From CPA to CEO: Amy Niemetscheck’s Nontraditional Path to Executive Leadership
Career paths to the C-suite are rarely linear, and Amy Niemetscheck’s journey is a compelling example of how broad experience, curiosity, and strong relationships can shape executive leadership.
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn speaks with Amy Niemetscheck, President and CEO of Certco Inc., a retailer-owned grocery wholesaler serving more than 200 independent grocers. Amy shares how she began her career in public accounting, auditing manufacturing and distribution companies, before transitioning into industry roles that ultimately led her to the CEO seat.
Amy joined Certco as a controller after stepping away from public accounting to focus on family priorities. She later advanced to CFO and, in 2019, was appointed President and CEO. Today, she leads a billion-dollar organization while working closely with a board made up primarily of the company’s retail owners—an ownership structure that requires a highly customer-centric, collaborative leadership approach.
Throughout the conversation, Amy offers a candid look at what the CEO role truly entails, from executing long-term strategic initiatives to managing day-to-day challenges that arise in a complex, service-driven business. She also discusses the importance of continuous learning, surrounding yourself with strong leaders, and building systems that allow teams to operate with accountability and autonomy.
Beyond the boardroom, Amy reflects on serving in industry leadership roles, including becoming the first woman Chair of RAFTA, and how she maintains balance by being fully present—both at work and at home.
Episode Highlights
(01:00) Introduction to Candid with Candidates and Amy Niemetscheck
(03:33) Certco’s retailer-owned model and how it shapes leadership decisions
(06:58) What the President and CEO role looks like in practice
(10:30) Amy’s early career in public accounting and auditing
(12:46) Transitioning from public accounting to industry
(15:17) Identifying the opportunity to move from CFO to CEO
(20:16) Staying sharp as an executive through learning and peer networks
(24:22) Board service, RAFTA leadership, and industry involvement
(27:16) Empowering teams and leading without micromanagement
(31:29) Balancing executive leadership and family life
(34:57) Candid advice for candidates navigating career growth
“You can advance your career when you take the time to understand the business as a whole, not just your individual function.”
What You’ll Learn from This Episode
How nontraditional career paths can lead to executive leadership roles
Why understanding the full business is critical for long-term career growth
How a retailer-owned cooperative model influences strategy and leadership
The importance of building empowered, accountable leadership teams
Why industry involvement and peer networks strengthen executive effectiveness
Practical approaches to maintaining presence and focus across professional and personal roles
Connect with Amy Niemetscheck on LinkedIn
Stay Candid
Candid with Candidates shares real stories from inside major organizations—stories that don’t make it into the slide decks or LinkedIn highlight reels. Follow along for conversations that inform, encourage, and help you navigate your own path to leadership.
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