Doug Scholz
El Dorado Hills,CA
Summary
Strategic association executive with over two decades of leadership in membership growth, revenue development, and board governance. Expertise in launching member products, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and aligning strategic priorities with member needs to drive measurable organizational success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
California Grocers Association
01.2021 - Current
- Serve as second-in-command and a key member of the executive leadership team, guiding internal operations, organizational culture, and execution of strategic priorities.
- Fulfilled the role of chief executive in the absence of the president & CEO.
- Oversaw member engagement strategies across marketing, communications, events, and strategic partnerships, supporting government relations, public affairs, and industry advocacy initiatives to enhance member involvement.
- Organized and led creation of the Association’s three-year strategic plan, aligning organizational goals with member needs and market trends.
- Led the Association staff in the development of the organization’s culture statement.
- Strengthened board operations by developing an executive board handbook, providing committee support, facilitating strategic planning, and recruiting and onboarding new board members to improve governance.
- Direct accounting and finance responsibilities, including banking, investments, annual budget, and audit.
- Assisted the Association’s four related entities: RMS, CGAEF, Aisle 3 Concepts, and the Circular CRV Association.
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Business Development
California Grocers Association
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Led member engagement, communications, revenue development, and marketing strategy to strengthen brand reach, member value, and organizational performance.
- Developed and launched the organization’s first formal marketing plan, including SWOT analysis, objectives, strategies, and tactics.
- Expanded leadership scope to include communications and public affairs, aligning messaging with stakeholder outreach to strengthen organizational visibility.
- Created executive education programs, including Grocery Industry Leadership Summit and Retail Tomorrow California, to engage board members and industry leaders.
- Enhanced educational development programs for store leaders across member companies, improving leadership capabilities.
- Served on the pandemic response team, helping shape industry response, work-from-home policies, health strategies, and a successful virtual conference.
Vice President, Business Development & Marketing
California Grocers Association
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Led member engagement and revenue development, overseeing marketing strategy that strengthened brand visibility and expanded organizational reach.
- Reimagined the annual convention, which generates 33% of the organization’s annual budget, by improving theme, marketing, educational content, sponsorship sales, and event execution.
- Facilitated merger of California Independent Grocers Association by conducting due diligence, aligning board members, and enhancing member onboarding and communications.
- Developed staff incentive programs and established annual partnership agreements with key stakeholders, aligning revenue activities with organizational goals.
Director, Partner Marketing
Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Led membership initiatives, marketing partnerships, community programs, events, and stakeholder engagement to enhance community involvement.
- Built and maintained strategic partner relationships that aligned with marketing and community objectives.
Director, Ticket Sales & Premium Seating
NBA Sacramento Kings
12.2000 - 03.2002
- Led sales team for VIP premium seating and luxury box programs, driving engagement in group ticket offerings.
- Managed relationship-driven sales efforts, enhancing revenue and client retention through tailored solutions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA01-1990
Skills
- Strategic revenue planning
- Financial oversight
- Operational efficiency
- Marketing strategies
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Government relations support
- Leadership governance
- Team development and organizational culture
Accomplishments
- 1996 - Meeting Professional of the Year (Northern California Chapter MPI
- 1999 - Inducted Into Paramount Parks Hall of Fame
Affiliations
- Active Member of Association's West Operations & Finance Share Group
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
California Grocers Association
01.2021 - Current
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Business Development
California Grocers Association
01.2015 - 01.2021
Vice President, Business Development & Marketing
California Grocers Association
01.2010 - 01.2014
Director, Partner Marketing
Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau
01.2003 - 01.2010
Director, Ticket Sales & Premium Seating
NBA Sacramento Kings
12.2000 - 03.2002
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Santa Clara University