Rich Scalise, Chairman, American Bakers Association

The American Bakers Association (ABA), Washington, recently announced is 2014-2016 board of directors, which were approved during the ABA’s All Membership Meeting in March. Rich Scalise (pictured), chairman and CEO of Hearthside Food Solutions, Downers Grove, Ill., is ABA chairman for the March 2014 to March 2016 term. Fred Penny, president of Bimbo Bakeries USA, Horsham, Pa., remains first vice chairman, and past ABA chairman Allen Shiver, president and CEO of Flowers Foods, Thomasville, Ga., serves as second vice chairman. Erin Sharp, group vice president, manufacturing of The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, replaces longtime ABA treasurer Albert Lepage of Lepage Bakeries Inc., Auburn, Maine.

During the meeting, Lepage was thanked for his nearly two decades of dedication and service to ABA and the baking industry. Robin Alton, president and CEO of Pan-O-Gold Baking Co., St. Cloud, Minn., was also acknowledged for his valuable contributions as the 2012-2014 ABA chairman before assuming the role of immediate past chairman.

“The success of our association and the baking industry depends upon the exceptional leadership of the ABA executive committee and board of directors,” noted Robb MacKie, ABA president and CEO. “These leaders volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the continued strength and growth of our industry. ABA has been blessed throughout its history to have strong, committed and engaged leaders.”

The following individuals were welcomed as new directors for the board:

• Brad Alexander, president, Flowers Bakeries, Thomasville, Ga.

• Chad Coester, vice president, U.S. grocery manufacturing, Safeway Inc., Manufacturing Division, Pleasanton, Calif.

• Chris Foley, senior vice president and GM of fresh and frozen bakery, Pepperidge Farm Inc., Norwalk, Conn.

• Cordia Harrington, CEO, Tennessee Bun Co., Nashville, Tenn.

• Miles Jones, co-chairman, Dawn Food Products Inc., Jackson, Mich.

Stepping down after years of outstanding service to the board of directors are J. Bowman Williams Jr., B.C. Williams Bakery Services, Dallas; David Murphy, Mother Murphy’s Flavors, Greensboro, N.C.; and John Hink, Quality Bakery/Rite-Way, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.