Las Vegas, NV— The National Grocers Association, the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, is proud to announce that Women Grocers of America (WGA) is proud to announce that Kristin Popp, president of Women Grocers of America and executive vice president of Woodman’s Food Markets, has been named the 2026 WGA Woman of the Year. Popp was honored during The NGA Show, recognizing her outstanding leadership, vision, and longstanding commitment to the independent grocery industry.
Established by the WGA Board of Directors in 1996, the WGA Woman of the Year Award provides visible support and recognition to exceptional women who exemplify leadership, passion, and service within the independent food sector. Honorees distinguish themselves through professional excellence while shaping the future of their organizations and the industry. The award is sponsored by The Shelby Report.
A grocery industry veteran of more than 25 years, Popp began her career at Wisconsin-based Woodman’s Food Markets, where she advanced from human resources director to executive vice president. In her current role, she helps oversee the successful operation of 19 stores across Wisconsin and northern Illinois. In addition to her responsibilities at Woodman’s, Popp serves as president of Women Grocers of America, an organization operating under the NGA Foundation that has grown into a robust professional network supporting women in independent grocery.
Under Popp’s leadership, WGA has expanded its impact through scholarships, educational programming, executive and emerging-leader networking groups, and professional development opportunities designed to advance women at every stage of their careers.
“Kristin Popp represents the very best of the independent grocery industry,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association. “Her career is a testament to what’s possible through dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to people. As president of Women Grocers of America, Kristin has elevated the organization’s mission and created meaningful opportunities for women to grow, lead, and thrive. She is truly deserving of this award and I look forward to working with her for years to come on behalf of independent grocers.”
Each year, WGA invites nominations for the Woman of the Year Award in the fall, with submissions closing in January. The recipient is honored at The NGA Show, celebrating women whose leadership and vision continue to strengthen independent grocery and the communities it serves.
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About the National Grocers Association
NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers and service suppliers.
About The NGA Show
As the premier event for the independent grocery industry, The NGA Show brings together grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and suppliers from across the country for three days of learning, networking, and product discovery in Las Vegas. For 2026, we’re excited to host the event at the MGM Grand Conference Center – allowing all attendees to gather under one roof for a more connected and convenient experience. Whether you’re launching your first store or leading a multi-generational grocery business, The NGA Show offers the insights, innovations, and relationships that help independent grocers thrive.