Fresh Market Appoints Yancy to Lead HR

The Fresh Market has appointed Yvonne Cowser Yancy as SVP and chief human resources officer. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in both private and public sectors, Yancy will lead The Fresh Market’s field and home office human resource and benefit functions, including talent acquisition, organizational design and development, training, compensation, and health and wellness functions.

The appointment is the latest in the revamping of the Greensboro, N.C.-based retailer's executive team under CEO Larry Appel, who was appointed in September. Last month, veteran grocery industry executive Mary Kellmanson joined the company as chief marketing officer.

Yancy has worked with several Fortune 500 companies including GE Capital, Ashland Inc., Lincoln Financial Group, Turner Broadcasting and SunTrust Bank. Prior to assuming her new position at The Fresh Market, she served as the commissioner of human resources for the City of Atlanta, where she oversaw all HR functions that impacted 8,500 employees and 5,000 retirees, such as health and wellness benefit plans, labor relations, talent acquisition, HRIS and the employee assistance program.

“Yvonne’s background and experience make her an incredibly valuable resource for The Fresh Market team,” Appel said in a statement. “Her ability to design, implement and lead HR initiatives will help cement The Fresh Market as an industry leader from a hiring and employee satisfaction standpoint.”

Related:Former Winn-Dixie Exec Larry Appel Takes Helm at The Fresh Market

An Atlanta native, Yancy holds an MBA in employee relations from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Northwestern University. Yancy has a lifetime commitment to civic and charitable organizations, such as the Atlanta Chapter of The Links Inc., and is a former member of the SHRM Atlanta Board of Directors. She currently serves on the boards of the progressive arts organization WonderRoot and the Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, which provides services to local homeless Atlanta communities.

“The spirit of The Fresh Market is an integral piece of what sets this company apart in the industry,” Yancy said. “As I join The Fresh Market team, I am committed to applying my experiences in both the public and private sector to further a prosperous and welcoming workplace for all of our employees.”