MGA Names Kowalski-Christiansen New Chair

Kris Kowalski-Christiansen was named chairperson of the Minnesota Grocer Association’s (MGA) board at the recent convention held in Brainerd, Minn. She succeeds Mark Collier of Superfair Foods who held the position for two years.

"It’s really an honor to be the first in my family to serve as chair of the MGA Board," said Kowalski-Christiansen, the second generation of her family to head up Kowalski Cos., a chain with 11 independent grocery stores in the Twin Cities. Kowlaski-Christiansen has been on the MGA executive committee for 10 year and both her parents, Jim and Mary Kowalski, also served as members of the association’s board and executive team.

As Kowalski-Christansen looks to the future of the MGA, she holds a strong commitment to continuing the work of those before her in building a viable organization that advances industry’s priorities. During her time as chair, she plans to be committed to the board's continued advancement of what's important for MGA members, including a range of policy initiatives and a focus on relevant streamlining of regulations.

"I want members to be as engaged as possible," she noted. "I want them to see themselves having an active role in the MGA. If we expect to shape policy and create the kind of change we want, every member needs to be a piece of the puzzle."

Educating the public and the legislature about the industry’s great careers and tremendous community service efforts will also be a priority.   

St. Paul, Minn.-based Minnesota Grocers Association has more than 200 retail members serving more than 1,100 locations statewide, as well as over 100-plus partners made up of grocery distributors, grocery wholesalers and CPGs.