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Wakefern Food Corp. – the nation’s largest grocery cooperative – is adding some new members to its executive leadership team.

During its annual meeting Oct. 19, the Keasbey-based group welcomed Sean McMenamin as the new chairman, replacing Joseph Colalillo, and Mike Stigers as president, succeeding Joe Sheridan.

McMenamin, who previously served as vice chairman of the board, is also president of McMenamin Family Markets, which operates two ShopRite stores in Philadelphia. It was the first annual meeting for Stigers, who joined Wakefern this past summer as the co-op prepares for Sheridan’s retirement at the end of 2023. 

Colalillo, who spent 18 years as chairman, expressed confidence in the new chairman and president, saying, “Both Sean and Mike are strong leaders who will confidently navigate the challenges ahead to make sure Wakefern continues to grow and succeed.”

According to Wakefern, Colalillo will continue to serve on the board and lead his family company, ShopRite of Hunterdon County, which operates five ShopRite stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“It has been my great privilege and honor to serve our cooperative as chairman of the board,” added Colalillo, who thanked fellow board members, Sheridan and associates. “Together, we have steered our company through a period of substantial growth, made investments in warehouses, technology and new and innovative marketing programs. Through our combined efforts, Wakefern’s retail banners are respected and formidable regional supermarkets in the Northeast.”

At the meeting, Sandra Brown, chairwoman of Brown’s Super Stores Inc., and David Maniaci, president and CEO of Nicholas Markets Inc., were also welcomed as the newest members of Wakefern’s board of directors.

Additionally, shareholders elected the following individuals to the board of directors:

• Larri Wolfson and Dominick Romano – vice chairmen
• Nicholas Sumas – treasurer
• Lawrence Inserra Jr. and Neil Greenstein – assistant treasurers
• Richard Saker – secretary
• Ned Gladstein, Shawn Ravitz and Marshall Klein – assistant secretaries

Looking back – and ahead

Founded in 1946, Wakefern’s 48 member companies – which include ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, Dearborn Market and Fairway Market – own and operate 365 stores across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

During last week’s meeting, Wakefern reported retail sales of $19.6 billion for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2023, a 5.5% increase from the previous year.

In his final annual report on the cooperative, Sheridan said investments in brick-and-mortar stores, online shopping, technology and Own Brands continue to drive a best-in-class customer experience that strengthens Wakefern.

“As I complete my last and 28th presentation to this group, I want you to know that it has always been my privilege to present the accomplishments of all the people in this room, in our warehouses and in our stores. It has been an honor for me to serve multiple generations of ShopRite families who lead their own companies and support Wakefern,” said Sheridan, who was also presented with the Chairman’s Award for his nearly 50 years of service to the co-op.

Stigers said he is focused on protecting Wakefern’s legacy while moving the company forward.

“The past 77 years has seen Wakefern achieve the considerable feat of becoming the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative. This cooperative has a pretty remarkable history, and I’m so grateful to be part of it. I’m excited to think about what the next 77 will bring and how we can take the next steps on Wakefern’s journey into the future,” said Stigers.

McMenamin stated, “I am honored and humbled to be here today and promise to work as hard as I can to ensure that our family-owned businesses – our Wakefern Family – thrive for generations to come.”

“A desire to help people eat well and be happy has been at our core since the cooperative was founded by eight neighborhood grocers in 1946. That shared common purpose will continue to guide us and keep our members strong in this rapidly changing industry,” added McMenamin.