MONTEREY, Calif. — The California Credit Union League stunned attendees at the group's PAC silent auction last night with news that Vice President of State Government Affairs Ron Fong will leave the trade organization to head the California Grocers Association as president/CEO effective March 31. That date is one week prior to the league's state Government Relations Rally April 7 and 8 in Sacramento.

Fong, who directed the league's advocacy program and managed a 10-person staff based in Sacramento, is leaving the league after 12 years on the job. The grocery business is old hat to Fong, who previously ran his family's grocery store business, United Market Inc., before joining the league. The Fong family grocery business dates back to 1941.

He will serve as the association's chief legislative advocate and oversee CGA's government relations, member services, convention, and communications programs. The statewide trade association includes approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, as well as about 200 grocery supplier companies.