ABA names Eric Dell as new president and CEO

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ABA names Eric Dell as new president and CEO

10 Nov 2022

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.

WASHINGTON DC — The American Bakers Association (ABA) has announced the appointment of Eric Dell, JD, MBA, as the organization’s new president and CEO. Dell will lead the association’s mission of promoting and growing the baking industry in partnership with its more than 300 members.

Dell will succeed current president and CEO Robb MacKie, who announced in June that he will be retiring at the end of this year. In July, ABA’s Search Committee, under the leadership of board chair Cordia Harrington, worked in partnership with executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.

“Eric is an energetic, dynamic and politically savvy leader who exudes passion for his work and his family,” said Harrington, founder and CEO of Crown Bakeries. “He is the ideal successor to carry on the strong reputation and foundation built by Robb MacKie and the ABA team.”

Dell joins ABA from the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) as the organization’s EVP. During his 10-year tenure, he built a best-in-class advocacy program, forged new industry partnerships, revitalized the industry tradeshow and invigorated high-performing teams.

After reviewing 67 qualified candidates, ABA’s Search Committee unanimously selected Dell.

“After a thorough vetting process, I am pleased that our panel secured a new CEO that brings such strong association experience, as well as great connections in our nation’s capital,” said Bill Quigg, ABA’s first vice chair and president and CEO of Richmond Baking. “I am confident this new leadership will prove to be an exceptional strategic executive taking ABA successfully into the future.”

“Eric is an energetic, dynamic and politically savvy leader who exudes passion for his work and his family. He is the ideal successor to carry on the strong reputation and foundation built by Robb MacKie and the ABA team.” — Cordia Harrington | founder and CEO | Crown Bakeries

A veteran of Capitol Hill, Dell served two stints as chief of staff and counsel to Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC). He was also a practicing attorney and law clerk to South Carolina Circuit Judge Marc Westbrook. Dell is a South Carolina native with a degree in political science and a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business.

“Eric’s depth of experience and leadership skills are second to none,” said Brad Alexander, COO of Flowers Foods and ABA’s immediate past chair. “He has a clear and passionate vision that will guide ABA’s efforts as they address the baking industry’s future challenges and provide valuable resources to meet our members’ changing business needs.”

NAMA and Dell have a history of collaboration with ABA, which will ensure a smooth transition of leadership for the association.

“The Executive Committee has selected an outstanding leader to take ABA into the future,” MacKie said. “Both Eric and NAMA have been incredibly strong and well-respected collaborators with ABA and the Washington food community. In addition to his keen policy acumen in both federal and state governments, Eric’s strategic business ingenuity expanded his industry’s opportunities and grew their trade show’s impact. ABA’s professional team and its leadership will blaze a bright path for the baking industry’s future with him at the helm. I know the ABA members will enjoy welcoming Eric and his family into the baking community just as they did me. I anticipate a smooth and seamless transition over the next couple of months.”

Dell will officially take the helm as president and CEO on January 1, 2023.

“I’m delighted to join this fantastic industry as president and CEO of its leading trade association,” Dell said. “Together, we will work to show America and the world what many already know: Baking is cool. I am excited to lead ABA into the future with a pointed focus on crafting a culture-driven organization that I know will excel at all levels of programming for the membership. Working with the board of directors and the broader membership, we will elevate ABA’s value proposition.”

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