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, in the recent release. “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 Chelsea 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.
