For retail giant Kroger, the month of February will bring a few executive changes as one company veteran prepares to retire. Pam Matthews, President of the Central division, will step down from the company, effective February 2, after 40 years of service. In addition to this transition, Colleen Juergensen—currently President of the Dillons division—will be promoted to President of the Central division, and Steve Dreher—currently Vice President of the Dillons division—will be promoted to President of the Dillons division.
"Pam's passion for our associates and the retail business has been demonstrated throughout her successful career with Kroger," said Mike Donnelly, Executive Vice President and COO. "She has been an exceptional mentor and coach to many and will leave a legacy of caring, dedicated teams who care about each other and the customers and communities they serve."
According to a press release, Matthews began her career with Kroger in 1980 as a courtesy clerk in the Fred Meyer division. She held a variety of leadership roles in her 25-year career with Fred Meyer before being promoted to a Director of Merchandising at Kroger's corporate office in Cincinnati. In 2006, she was promoted to Vice President of Merchandising for the Central division. Several years later, she moved to the Delta division to serve in the same role and ultimately became the region's Vice President of Operations. In 2016, she was promoted to President of the QFC division and then became President of the Central division in 2017.
She will continue to serve on multiple boards, including the Riley Children's Foundation and local organizing committee for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. Previously, she was a board member for the Julian Center, a non-profit that empowers survivors of domestic violence. Matthews received the "Indiana Fever Inspirational Award," which was featured in Indianapolis–To Her Success.
Succeeding Matthews, Juergensen will oversee 134 stores and more than 15,000 associates, primarily throughout Indiana, southern Illinois, and eastern Missouri.
"Colleen has been very successful throughout her long career with the Kroger Family of Companies, and we know she'll continue to serve our associates, customers, and communities with excellence as the leader of our Central division," added Donnelly. "Her diverse background in operations and merchandising, joined with her passion for the community, will help us deliver our vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift."
Juergensen has more than 38 years of experience with the company and began her career in 1981 as a bakery clerk. She has served in various leadership roles in the Dillons division, including Store Leader, District Manager, and Director of Advertising. She was promoted to Vice President of Operations for Dillons in 2008, then transferred to the Smith's division as Vice President of Operations in 2012 and was soon named Vice President of Merchandising in 2015. Juergensen was promoted to her current role as President of Dillons in 2016.
The release noted that she has served on the Board of Directors for United Way of Reno County, the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce, and Dillons Credit Union. She is an avid supporter of all food bank locations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri, and the American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Susan G. Komen. Juergensen has also been recognized by Ingram's magazine as one of the 50 Kansans You Should Know.
Additionally, Dreher has been promoted to President of the Dillons division, succeeding Juergensen. The Dillons division includes 80 stores with 11,500 associates serving customers across Kansas, southeastern Nebraska, and central Missouri operating under the Dillons, Baker's, and Gerbes banners.
"We are pleased to elevate Steve to the role of Division President at Dillons," said Donnelly. "Steve has driven positive results in his role as Vice President and understands the Dillons customer and market well. We look forward to his continuation of achieving great results and inspiring our associates to deliver the outstanding customer experience expected at Dillons."
Dreher began his career with the company in 1985 in Hays, Kansas, as a courtesy clerk. He was promoted to Assistant Store Leader in 1998 and soon after was promoted to Store Leader. In 2003, he was promoted to Division Labor Specialist and then Labor Manager. Dreher served as a District Manager in several regions before being named to his current role of Vice President of Operations in 2018. He is a Knights of Columbus member and supporter of all food bank locations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri, as well as Susan G. Komen and United Way. He is also the executive sponsor for the multicultural associate resource group (ARG) for the Dillons division.
Congratulations to Matthews, Juergensen, and Dreher on this next step in their life journey.
