SpartanNash hires first VP of talent and diversity

SpartanNash has hired Shaquanda Gordon as vice president of human resources, talent and diversity. She will build on the grocery distributor and retailer’s efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce by driving the overall human capital strategy for the organization, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company said.

In this newly created position, Gordon (left) will lead the HR, Talent and Diversity & Inclusion teams responsible for developing and executing upon diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition and talent development strategies that drive a high performing inclusive culture for SpartanNash’s more than 19,000 associates working throughout the United States. She will report to Yvonne Trupiano, executive vice president and chief human resources and corporate affairs and communications officer.

“With over 15 years of HR functional and leadership experience in distribution and retail environments, Shaquanda has the HR experience and executive leadership needed to advance SpartanNash’s internal and external diversity and inclusion initiatives and to drive overall associate engagement as we continue to make SpartanNash a leading distributor of grocery products to a diverse group of independent and chain retailers, its corporate-owned retail stores and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges,” said Trupiano. “The combination of the oversight for talent acquisition and development and diversity and inclusion will ensure our commitment to diversity and inclusion is present in all people decisions.”

Related:SpartanNash names ex-Borden CEO Tony Sarsam new chief executive

Prior to joining SpartanNash, Gordon served as Gordon Food Services’ (GFS) vice president, North American human resources. She also has served in progressive HR leadership roles at Perrigo, Meijer and Priority Health. In addition, she spent more than 10 years as an adjunct for Davenport University. Gordon is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Society of Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Resource Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A leading grocery distributor to a diverse group of independent and chain retailers, SpartanNash also operates 155 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery and Dan’s Supermarket. Through its MDV military division, SpartanNash is a leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. military commissaries.

Earlier this week, the company also named former Borden Dairy CEO Tony Sarsam as president and CEO. Plans call for Sarsam to start in the role and join the board of directors on Sept. 21. He will take the reins from Chairman Dennis Eidson, who has served as interim president and CEO since the resignation of David Staples in August 2019.

Related:Food distribution, retail businesses spur SpartanNash in Q2