The Raley’s Companies announce leadership changes

Chelsea Carbahal transitions to advisory role after 10 years’ service to Raley’s, begins new consulting firm, CMC Strategies; Carol Barsotti appointed Chief Communications Officer

By Ashley Shick, The Raley’s Companies

West Sacramento, CA – In 2015, Chelsea Minor, now Chelsea Carbahal, joined Raley’s and quickly became an integral part of the executive leadership team. As the senior leader of Public Relations, Government Affairs, and Community Impact, Carbahal helped shape the company’s growth strategy. She guided strategic communications during a period of significant transformation when Raley’s doubled in size through acquisitions and strategic divestitures. Throughout this process, she advanced the organizational vision of “changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time.”

“Chelsea was instrumental in communicating our transformation, including introducing a healthier assortment and exiting products and categories no longer aligned with our brand and vision,” said
Keith Knopf, president & CEO, The Raley’s Companies. “We relied on her expertise during the challenges of the pandemic and trusted her ability to anticipate and shape our response to regulatory changes and evolving consumer sentiment. Chelsea’s leadership was central to these pivotal moments and so much more.”

In 2020, Carbahal’s role expanded to The Raley’s Companies, a multifaceted, multi-state organization.
She skillfully navigated complex state landscapes, building strong relationships with government leaders at the local and state levels, as well as Tribal Nations. She also served as the Executive Director of Raley’s charitable foundation, Food For Families. In partnership with Foundation President Julie Teel, Carbahal broadened the program’s reach, diversifying donations to increase revenue and deepen its impact across food banks in Northern California and Nevada.

“Chelsea has been a vital contributor to the strategic and operational success and expansion of Raley’s Food For Families,” said Julie Teel, president of Food For Families Board of Directors. “I am forever grateful for her compassionate, empathetic, and courageous leadership in our shared mission to help those who are
food insecure.”

Beyond her contributions to The Raley’s Companies, Carbahal worked closely with Owner and Chairman Mike Teel to advance the vitality of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC) and engage on statewide issues critical to the business. She built a high-performing governmental affairs strategy that played a central role in legislative and regulatory efforts, including the passage of Proposition 36 related to retail theft.

“Chelsea’s impact, both internally and externally, has been substantial. Her insight, expertise, and steady guidance helped drive meaningful progress for the communities we serve,” said Mike Teel, owner and chairman, The Raley’s Companies. “With her leadership, Raley’s engaged in critical conversations, advanced key projects, and contributed to important regional and statewide growth.”

After a decade of dedicated service, Carbahal is embarking on a new chapter, both professionally and personally. In July 2025, she and her husband welcomed twins into their family. Following maternity leave, she returned this fall and, in partnership with Raley’s leadership, began planning her next steps. Effective January 16, she will launch her own strategic advisory firm, CMC Strategies, with Raley’s as its inaugural client under a retainer agreement.

“Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team and contributing to a company whose mission has always inspired me. Together, we navigated transformative growth, embraced bold changes, and strengthened our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Carbahal.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration, and friendships that have shaped my journey at Raley’s and the greater community. As I begin this next chapter with CMC Strategies, I look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting the company’s vision in new and meaningful ways.”

“Chelsea has been an important and transformative leader for The Raley’s Companies. Her impact on our team, our brand, and our leaders is indelible. While we will miss working with Chelsea day-to-day, we look forward to continuing our partnership through CMC Strategies,” said Knopf.

The company has a succession plan in place for an incumbent executive leader to assume these responsibilities as well as a capable team that will carry on the important and critical work. An announcement will be forthcoming.

Carol Barsotti Promoted to Chief Communications Officer

The Raley’s Companies announced in January the appointment of Carol Barsotti as Chief Communications Officer, expanding her leadership role within the organization. Barsotti will assume responsibility for public relations, government affairs, and community impact as The Raley’s Companies continue to focus on transformation and sustainable growth.

“We are fortunate to have Carol as an integral part of our executive leadership team,” said Keith Knopf, President and CEO, The Raley’s Companies. “She is purpose-driven, creative, versatile, impactful and proven at developing and leading high-performing teams. Carol is the epitome of a servant leader, always willing to step up to support the needs of the team, company and community.”

Barsotti is also President of fieldTRUE, the nation’s leading farm-box subscription business, and will continue in this role moving forward. She is a member of The Raley’s Companies executive leadership team as well as a board member of Raley’s Food For Families. She will continue to report to Knopf with a strong connection to The Raley’s Companies Owner and Chairman, Mike Teel, and President of Food For Families, Julie Teel.

“Having such an accomplished leader assume these critical responsibilities positions us well for what’s ahead,” said Mike Teel, Owner and Chairman of The Raley’s Companies. “As we continue our purpose‑driven transformation, I look forward to working closely with Carol to drive our mission of changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time.”

Carol brings deep expertise in public service and community impact. She holds a Master of Public Administration and Policy from American University and began her career working for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. and California. Today, she continues her commitment to community impact as President of the Kathleen Barsotti Non-Profit for Sustainable Agriculture.

“Carol has already been a meaningful partner in growing support for Food For Families,” said Julie Teel, President of Food For Families. “Her partnership with me and the board has been significant in our ability to have an ever-increasing impact on supporting local food banks.”

“It’s a privilege to lead with purpose at the center of our strategy,” Barsotti said. “When we align communications, policy and community engagement, we create impact that matters for our business and for the people we serve.”

About The Raley’s Companies

The Raley’s Companies is a private, family-owned and purpose-driven retail company headquartered in West Sacramento, CA. Since our founding in 1935, our store operations have grown to include more than 200 locations across eight states and four Tribal Nations under 10 well-known banners: Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Raley’s O-N-E Market, Bashas’, Bashas’ Diné, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Full Circle, and Farm Fresh To You. In addition, The Raley’s Companies bridges the divide between the physical and digital retail experiences through the operation of Apium Logistics, Fieldera and fieldTRUE. Built on a higher purpose, the organization and our more than 21,000 employees are committed to quality offerings, exceptional service and doing right by our team members, communities, and planet.

Raley’s currently has four locations in Contra Costa County in Brentwood, Oakley, San Pablo and the Antioch store which will be closing at the end of April. In addition, Nob Hill Foods has a location in Martinez. To learn more, visit theraleyscompanies.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.