Town & Country Markets Strengthens its Leadership with New Board Members and Family Council Director

L-R Ed Nakata, Jennifer Daquiz Hare, Leslie Rice

Town & Country (T&C) Markets, one of the region’s favorite family-owned, independent grocery retailers for its curated selection of regionally sourced products, produce, meat, and seafood, today announced its appointment of Jennifer Daquiz Hare, Leslie Rice and Ed Nakata to its Board of Directors. 

Additionally, Nakata serves as the Family Council President, supporting the preservation of family values and preparation for future generations of ownership.

As the company continues to grow its impact across the Puget Sound, the new leaders bring expertise spanning corporate finance, business strategy and business growth in banking and investments, insurance and technology sectors, reinforcing its ability to guide the next chapter and deepen connections with the families, partners and communities it serves.

“We’re intentional about building a board that reflects the expertise and values needed to guide our future and align with the evolving needs of our guests,” said Ryan Ritter, CEO of Town & Country Markets.

“Our board of directors plays a critical role in shaping long-term strategy, stewarding resources and family values, and ensuring the organization thrives in our dynamic retail landscape. We’re thrilled to welcome these new leaders to our team. Each brings unique experience and perspective, and a shared commitment to our mission.”

Jennifer Daquiz Hare joins with more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in corporate finance, strategy and growth. One of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s 2026 “Directors of the Year,” she recently led PNC Bank's Corporate & Institutional Banking expansion across the Pacific Northwest, building the region's inaugural office into a $2 billion business while advising companies on complex financing and long-term growth strategies. Jennifer also serves as the board chair at Washington STEM and as a board advisor to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Washington.

Leslie J. Rice is a seasoned financial executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning finance, operations and strategic growth. Her executive career includes senior leadership roles at Wells Fargo, Safeco, DaVita, and PEMCO, bringing deep expertise in financial oversight, governance and organizational strategy. She has served on numerous nonprofit and corporate boards, providing guidance and financial oversight to organizations across the Pacific Northwest.

Ed Nakata brings 20-plus years of experience leading technology strategy, enterprise platforms and digital transformation for organizations including Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase and McKinstry. As President of the Town & Country Markets Family Council, he also plays a key role in fostering family engagement, governance, and long-term stewardship, while helping to bridge the perspectives of family shareholders and company leadership.

“I’m honored to join the board at a time when the company continues to deepen its commitment to its mission and the communities it serves,” said Nakata.

“Since its founding, Town & Country Markets has been guided by the principles of care, integrity and respect. I look forward to listening, building relationships and helping create more opportunities for our guests to shape the future of the company.”

From helping guests discover new foods and flavors to creating memorable shopping experiences centered around food people love, Town & Country Markets believes great food brings people together. These appointments reflect the organization's continued dedication to thoughtful governance, stronger community partnerships and long-term sustainability, reinforcing its spirit of collaboration, inclusion, continuous learning, and nourishing the communities and environment it calls home.

About Town & Country Markets

Town & Country Markets brings people the joy of discovering new foods, flavors and products. Founded in 1957 by two brothers, John and Mo Nakata, and good friend Ed Loverich, the local, family-owned and run markets across Puget Sound offer an eating and shopping experience that embodies the love of great food and drink and the experience of sharing food people love. Town & Country Markets is committed to living by its core values of environmental stewardship, authenticity and integrity, and commitment to being of service to and a place of belonging for all.