Recipients of this award have been known for making a mark throughout their career, personifying a sense of momentum that permeates throughout BEMA membership, including support for the organization and participation in and service to the industry. Throughout his career and BEMA service, Gunnell has embodied these qualities. With four decades of industry experience, he’s been an avid participant in BEMA, having attended his first convention in 1996. That was a springboard to decades of dedicating time and thought leadership, from committee participation to serving as a board member and, ultimately, 2006-07 board chair, followed by his role as committee chair for the 2022 International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE).

During his tenure on the IBIE executive committee, Gunnell was instrumental in broadening the show’s reach through an increased emphasis on retail and artisan and expanding IBIEducate, now known as the baking industry’s most comprehensive education program.

Gunnell’s work ethic and team mentality comes from his years as a professional athlete.

“You need to keep improving and refining, and sometimes it’s hard to look at ourselves in this way,” he said. “In sports, game day is just a small part of it. The rest of the week, you’re always looking for ways to get better.”