The heavyweight industry veterans who make up the ABA’s new Board
The ABA elected its 2024-26 Board of Directors during the annual Member Meeting, held at the recent ABA Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Founded in 1897, it is the largest, most established and diverse trade association for the US commercial baking sector, with more than 300 member companies representing over 1,200 commercial baking facilities and the supply chain.
The ABA is the credited voice of the US baking industry, providing its members with insightful thought leadership, research on industry trends and advocating for policies that support industry growth. ABA members also benefit from varied business services, including networking events, knowledge sharing and resources like workforce development programs and training.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new Board of Directors, whose collective expertise and dedication will undoubtedly propel ABA forward,” said Eric Dell, ABA’s president and CEO.
“As we navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the commercial baking industry, I am confident that our Board will lead with vision and integrity, ensuring the continued success of our members.”
The newly elected Board of Directors
- Chair: William Quigg, president and CEO, Richmond Baking
- First vice chair: Joe Turano, president, Turano Baking Co.
- Treasurer: Brian LeComte, president and COO, Gold Medal Bakery
- At-large member: Tony Gavin, president, Bimbo Bakeries USA
- At-large member: Ryals McMullian, president and CEO, Flowers Foods
- At-large member: Tyson Yu, CEO, Aspire Bakeries
- Immediate past chair: Cordia Harrington, CEO, Crown Bakeries
- Dale Easdon, CEO, Klosterman Baking
- Mark Marcucci, Jr, VP, Foodservice, Alpha Baking
- Brian Perry, senior VP and chief safety office, TreeHouse Foods
- Chimene Ross, president and CEO, Killer Brownie
- Ron Scott, MD of Bakery Manufacturing, H-E-B
“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen as the Chair of the American Bakers Association,” said Quigg.
“Certainly, I am following in the footsteps of many outstanding leaders who have held this position before me and am excited to guide ABA to continue working for the betterment of the industry and reaching the goals of the new strategic plan,”
Each member of the Board brings a wealth of experience and a passion for driving positive change within the baking industry.
“As we address the multitude of complex issues facing the baking industry, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the efforts and focus of this organization,” said Flower Foods’ McMullian.
“Together, this team of experienced leaders and inhouse experts provides the necessary resources to meet the needs of our membership and the vast network of professionals in the baking industry.”
H-E-B’s Scott concured that the Board is made up of an extremely impressive group of thought leaders and industry professionals, while Killer Brownie’s Ross noted it’s a coveted opportunity to represent the industry, which has given so much to her and her team.
“The baking industry is filled with generous and amazing people and I look forward to serving this community,” said Ross.
Added BBU’s Gavin, “I am committed to leveraging my many years of baking experience, leadership roles at Bimbo Bakeries USA and the work over the years as part of ABA to advance the association’s mission and newly formed Strategic Plan.”
Bakery&Snacks attended the ABA Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, and spoke to president and CEO Eric Dell about the Association’s new Strategic Plan. Watch this space.
The ABA has extended its gratitude to the outgoing Board members, including Robin Alton, president and CEO of Pan-O-Gold Baking Company, and Larry Marcucci, CEO of Alpha Baking Company, for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the association.
