ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Ingles Markets Inc. has promoted Patricia Jackson to chief financial officer. She succeeds Ronald Freeman, who recently retired as CFO after nearly 17 years.

Jackson has been the company’s controller since she joined Ingles in 2010. Prior to that, she was the CFO of Sisters of Mercy Services Corp. Jackson is a licensed CPA and holds a master’s degree in accounting. The company said it has valued her contributions at Ingles and is pleased to continue to benefit from her finance background and leadership expertise.

“We are proud to promote Pat Jackson as our new CFO,” chairman Robert Ingle said. “We look forward to her effective leadership and sound judgment helping us maintain our strong financial posture.”

Ingles Markets operates 198 supermarkets in six southeastern states.