Emily Coborn Wright ’08 has grown up in the family grocery business.
Now, she will be running it.
Wright – who had been serving as senior vice president of growth initiatives for the St. Cloud-based Coborn’s grocery chain, which boasts 150-plus retail locations across the Midwest – was promoted to president effective May 21, according to an announcement from the company.
“It is an honor to serve in this role and carry forward the Coborn legacy of stewardship and innovation that has shaped our company over the past 104 years,” she said in a statement. “As the fifth generation of Coborn family leadership, I am deeply committed to upholding the core values of innovation, integrity, and excellence that have guided us through generations of growth and service.
“Together with our remarkable team, I look forward to meeting challenges head-on, seizing new opportunities and advancing our strategic vision. I am truly excited for what lies ahead.”
Wright is also president of the Coborn Family Foundation, which since its founding in 2015 has helped fund a wide range of projects and initiatives in Central Minnesota including the soon-to-open Great River Children’s Museum in downtown St. Cloud, the Coborn Cancer Center and the athletic field complex at CSB.
The foundation has also established scholarship funds at CSB and SJU, as well as other local educational institutions.
During her time at the company, Wright has also served as communications manager, director of Topco Programs, district manager and in vice presidential roles in both fresh merchandising and operations.
“Emily has literally grown up in this business,” Coborn’s Chairman and CEO Chris Coborn said in the announcement. “Her passion, commitment, and leadership have been evident in every step of her career. I couldn’t be prouder to welcome her as President and see her carry forward our legacy with vision and purpose.”
During her time at CSB, Coborn was a double major in communication and Spanish, as well as a member of the school’s cross country and track and field teams. She was also the alumna speaker during CSB Kick-off at Reunion 2018.