The Christopher Group Fills Senior HR Position for Wilco
February 14, 2025 – The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Cheryl Collins as vice president of human resources for Wilco in Mount Angel, OR. Managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director, Carrie Longmire, led the assignment. “Working with John Bowersox at Wilco has been an honor,” said Mr. Maloney. “John’s vision for the future of Wilco is clear, and Cheryl Collins fits beautifully into that vision. With her significant strengths in HR optimization and executive operations experience, Cheryl is uniquely positioned to drive business scaling and transformation. We are confident that their partnership will lead to incredible success and reach.”
“I’m excited to embark on this new journey as vice president of HR for Wilco,” said Ms. Collins. “I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to leading our team towards innovative solutions and growth. The Christopher Group was supportive and thoughtful with their guidance, I can’t thank them enough.”
Ms. Collins brings over 15 years of experience in building and transforming organizational cultures through strategic leadership. Her career spans roles such as CEO, COO, chief people officer, and VP of organizational development at organizations like Bob’s Red Mill, Ninkasi Brewing Company, Oregon Community Credit Union, and Teach For America. Ms. Collins has consistently driven initiatives in continuous improvement, leadership development, safety, and culture transformation, aligning people strategies with business goals to foster environments where employees and organizations thrive. Most recently, as VP of people at Bob’s Red Mill, she led efforts in talent and change management, organizational development, and employee engagement.
As the VP of HR, Ms. Collins will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a company deeply rooted in community values and innovation. As a key member of the executive leadership team, she will be the driving force behind all aspects of human resources including talent acquisition and retention, fostering a vibrant company culture, and ensuring effective communication across the organization as the company doubles in size. “Cheryl’s strategic and hands-on leadership position offers the opportunity to influence and implement HR policies that align with Wilco’s vision, ensuring compliance and promoting a positive work environment,” the company said. “She will lead and inspire a dedicated team, oversee critical HR functions, and contribute to the growth and success of the company.”
One of the largest agricultural cooperatives in the west with over 3,000 farmer-owners and over 500,000 customers, Wilco’s been in business with Retail Farm Stores, Bulk Fuel Services, and Agronomy services since 1967. Wilco serves consumers as well as growers through 26 locations including 18 Farm Stores carrying everything from fencing and feed to pet supplies and work clothing.
Related: The Christopher Group Retained by the University of Chicago Medicine for CHRO Search
Founded in 1998, The Christopher Group has expanded its offerings beyond traditional executive search to deliver agile HR business solutions, including executive search, interim HR leaders, fractional CHROs, and HR advisory & consulting. The firm serves large corporations, middle-market companies, private equity firms, family-owned enterprises, and closely-held businesses, providing comprehensive solutions to their human capital challenges.
Seasoned HR Executives
TCG boasts a team of seasoned HR executives with backgrounds from companies, including Pepsi, GE, Merrill Lynch, Novartis, Dell, Microsoft, and Citi Bank. The firm’s leadership team, who acquired the firm in April 2023, is comprised of managing partners Nat Schiffer, Ms. Noble, Ayla Maloney, and Tobin Anselmi.
The Christopher Group has recruited Mustafa Hazime as the new chief people, culture, and belonging officer the Corning Museum of Glass. Pam Noble led the assignment along with Morgan Booker. “We are delighted to have partnered with The Corning Museum of Glass in placing Mustafa Hazime as their chief people, culture, and belonging officer,” said Ms. Noble. “Mustafa’s extensive experience and passion for fostering inclusive environments make him an ideal fit for this pivotal role. His leadership will be instrumental in aligning HR and diversity initiatives with the museum’s strategic vision, enhancing organizational excellence, and enriching the employee experience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will bring to the museum and its remarkable mission.”
Ms. Maloney, who is also The Christopher Group’s chief development officer, has been with the firm for eight progressive years and sits on the leadership team. Before joining TCG, she spent over a decade in the food service industry as a divisional and organization-wide leader of culture, leadership development, and training. With TCG, she has partnered with clients such as Lamb Weston, Phillips 66, Quantum Health, California State University, Altria, Parker Hannifin, and others on opportunities across the HR spectrum, ranging from heads of HR to specialist roles. She also spearheads off-desk searches for finance, sales, and operations executives.
Ms. Longmire is a seasoned human resources professional with over 15 years of experience in all aspects of HR. Her understanding of the HR function allows her to identify and connect organizations with HR professionals whose skills, experience, expertise and values align, in order to drive success and support the overall mission of the organization.
Related: The Christopher Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Clayton Homes Building Group
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
