990.

Mr. Murfin’s withdrawl went into effect December 10, 2019, with the board electing Donald Rouse, Jr. to serve as Mr. Murfin’s successor for the remainder of his term at the December 2019 board meeting. Mr. Murfin’s term will officially expire at the association’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

“On behalf of the board I would like to thank Chuck for his dedication to AWG and our members for the last 30 years,” said Barry Queen, Chairman of the Board for AWG. “Chuck has played an instrumental role on our board over the last three decades and helped guide us as we grew from two divisions with $2 billion in annual sales to eight divisions today with over $9.7 billion in sales.”

Mr. Murfin’s successor, Mr. Rouse, serves as CEO of Rouses Markets, a Louisiana-based regional grocer operating 63 supermarkets along the Gulf Coast.

“I am very honored to be joining AWG’s board and look forward to contributing to its continued success in any way I can,” Mr. Rouse said of the changes.

Mr. Rouse also brings an established tenure to the role, having began working in the buy-side as a teenager in his family’s grocery store.

“Donny Rouse leads one of the best regional independent chains in the country. They are very progressive in their store designs, operations, offerings, and marketing. They are a great example of an independent grocer that continues to raise their game so they remain relevant leaders in the markets they serve. I know that he will be a great contributor to our board and the future success of AWG and the members we serve,” said Chairman Queen.

In the press release, AWG noted that along with stepping away from the board, Mr. Murfin recently sold his four supermarkets in the Springfield, Missouri, area to a fellow member of the AWG.

The association serves over 1,000 member companies and over 3,000 locations throughout 28 states from eight full-line wholesale divisions, offering a vast portfolio including real estate and supermarket development services, print and digital marketing services, and more.

Congratulations to Mr. Murfin and Mr. Rouse on these new chapters!

Associated Wholesale Grocers