The National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) has hired Dave Olson as its new western corridor assistant development director.

Olson comes to NCGA from Mississippi Market in St. Paul, Minn., where he was the grocery manager in the Selby Avenue store for six years. Before that, Olson worked at New Pioneer Co-op in Iowa City, Iowa.

Olson will begin his new role June 30. As assistant development director for NCGA’s western corridor, he will support the continuous improvement of retail food co-ops by providing counsel, best practices and developmental support to NCGA member co-ops.

“NCGA’s services, tools and information have played an important role in contributing to our store’s continued growth and success over the years,” Olson said. “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to this organization that provides such tremendous resources to furthering the growth and influence of food co-ops.”

Olson will report to Karen Zimbelman, western corridor development director, and be based in NCGA’s St. Paul, Minn., office.

According to Robynn Shrader, NCGA chief executive officer: “We know [Olson’s] strong background in cooperative business, and his passion for natural and organic foods will help us further our mission and better serve our member co-ops nationwide.”

Founded in 1999, Iowa City, Iowa-based NCGA is a business services cooperative for consumer-owned food co-ops located throughout the United States. NCGA is owned by 114 food co-ops operating more than 145 stores in 32 states, with combined annual sales of nearly $1.2 billion.