ASB names new board officers, directors, committee chairs

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ASB names new board officers, directors, committee chairs

23 Feb 2026

Maddie Lambert

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CHICAGO — During its annual members’ meeting at BakingTECH 2026, held Feb. 17-19 in Chicago, the American Society of Baking (ASB) announced its 2026-27 board of directors, officers, and committee leadership.

Each officer and committee chair will serve one year in their respective positions, with a few exceptions noted in the organization’s Bylaws or Committee Charters.

“The ASB board and committee leaders have such a clear vision of our renewed mission and commitment to the commercial baking industry,” said Kristen L. Spriggs, CAE, IOM, and ASB’s CEO. “The team and I are honored to serve alongside each of our hundreds of volunteers who are dedicated to ASB’s future and the professionalism of our industry.”

Meet the new members, outlined below.

Executive Committee Officers:

Board Chair — Sarah Tsocanos, The Campbell’s Co.
1st Vice Chair — Kathy Sargent, Bimbo Bakeries USA
2nd Vice Chair — John Hinds, Cain Food Industries
3rd Vice Chair — Chad Larson, Mel-O-Cream Donuts
Secretary/Treasurer — Theresa Watkinson, Aladdin Bakers
Immediate Past Chair — Matt Bowers, New Horizons Baking
CEO — Kristen L. Spriggs, CAE, IOM, American Society of
Baking

New Directors At-Large:

Charlotte Atchley, Sosland Publishing — Unexpired term ending 2027
Jim Blum, Bundy Baking Solutions — Term ending 2029
Edgar Jaramillo, Bimbo Bakeries USA — Term ending 2029
Rachel Klataske, Nu Life Market — Unexpired term ending 2028
Ashley Robertson, Corbion — Term ending 2029
Carter Wands, Miller Milling Company — Term ending 2029

2026/2027 Committee Chairs:

Tom McCurry, partner/CEO, Cain Food Industries, Inc., Baking Hall of Fame Selection Committee
Amy Estrada, brand manager, Rademaker USA, BakingTECH 2027 Planning Committee
Scott McCally, president, Auto-Bake Serpentine; global sweets goods category manager, Middleby Bakery, Commercial Engagement Committee
Eric Kastel, senior manager of R&D, Flowers Foods, Education Committee
Paul Rainey, senior VP of quality and operations support, Flowers Bakeries LLC, Finance & Audit Committee
Rachel Klataske, senior director of business development, Nu Life Market, Membership & Marketing Committee
Sarah Corwin, senior principal scientist, Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition North America, Product Development Competition Committee
Nicole Barreiro, group marketing manager, Middleby Bakery, Young Professionals Committee
Lisa Arato, sales development manager, Spiromatic North America Inc., Z50 Safety and Sanitation Committee

ASB has served the grain-based foods industry for more than a century. The new class of leaders stepping into key governance and volunteer roles marks another milestone for the association.

“When we say #ASBOnTheRise, we mean it, and these volunteers take their role and responsibility very seriously. It is an exciting time in our century-plus journey,” Spriggs concluded.

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