BOILING SPRINGS, SC — Nathan Norris, DEI director for Northbrook, IL-based Highland Baking Co., passed away Oct. 30 at his home. He was 64 years old.
Norris’ baking industry career spanned 45 years, the majority of which he spent with Wendy’s New Bakery Co., where he worked his way from the production floor to operations manager. When East Balt Bakeries acquired the company, Norris moved into plant management, overseeing facilities in Zanesville, OH, and then Chicago. He joined Highland Baking Co. as a plant manager in 2017 and became the company’s first-ever director of diversity, equity and inclusion in 2021.
Norris’ dedication to the commercial baking industry was driven, in part, by his passion for connecting with people. He believed employees were among a company’s greatest assets, and he worked tirelessly to foster a workplace culture in which every team member felt valued and respected.
“Nathan was one of the first people I met when I joined the industry,” shared Kristen L. Spriggs, executive director of the American Society of Baking (ASB). “We connected right away around the shared love of our families and traveling. His kind heart and love of the baking industry was known far and wide. He will be missed. Someone recently remarked that this world needs more Nathans in it. I couldn’t agree more.”
Norris was an active ASB member and served on the board twice, including his current position as third vice chair. He was slated to be ASB’s 2027-2028 board chair.
“I first met Nathan at a BakingTECH, and I could tell right away he was passionate about baking and supporting our industry,” said Matt Bowers, senior director of R&D for New Horizons Baking Co. and first vice chair on the ASB board. “When we approached him last year to ask if he was interested in serving as ASB’s third vice chair, he never hesitated and said, ‘Yes, absolutely.’”
Xochitl Cruz, current ASB chair and VP of operations for Horsham, PA-based Bimbo Bakeries USA, recalled her first impression of Norris, whom she met at her first BakingTECH event.
“From the moment we were introduced, his warmth and genuine nature were evident,” Cruz said. “Nathan’s passion for baking and the industry was absolutely contagious, and he made me feel both welcomed and that I truly belonged. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In his honor, ASB will continue to live by the core values we have institutionalized and that Nathan exemplified every single day.”
Norris’ service also included volunteering co-chair of the American Bakers Association (ABA)’s DEI Working Group, which focused on ideating solutions for increased diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the industry.
“All of us at ABA are deeply saddened by the loss of Nathan,” said Eric Dell, ABA’s president and CEO. “His dedication to the industry and unwavering spirit were such an inspiration. Nathan contributed immensely to the development of ABA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group and made a positive impact on the lives of everyone around him.”
The group often spoke at industry events such as ABA’s annual convention and at the 2022 International Baking Industry Exposition in Las Vegas, where the group joined BEMA’s DEI Task Force to deepen the conversation around how DEI and baking companies and suppliers can create more inclusive and equitable workplaces while making the baking industry an attractive employment destination.
Norris also participated in a DEI panel during BEMA’s 2022 annual convention, sharing his knowledge an passion with convention attendees.
“Nathan embodied kindness in both his character and his actions,” said Kerwin Brown, president and CEO of BEMA. “He was a true servant leader that used his influence to positively impact the lives of others. Nathan was a valued and respected member of the BEMA family. Our sincere condolences go out to his family.”
Funeral services and burial will take place at a later date in Norris’ hometown of Zanesville, OH. Condolences may be sent to the family online through the Roberts Funeral Home website.
