Longtime Kroger Associates, Gwinnett Residents to Retire After More Than 92 Combined Years with Grocer

Gwinnett residents and longtime Kroger associates Dan Michael and DeEtta Craig are retiring after providing more than 46 years of service each to the grocer and its customers.

Michael, District N operations coordinator, began his career in 1968 as a bagger in Gainesville, Ga. Since 1973, he has held a variety of store management leadership roles, including working his way up to serve as district manager in 1984 – a role in which he served six years. Michael spent the next several years as president circle store manager and store management trainer, and has served in his current role since 2008.

“Throughout his extraordinary career, Dan’s leadership is reflected in his passion for our associates, customers and local communities,” said Gloria Matthews, Atlanta Division leader of empowerment. “He has been a tremendous asset to our company and will be missed.”

Craig, began her career as a cashier in 1968 and shortly thereafter became a front-end manager. She spent the next 12 years in store retail operations as a customer service manager, perishable manager and store manager. In 1979, she became Kroger’s Atlanta Division’s first female store manager. Craig has also spent time serving in such roles as district trainer and coordinator, in which she helped launch several key operation initiatives in the company.

“DeEtta has made a positive impact in our division,” says Charles Mitchell, vice president of operations. “Her knowledge, expertise and dedication will be greatly missed.”

“We thank Michael and DeEtta for their more than 92 combined years of providing Kroger customers with the best possible shopping experience,” says Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “Their commitment to serving their community is unsurpassed. We wish them both a happy retirement.”

“No matter where you start with Kroger,” says Craig. “You can still become president.”

ABOUT KROGER

Kroger’s Atlanta Division is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the Southeast’s largest retail grocery chains with over 185 stores covering, Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina. Kroger was recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in the U.S. The Company focuses its charitable efforts on hunger relief, K-12 education, women’s health initiatives and local organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com