Kroger Exec Named to Chamber Post

Brendon J. Cull, the former senior director of government relations & regulatory affairs at The Kroger Co., has been named senior vice president & chief operating officer at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. In his new position, Cull will oversee operations and strategic initiatives aimed at growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. He reports directly to Jill Meyer, Chamber CEO.

Since 2006, Cull has been responsible for coordinating Kroger's federal and state government relations and advocacy efforts, leading the company's political action committee and working with non-governmental organizations, trade associations and external stakeholders. He served as legislative director and press secretary from Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken from 2000-2005.

Cull serves on the government relations committees of both the Food Marketing Institute and the National Retail Federation. In Cincinnati, he is a director on the board of the Chamber, Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority and the Mercantile Library. Cull, 39, was also named to the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty Under 40 list in 2014.

"Brendon's advocacy work and experience in both the public and private sectors in invaluable," says Meyer. "And he individually personifies everything the Chamber is aimed at accomplishing in the region: he arrived in Cincinnati for college, saw the opportunities here, and stayed to make a difference -- first with local government and then with [Kroger] Cincinnati's largest employer and one of the nation's largest retailers. Brendon is a leader who understands the importance of collaborating with business, government and community leaders to reach our potential. We are fortunate to bring his talent to the Chamber in this new role."

Jessica Adelman, group vice president of corporate affairs at Kroger, says, "Brendon's contribution to Kroger has helped us grow. We appreciate Brendon's many contributions to Kroger and -- while he will be missed -- his passion for the city is inspiring. The Kroger tream looks forward to our ongoing partnership as we all work together to better the entire Cincinnati region."

"I'll always be greatful for the 10 years I spent with with and learning from the incredible team at Kroger," Cull says. "The opportunity to help the Chamber advocate for business, build a diverse talent base for all employers and share the story of our region's strengths is unique, and one that I could not simply pass up. This is a moment to speak with a bold voice about the issues that matter most to our region: pro-business policies that encourage job creation and growth, attraction and development of our skilled talent, and regional improvements to our infrastructure."    

  The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is one of the nation's largest chambers of commerce, representing 4,000 business members in the greater Cincinnati area.