Emily Bowers named BEMA’s EVP

BACK TO ALL NEWS

Emily Bowers named BEMA’s EVP

21 Jan 2026

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.

OVERLAND PARK, KS — BEMA, an association with a mission to connect, educate and provide resources for members including baking industry equipment manufacturers and allieds, has promoted Emily Bowers to EVP, recognizing 10 years of service to the industry and leadership in the organization.

Bowers joined BEMA in 2016 as director of education and professional development and was later promoted to senior director of education and operations, followed by VP of education and operations. Since that time, she has played a central role in developing and implementing BEMA programs such as BEMA-U and NEXUS as well as overseeing day-to-day operations.

She has also represented BEMA through her involvement with the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), contributing to one of the largest educational programs in the global baking industry.

“Emily has an exceptional ability to bring people together — whether that’s bakers, members, partners or our internal team — in a way that fosters trust, collaboration and purpose,” said Kerwin Brown, president and CEO of BEMA. “That ability to connect people and align them around our mission is a defining part of what makes BEMA special.”

“Emily has an exceptional ability to bring people together — whether that’s bakers, members, partners or our internal team — in a way that fosters trust, collaboration and purpose.” — Kerwin Brown | president and CEO | BEMA

As EVP, Bowers will serve as a key strategic partner to Brown, working collaboratively to deliver value to BEMA’s members and the global baking industry.

Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated insight and leadership that has focused on advancing the organization’s mission and service to its members.

“Emily is deeply mission-driven and consistently dependable,” said Jay Hardy, BEMA board chair. “These are qualities that have earned the confidence of the Board and the entire organization. She has a strong appreciation for BEMA’s proud legacy, while also keeping a clear and thoughtful focus on what is best for our future.”

In addition to her new role, Bowers was recently appointed to a non-voting seat on the IBIE executive committee, joining Brown to represent the organization, which co-owns IBIE with the American Bakers Association.

“Her ability to honor where we have been while helping create a strategic vision for the future makes her an invaluable leader for BEMA,” Hardy concluded.

Advertisement

BACK TO ALL NEWS