American Bakers Association announced today that Chris Clark will join the ABA team as Vice President of Operations effective August 12, 2013. Mr. Clark replaces ABA Senior Vice President Operations Chuck Wellard who recently departed ABA for a senior position with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
"Mr. Clark brings a wealth of experience to the ABA team which will further strengthen the organization and allow ABA to better serve its members," said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie. "Chris is currently the VP, Operations, Member Services and Education for the Snack Food Association (SFA). He brings a broad range of expertise and food industry knowledge from his time with SFA, the Financial Service Credit Union and the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
"Chris has particular strengths that will be very valuable to ABA including managing membership engagement and development; operations and finance; and managing the snack industry trade show SNAXPO. In expertise, passion and temperament, he will be a terrific addition to the ABA team, especially during this exciting IBIE year," continued Mr. MacKie.
"Chris Clark exemplifies the professionalism and skills of a superb member-focused association executive," said SFA President Jim McCarthy. "He will be greatly missed by SFA's membership and the entire snack food industry."
ABA also announced the promotion of Teresa Grant to Director of Finance. Ms. Grant has served ABA with increasingly greater responsibilities in her nine years with the organization. Ms. Grant has day-to-day responsibilities for ABA's and IBIE's finances and leads the critically important budget and audit preparation efforts for ABA's finances.
"Ms. Grant has seen tremendous growth in her service to ABA and its members," said Mr. MacKie. "She is ABA's unsung hero in her efforts to ensure our members can have complete confidence in our financials. It has been one of my greatest pleasures as ABA President to foster Teresa's growth and development."
"On behalf of the ABA Professional Staff, the ABA members and the IBIE Committee, I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Wellard for his dedication, passion and incredible service to ABA these past eight years," commented Mr. MacKie. "The true test of an individual is the legacy they leave behind and I can, without hesitation or hyperbole, say that ABA, IBIE and the baking industry are far stronger for Chuck's efforts. We genuinely wish him success in his future endeavors and know that no matter where his journey takes him, he will remain a passionate advocate for the baking industry."
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $102 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 633,000 highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association