Tiffanie Burkhalter named Raley’s CFO

Five months after CFO Ken Mueller died in a plane crash, The Raley’s Companies named Tiffanie Burkhalter to the post, the grocer announced Thursday.

Burkhalter comes to Raley’s after more than a decade at VSP Vision. She joined the health insurance company in 2011 as a finance team member and held finance positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as president of VSP Ventures. She started her career as a manager at Ernst & Young, where she worked for nearly seven years.

“We took great care and diligence to find an executive who aligns with our purpose, values and culture while also bringing outstanding and proven technical expertise and leadership,” Raley’s President and CEO Keith Knopf said in a statement. “We have found this leader in Tiffanie.”

Mueller had been with Raley’s from 1997 until his death in September. Also killed in the crash of the Beechcraft Baron propeller plane was the company’s chief pilot, Richard Conte.

“Our organization is deeply saddened and heartbroken," the company said in a statement at the time of the crash.

Mueller had led the grocer’s financial services, payroll, real estate and information services departments.

“We have confidence that Tiffanie will bolster an already strong leadership team and build on our already strong financial success,” Mike Teel, owner and chairman of the board, said.

West Sacramento, California-based The Raley’s Companies was founded in 1935 and operates more than 235 markets in seven states and four tribal nations. Banners include Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Raley’s O-N-E Market, Bashas’, Bashas’ Diné, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods and Eddie’s Country Store.

Raley’s acquired Bashas’ Family of Stores in 2021.

“I am excited to join The Raley’s Companies and support their expanded portfolio of brands,” Burkhalter said in a press release. “I look forward to working alongside the impressive leadership team and bringing my experience and passion for leading high-performing teams and driving transformational results.”