CHICAGO — At the close of the American Society of Baking (ASB)’s BakingTECH conference, held Feb. 28-March 2 in Chicago, the association placed an emphasis on innovation and change as it heads into its 100th year.
Kent Van Amburg retired from his post after 13 years as executive director, handing the reins to Kristen Spriggs, who was hired in January as his successor. Spriggs participated in a listening tour shortly after she was hired, visiting with key industry associations and media partners to gain insight into the industry prior to attending BakingTECH.
At the closing general session, Spriggs addressed ASB members with a message that looked to the future while embracing time-honored traditions.
“I am excited about all the future possibilities we have together,” Spriggs said in her address. “And I’m so proud to help us reach our fullest potential together.”
Based on feedback from members, Spriggs plans to focus on three key areas: respecting the history of ASB, addressing emerging trends and evergreen challenges, and emphasizing development for the next generation of young professionals in the industry.
“I look forward to coming back to BakingTECH every year and celebrating this amazing community,” Spriggs said. “We’ll be high-fiving our growth, the exciting things we’ve launched, and the partnership and collaboration we’ll have created in the industry.”
Eric Lewis, VP of quality assurance for Thomasville, GA-based Flowers Foods, is taking the helm as chairman of the board and has announced future changes to BakingTECH, which has traditionally been held in early spring in Chicago.
While BakingTECH will remain the same in 2024 — taking place Feb. 27-29 at the Chicago Hilton — the event will move to Orlando in 2025, and is scheduled for Feb. 16-18. The event will then return to Chicago Feb. 17-19, 2026, but relocate to The Sheraton Grand Chicago.
Program planning is underway for the 2024 conference, which will be led by program chair Kayla Davey, account manager for IFF.
“We are already hard at work planning a meaningful conference for 2024,” Davey said. “It will be the kickoff celebration of the 100th year of ASB, and we look forward to celebrating our history while we look forward to the future.”
Executive Committee
Chairman – Eric Lewis | Flowers Foods
1st Vice Chairman – Xochitl Cruz | Bimbo Bakeries USA
2nd Vice Chairman – Monica Kline | The Ensol Group
3rd Vice Chairman – Matt Bowers | New Horizons Baking Co.
Treasurer – Sarah Tsocanos | Campbell Snacks
Board Members
Brittny Stephenson Ohr | Sugar Foods Corp | immediate past chairman
Harrison Helmick | student
Dave Krishock | Grain Craft
Jeremiah Tilghman | Better Butter
Tim Gentry | Flowers Foods
Theresa Watkinson | Aladdin Bakers
Rod Cunha | Bimbo Bakeries USA
Marissa Stubbs | Caldic North America
Danielle Wedral Licata | Jungbunzlauer
Amy Estrada | Eaglestone
Mike Scouten | Middleby
Bruce Campbell | AMF Bakery Systems
Scott Houtz | Air Management Technologies
