WASHINGTON, DC — The American Bakers Association (ABA) has announced the appointment of Liliana (Lili) Economakis, division VP, customer development non-commercial at Aspire Bakeries, as the new co-chair of ABA’s NextGenBaker. Economakis succeeds Kelly Mariotti, director of people programs and processes at Weston Foods, as she pursues a new career opportunity.
“Kelly has been an incredible leader for NextGenBaker over the past two years,” said Christina Donnelly, NextGenBaker staff liaison for ABA. “She came into the role with a commitment to develop meaningful and relevant content for the NextGenBaker community and she has certainly delivered on that goal. Her leadership and strategic guidance have been invaluable to the program.”
Mariotti reflected on her time with the group as a “wonderful experience” that contributed to personal and professional growth. “It was a privilege to partner with Campbell and have the chance to meet so many rising leaders in the industry,” Mariotti said. “I encourage all NextGenBakers to take advantage of this program’s connections and resources.”
Economakis will join co-chair Campbell Williams, co-president, Williams Bakery Service and BCW food Products.
“With her passion for the baking industry and firm belief in the value of professional development, I am confident Lili’s leadership will ensure we deliver an incredible program for the NextGenBaker community.” —Campbell Williams | co-president, Williams Bakery Service and BCW food Products | co-chair, NextGenBaker
“Co-chairing NextGenBaker with Kelly over the past two years has been phenomenal,” Williams noted. “She has been such a strong partner to have as we sought to expand the program’s offerings, and I am so proud of what we accomplished together. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Lili to the role as we head into a big year for NextGenBaker. With her passion for the baking industry and firm belief in the value of professional development, I am confident Lili’s leadership will ensure we deliver an incredible program for the NextGenBaker community.”
In her role at Aspire Bakeries, Economakis leads the strategic relationship with Foodbuy/Compass Business by partnering with the procurement, culinary and marketing teams to provide industry, category and brand expertise.
“From the first Leadership Forum I attended, I saw the value of NextGenBaker, and I am so honored to step into the role of co-chair,” Economakis said. “I believe the industry relationships formed in this program and the emphasis on investing in our development as leaders is incredibly valuable not only to the individuals who participate but also to the companies they represent. I hope Campbell and I have the chance to welcome even more rising leaders into NextGenBaker this year.”
With more than 30 years of experience in the food industry, Economakis brings an important perspective to the Aspire Bakeries team and to NextGenBaker.
“We are extremely proud to have Lili represent Aspire Bakeries as the NextGenBaker co-chair for ABA,” said Tyson Yu, Aspire Bakeries CEO. “With her passion and depth of experience, Lili will surely continue to build leadership for next-generation professionals in the industry as well as enhance collaboration. She is truly embodying Aspire Bakeries’ tagline, Rising Together.”
NextGenBaker will host three in-person events in 2022: NextGenBaker Brunch at the 2022 ABA Convention in Palm Springs, CA, March 27, featuring leadership expert Paul Epstein; NextGenBaker Leadership Forum in Washington, DC, April 26-28; and the NextGenBaker Leadership Forum at IBIE in Las Vegas, September 20.
