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.’”