Former state legislator and local elected official to lead California grocery lobby
SACRAMENTO, CA (August 17, 2026) — The California Grocers Association is pleased to announce Susan Bonilla as its next President and CEO, and President of the CGA Educational Foundation, effective November 2, 2026.
A seasoned political leader, Bonilla spent six years as a member of the California State Assembly. Before representing Contra Costa and Solano counties in the Assembly, she was a Concord City Councilmember and Mayor. She also served as a Contra Costa County Supervisor. Bonilla joins the Association from the California Pharmacists Association, which she has led for the past six years.
“With strong executive leadership skills and the invaluable knowledge of a true political insider, Susan brings vital expertise that will be a difference maker for grocers,” said CGA Board Chair Richard Wardwell. “She knows what it takes to make policy and impact change at all levels of government, and this will be a key asset for the Association and its members.”
Prior to her career as an elected official, Bonilla began her working life as a high school English teacher in Concord and Walnut Creek. She then spent the next 14 years in public service after being elected to the Concord City Council in 2002.
Following her time in elected office, Bonilla was California Director for the Council for a Strong America, a nonprofit focused on equity, educational opportunity, and long-term policy solutions for California children and families. Since 2020, she has led the California Pharmacists Association as its chief executive.
“The last several years have demonstrated just how important the grocery industry is to our communities,” Bonilla said. “Whether it’s food access or affordability, grocers are top of mind for every Californian right now, as well as for elected officials. My experiences position me to connect the dots for policymakers between their work and its impacts on grocers and shoppers.”
As part of her new role, Bonilla will also oversee the CGA Educational Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit tax-exempt organization that supports and provides educational opportunities for the grocery industry. In 2026, CGAEF celebrated awarding a record-breaking $1,150,000 in scholarships for the industry.
She will replace current and retiring CGA President and CEO, and CGA Educational Foundation President, Ronald Fong, who has been at the Association and Foundation’s helm for the last 19 years.
The California Grocers Association is a non‐profit, statewide trade association that has represented the food industry since 1898. CGA membership includes approximately 300 retail members operating over 6,000 brick-and-mortar food stores, and more than 150 grocery supplier companies. The Association is recognized as the leading resource in the areas of government and industry relations for California’s food industry and its customers while also providing continuing education opportunities for industry employees and their children.