Lori Brown has an exceptional ability to build bridges and mend fences making her a beacon of a brighter future for many boards. She unites people toward common goals and optimizes working relationships to support organizational growth plans. Her “noses in, fingers out” approach ensures voices are heard and respected, and prioritizes strategic oversight without micromanagement, allowing organizations to thrive.
Lori is currently on the Board of the Navigator Lighthouse Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and minority-owned brands in the food sector. As Headlite (President) of The Illuminators, she leads the organization including oversight of 24 volunteer committees. The Illuminators partner closely with the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) and the California Grocers Association (CGA) at their annual retailer conferences. In addition, Lori participates in WAFC and CGA board meetings where she collaborates with grocery retailers in the West. Lori is a Board Member of the Washington Food Industry Association, where she chairs the vendor-to-retailer connect event and plays an instrumental role in fundraising. She is an advisor for Better Together Foods. As a Women Grocers of America member, Lori is part of the executive leaders group mentoring emerging leaders.
Lori is actively involved in Scouting America, formerly Boy Scouts. She leads Council Service Territory 1 (Northwest) Leadership and Governance, and is the Chair Elect for the CST1, serving 14 councils in the West. Lori’s role is to provide board guidance, training, and governance. Lori also served as the first woman President in 110 years of Scouting America, Pacific Harbors Council.
Lori brings over 30 years of work experience in the grocery industry, marked by significant leadership roles. She is currently the Director of Sales NW at NuCal Foods. She was the Senior Vice President at Rosie, an Instacart Company, where she developed trusted relationships with senior leaders across the industry. As the Regional Vice President at Post Consumer Brands, she drove substantial regional growth and market penetration by building strong relationships inside and outside the organization. While at Post, she was a Board Member of the California Grocers Association, where her thought leadership provided a strong voice to influence industry standards and support independent grocers in California.
Lori holds a Master of Science in Food Industry Leadership from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puget Sound. She achieved her International Coaching Federation Certification at the University of Southern California. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lori is an avid gardener and the mother of two adult sons, both Marine Engineers.