AMERICAN BAKERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Media, and Industry Partners
A strong visual identity reflects the strength of our Members. ABA Members, media, and industry partners can find helpful files here.
ABA Members give perspectives of the baking industry, ideas on how to improve, and how ABA's programs help them reach their business goals.
Ben is responsible for engaging and expanding ABA's membership. He is passionate about understanding the unique challenges and priorities of each Member and providing strategic support and solutions.
Ben is the Director of Membership for the American Bakers Association. He has extensive experience building consultative relationships with executives and delivering value that addresses their specific priorities and challenges. He is dedicated to understanding what makes organizations tick, connecting them with insights that matter to them, and becoming an advocate for their input.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Immediate past Chair
- Chairman of the American Baking Association
- Chief Operating Officer of Flowers Foods
Bradley K. Alexander is the chief operating officer of Flowers Foods. Serving in this role since May 2019, he oversees Flowers' fresh packaged bread and snacking/specialty business units, supply chain, marketing, R&D, and sales functions.
Mr. Alexander previously served as chief operating officer from 2014 until 2017, when he was asked to head up Flowers' newly formed fresh packaged bread business unit. As president of that business unit, he was responsible for the company's top brands, including Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, and Wonder.
Mr. Alexander has extensive experience in sales, marketing, and operations. He has served as president of Flowers Bakeries, senior vice president of sales and marketing, and as bakery president, since joining the company in 1981.
An industry leader, Mr. Alexander serves as chair of the American Baking Association. He holds an MBA in marketing from Georgia State University and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Georgia.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- the Kroger Co
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Treasurer of the Executive Committee
"When Auguste LeComte founded Gold Medal Bakery in 1912 he had a vision: 'If we are to gain the trust of our customers and offer them home-baked bread, we should start with quality ingredients and deliver these products on time and with courtesy.'"
Brian LeComte, ABA's Treasurer, is President and COO of Gold Medal Bakery, a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company specialized in producing bread, rolls, and English muffins. Brian's great-grandfather, Auguste LeComte, founded Gold Medal Bakery in 1912 with a vision: 'If we are to gain the trust of our customers and offer them home-baked bread, we should start with quality ingredients and deliver these products on time and with courtesy.' The vision remains the same, over 100 years later.
Job Titles:
- Accounting and Operations Coordinator
Chelsea ensures ABA Members receive top-notch support by providing administrative and clerical assistance to ABA's professional staff.
Chelsea holds a B.S. in Psychology from Morgan State University ('20). Scott is currently pursuing her Masters of Industrial Organization and Human Resources Management at Walden University. Her passion project is promoting environmentally-friendly tactics to obtain new and in-fashion clothing via her own small business, Recycled Hanger.
Job Titles:
- Director, Industry Relations and Strategic Initiatives
- S High - Resolution Headshot
Christina is passionate about delivering executive leadership development, strategic partnerships, and industry research to support ABA members' businesses.
Prior to ABA, Christina was an account executive for an association management company where she managed trade associations representing industries in the hospitality, weather risk insurance, and B2B marketing sectors. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband.
Newspaper icon blog Encouraging an Innovative Culture at the NextGenBaker Leadership Forum at IBIE 2022 Aug 1, 2022 | Christina Donnelly NextGenBaker is back at IBIE for an exclusive event. NextGenBaker International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) Microphone icon podcast A Pivotal Moment for Nutrition Policy Jul 26, 2022 | Hailey Blumenreich The first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health is happening in 50 years. We talk with ABA's Lee Sanders, CAE about... Bake to the Future Podcast Nutrition Pencil icon article ABA Remembers Baking Industry Icon, Jim Lynch Jul 26, 2022 | Katie Juhl ABA remembers the life and legacy of baking industry icon and NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Lynch.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- S Chair
Cordia Harrington, ABA's Chair, is CEO of Crown Bakeries (formerly The Bakery Cos.) which is comprised of highly-automated, high-speed bun and biscuit bakeries, artisan and organic bakeries, frozen dough lines, croissants, and English muffin griddles.
In total, the company produces more than eight million pieces per day, serving elite customers in the United States, South America, and the Caribbean. Begun in 1997 as a supplier to the McDonald's system, Ms. Harrington has used innovation and the newest technologies to grow the business from one customer to 1400, with revenue growth to greater than $100mm.
Prior to founding The Bakery Cos. (previously called the Tennessee Bun Company), Ms. Harrington was a McDonald's owner/operator in Central Illinois, where she purchased one (and built two additional) award-winning restaurants. As a franchisee, Harrington was purchasing chair for the St. Louis McDonald's region. Previously, Ms. Harrington founded and developed Concept One Realtors in Russellville, Arkansas, growing it to include Concept One Construction, a builder of homes and commercial office condominiums. Concept One Realtors was the recipient of national awards.
Harrington was the recipient of the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2015 award in the Southeast Program for the Manufacturing & Distribution category and Lifetime Achievement Award as Most Admired CEO 2016, as well as other National Awards.
Ms. Harrington attended Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan; she graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- ALLIED at - LARGE REPRESENTATIVE Ardent Mills
Job Titles:
- Logistics / Membership
- Membership / Business Impact / Workforce Impact
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- ATBI PRESIDENT Lesaffre / Red Star Yeast Company
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Manager
- S High - Resolution Headshot
An innovative storyteller with an inquisitive drive, Hailey effectively communicates and promotes ABA's activities to our Members and the public.
Hailey makes sure Members are informed about ABA's offerings and have the most up-to-date information on the latest policies and regulations affecting the industry. She collaborates with each team at ABA to manage and execute effective communications and marketing to ABA members and other stakeholders to support ABA's efforts in member recruitment and retention, events, education, and advocacy. Hailey continually seeks new and creative ways to reach ABA's members, including starting and co-hosting ABA's podcast, Bake to the Future.
Before joining ABA, Hailey was a Project Assistant at Lincoln Park Strategies, a public opinion research firm. A DC-area native, Hailey graduated from the University of Michigan with a major in International Studies and a minor in Business Administration. She is passionate about podcasts, starting a podcast club, Podluck (Podcast + Potluck), in college, and then founding/chairing Podcast Club through the University of Michigan DC Alumni Club. Hailey is a member of the UMDC Board of Governors, Co-Chair of the UMDC Planning Committee, and member of the KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) Associates Board.
Newspaper icon blog How to Schedule Important Meetings at IBIE 2022 Aug 5, 2022 | Hailey Blumenreich IBIE 2022 is just around the corner. There are several options for scheduling key meetings at IBIE 2022. International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) Membership Benefits Newspaper icon blog Make Our Booth Your Home Base at IBIE 2022 Aug 5, 2022 | Jennifer Colfelt The centrally located ABA BEMA Booth in the West Hall Lobby is the perfect spot to meet with your team to strategize your walk on the... International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) Membership Member Resources Membership Benefits Loudspeaker icon press releases Rep. Walorski Was Champion of the Baking Industry Aug 3, 2022 | Katie Juhl The American Bakers Association is heartbroken about the tragic passing of Indiana Representative Jackie Walorski and her two staffers...
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Operations and Membership
Jenn leads membership engagement and ABA operations, creating an effective, reliable, and service-oriented organization for ABA's Members and the baking industry at large.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
- AIB CHAIR President JAG Portfolio Services
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- President of Turano Baking Company
- Second Vice - Chair
Joe Turano is the President of Turano Baking Company and is a third-generation family member of the company. He also serves on the IBIE Committee and chaired the event in 2019.
He has a degree from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.
Mariano Turano came to the United States from Calabria, Italy, with one purpose in mind; to build a better life for his family. When he bought a small bakeshop on the westside of Chicago, he saw his opportunity to do just that. There he focused on making the same old-fashioned Italian Round Bread he baked in Italy. Soon this little Italian bakeshop was making a big impression in surrounding neighborhoods.
What started out as a small bake shop has expanded into five state-of-the-art baking facilities, in Berwyn IL, Bolingbrook IL, Villa Rica GA, Orlando, FL and Henderson NV. The Turano family and dedicated employees continue to preserve the tradition, techniques, imagination, and innovation passed down by Mariano.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Director, Marketing and Communications
- First Director of Marketing and Communications
Katie is an intellectually curious, forward-thinking communications leader. She enthusiastically conceptualizes and delivers on opportunities for the baking industry to tell its powerful stories.
Katie is the first Director of Marketing and Communications for the American Bakers Association. From newsroom to boardroom, she boasts wide-ranging experience in business development, strategy, and production for mobile, online, and broadcast. Katie's journalism roots and newsroom experience, combined with her expertise in emerging platforms, gives her a unique perspective of how businesses and industries can better tell their stories.
Newspaper icon blog Walk the Show Floor with an Expert Aug 11, 2022 | Katie Juhl ABA is offering a one-of-a-kind service for Members. Sign up to walk the show floor with one of ABA's technical advisors. Get help... International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) Membership Benefits Member Resources Microphone icon podcast Going Back in the Time Machine... Aug 9, 2022 | Hailey Blumenreich In honor of ABA's 125th Anniversary, this special episode dives into ABA's long history as the voice of the baking industry. Learn... Bake to the Future Podcast 125th Anniversary Newspaper icon blog New Consumer Trends Study Debut at IBIE 2022 Aug 9, 2022 | Pippa O'Shea What does the future hold for bakery growth amidst wild swings in consumer spending patterns? International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) Member Resources Business Impact
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- BEMA REPRESENTATIVE
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- S High - Resolution Headshot
Before joining ABA, Lauren was a Professional Staff Member for the Committee on Education and Labor in the U.S. House of Representatives. In that position, Lauren was the lead policy staffer on workplace safety issues along with other workforce policy issues. Prior to working on the Hill, Lauren served as Manager of Labor and Employment Policy for Associated Builders and Contractors. In this role, Lauren tracked, monitored, analyzed, and responded to federal regulations.
Lauren graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and minors in nonprofit studies and religion.
Job Titles:
- Director, Government Relations
Lauren represents the baking industry in front of Congress, the administration, and federal agencies.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors for the Business Industry Political Action Committee
- Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs
With decades of experience in food policy and regulatory affairs at ABA, Lee's leadership drives positive change for not only the baking industry but the entire food sector.
Lee leads ABA's government relations team representing the baking industry before Congress, federal agencies, and international policy making bodies. She advises association Members and industry on critical legislative and regulatory issues, while serving as a spokesperson on behalf of the industry. Lee is Co-Chair for the Food and Beverage Issue Alliance (FBIA) - a group of 60+ FDA- regulated food industry trade associations. The FBIA serves as a platform for communications with various federal agencies on food industry priorities. FBIA works together to develop unified positions on nutrition and food safety issues and meets quarterly with FDA officials.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Passionate about all things education, Pippa supports ABA Members through online and in-person educational programs.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Regulatory and Technical Services
Rasma's expertise in food safety regulations, nutrition, and sustainability help ABA Members navigate the federal and state regulatory landscape.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- Co - Chair of the Food
Robb is the baking industry's chief advocate and spokesperson, bringing his decades of experience, knowledge of policy, and meaningful relationships to promote and protect the interests of businesses in the baking sector.
Robb oversees all aspects of ABA's administration and operations, representing the interests of almost 800,000 skilled employees of the $154 billion commercial baking industry.
In this highly stressed condition of supply chains, old weaknesses are causing major problems - and the rail industry is doing little...
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Meetings and Education
Job Titles:
- Government Relations Manager
Job Titles:
- Events and Membership Coordinator
Tim provides extensive operational and administrative support to ensure Members make the most of their ABA Membership.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Education
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- First Vice - Chair
- President and CEO of Richmond Baking
William (Bill) Quigg is President and CEO of Richmond Baking (aka More Than A Bakery) and is the Second Vice-Chair of the American Bakers Association. Richmond Baking, the nation's oldest family-owned cookie and cracker company, has been continuously led by four generations of the Quigg family since its founding in 1902, with plans to "pass the apron" to the next generation.
Since Bill was 12 years old, he always wanted to work at Richmond Baking. His first job was stamping dates on cookie boxes, and after 6 years was promoted to actually mix the dough. Bill strongly believes that the closer one is to making the cookies, the more important the job is to the success of the company.