ABA president and CEO Robb MacKie announces departure

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ABA president and CEO Robb MacKie announces departure

24 Jun 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) announced that Robb MacKie, the association’s long-time president and CEO, will step down at the end of 2022 to focus on family matters full-time.

“For 27 years, 17 as President and CEO, it has been my deepest privilege and honor to serve the baking industry,” MacKie said. “I have devoted my full passion and energy to protecting and growing this noble industry that feeds our country and communities. Meanwhile, the devotion to my family greatly overshadows my deep commitment to ABA and our members.”

MacKie lauded the hard work and sacrifices bakers make every day in and for the industry, pointing to their commitment and inspiration for his service to the association.

“It is because of their sacrifices and support that I have been able to focus on representing the industry I love,” he said. “Now it is time for me to practice what I preach by putting family first and focus my full attention and passion on helping my family through our challenges.”

While he emphasized his gratitude for support from industry partners and friends, MacKie also asked for privacy during the coming weeks.

“The baking industry has had the privilege of Robb’s passion and expertise for 27 years,” said Cordia Harrington, ABA chair and founder and CEO of Crown Bakeries. “He had made a huge, positive difference in our business lives and personal lives. I respect his decision to place his family first and am very grateful for Robb’s dedication and service.”

“It is time for me to practice what I preach by putting family first and focus my full attention and passion on helping my family through our challenges.” —Robb MacKie | president and CEO | American Bakers Association

Brad Alexander, ABA immediate past chair and COO of Flowers Foods, recognized MacKie’s industry service and friendship.

“Robb has been a friend, trusted advisor and tireless advocate for our industry and the many members affiliated with the ABA,” Alexander said. “We will miss his strategic leadership and wish him all the best.”

Long-time ABA member company Turano Baking Co. also shared a statement on behalf of the Turano family.

“The Turano family is saddened to learn of Robb MacKie’s decision to leave ABA. We appreciate and applaud his 27-plus years of dedicated service and accumulated success in and for the industry. It has been a pleasure to be both a personal peer and a personal friend with him. We wish him well as he enters this next chapter of his life.”

MacKie will remain active through the end of the year in his role with ABA, who co-owns the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), to ensure a highly successful event, which is the Western Hemisphere’s largest baking industry tradeshow.

During this time, the ABA board of directors will seek a dynamic new leader to grow the association’s positive momentum throughout a smooth transition.

“I will miss the daily interactions with a powerful team of industry leaders and the most respected and effective team of association professionals in Washington,” MacKie said.

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