SNAC taps Cochran to succeed Avery as next president and CEO

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SNAC taps Cochran to succeed Avery as next president and CEO

15 Oct 2021

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

ARLINGTON, VA — Concluding a five-month competitive search, SNAC International’s board of directors has unanimously approved the appointment of Christine Cochran as the association’s next president and CEO. Cochran will replace Elizabeth Avery, who previously shared with the board her plan to retire following the conclusion of SNX, the association’s new education and collaboration forum, to be held March 27-29, 2022.

“Christine Cochran is a dynamic leader of membership organizations with a deep knowledge of nutrition and a proven track record in government advocacy, coalition-building and strategic planning,” said Mike Harper, CFO of Rudolph Foods and chair of the SNAC CEO Search Committee. “We believe Christine is the right leader to build on the momentum established by Elizabeth’s highly successful tenure.”

Cochran has served as executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation for the past nine years. Previously, she was president of the Commodity Markets Council, having been promoted to that position in 2010 after leading the organization’s government affairs program. She holds a juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri.

“Christine Cochran is a dynamic leader of membership organizations with a deep knowledge of nutrition and a proven track record in government advocacy, coalition-building and strategic planning,” said Mike Harper, CFO of Rudolph Foods and chair of the SNAC CEO Search Committee.

“Elizabeth has led SNAC International with a relentless focus on member value for five years as CEO,” said Rob Sarlls, SNAC board chair and president and CEO of Wyandot Snacks. “Under her leadership, SNAC has grown in every dimension and has never been in a stronger position. Her innovation and growth agenda led to a tripling of investment in education and professional development, increased effectiveness and recognition for advocacy leadership, greater inclusivity across the industry for participation by new companies and diverse leaders, and bold restructuring of the industry’s convention that meets the need for new opportunities for snack industry collaboration. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, membership is at a record high, and the organization is on extremely solid financial footing.”

To ensure a seamless transition, Cochran will join SNAC on Feb. 1, 2022, and will officially take the reigns as president and CEO at the conclusion of SNX on April 1.

In addition to Mike Harper, the search committee was comprised of Fritz Kohmann, CFO, Shearer’s Foods; Leanne Oliver, general counsel, PepsiCo Foods N.A.; Greg Pearson, CEO, Pretzels, Inc.; David Read, senior VP of sales, Printpack; Rob Sarlls, president and CEO, Wyandot Snacks; Dan Sifer, senior VP, supply chain, Herr Foods; and Lisa Stern, senior VP, sales and marketing, LifeSpice.

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