Grain Foods Foundation advances Erin Ball to executive director

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Grain Foods Foundation advances Erin Ball to executive director

7 Dec 2022

Evan Bail

Evan Bail is a is a multimedia journalist from Overland Park, KS. Her passion for writing and media was developed at a young age through film and literature. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. In her free time, you can find her playing tennis, spending time with her family or walking her dog at the dog park.

WASHINGTON DC — After serving as the acting executive director since January 2022, Erin E. Ball has assumed the position of executive director at Grain Foods Foundation (GFF).

“I am thrilled to take on the challenge of leading GFF as executive director,” Ball said. “The opportunities in front of the foundation are myriad, and the challenges of keeping this industry’s products on plates and moving the perception of grain foods in a positive direction ensure our focus. I am grateful for the 18 years of partnership GFF has built with the industry, and I look forward to listening better, serving more effectively, and bringing strong results in years to come.”

Ball previously served as the director of public relations and science at GFF. She has been with the foundation since 2013 and has worked to broaden its research program. She has also increased its public relations messaging reach and continues to build GFF’s relationships in academia, nutrition science organizations and the food industry.

“With more than a decade of experience working in DC non-profits, and another decade in the non-profit world outside of DC, Erin brings vision for what our industry can do when we work together,” said Kirk Stehr, Grain Craft SVP of sales and GFF board co-chair. “She has proven her value as a listener, a relationship builder, and as a leader who can set a course and execute on it. She understands both the possibilities and limitations inherent in non-profit management, and she has built the GFF Board’s confidence in her abilities.”

GFF board members such as Debo Mukherjee, Flowers Foods CMO and GFF co-chair, as well as Lorraine Hale, Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) VP and general manager, bread, buns and rolls and new GFF Board member, praised Ball’s promotion.

“After months of consideration and close observation, Erin became our clear choice to assume the position of permanent executive director at GFF,” Mukherjee said. “Her history with the group, institutional knowledge, and passion for the work the Foundation led us to the decision. The Board affirmed her as our choice unanimously.”

Mukherjee has passed board responsibilities on to Andy Smith, SVP of consumer insights and relations at Flowers Foods. Hale recently stepped into the BBU GFF seat following trustee Vince Melchiorre stepping down in November.

“I have worked with Erin on various projects at GFF for several years,” Hale said. “I have been impressed by her clear understanding of the critical role that grain foods play in driving America’s healthful and tasteful lives and her leadership in building insights and communication to the market that highlights that role.”

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