Who We Are

An accomplished industry leader, Paul Lattan has 32 years of experience in the commercial baking B2B media space. Building on his many years of intellectual and relationship equity, Paul launched Avant Food Media in 2020 and established a completely new model designed to elevate media in the baking/food space. Currently serving on the ATBI Board of Directors, Paul also held industry leadership positions as BEMA chair, ASB program chair and second vice chair, and president of the Midwest ATBI. His industry participation and leadership are paramount to his convictions as a media professional. In his free time, Paul is an alpine mountain climber, runner, skier and overall fan of the outdoors.

Thru Food Science education, more than a dozen years of food/baking industry experience and almost three decades in food and baking media, Steve Berne employed his wide experience to help start and build Avant Food Media and its flagship brand of Commercial Baking. Focused on quality, value and integrity of audience and advertising partners, Steve provides critical leadership and support in many facets of the business and takes huge pride in its success since its launch in 2020. Steve has also served the industry as ASB speaker, session chair, program chair and Board of Directors, and as president of the Midwest ATBI. Steve also is an avid outdoorsman, mountaineer, cyclist and hiker.

Joanie Spencer is director of content and partner for Avant Food Media and editor-in-chief of Commercial Baking and Craft to Crumb. Since 2008, Joanie has covered the retail and commercial sides of the baking industry. She has previously served on the board of directors for the American Society of Baking and is currently BEMA board member. Joanie has presented on bakery operations and trends for the past 10 years and currently hosts Troubleshooting Innovation, a Commercial Baking podcast. She is a member of CHIEF, a private network for powerful women in executive leadership. 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 free time with her husband and 13-year-old son.

Jordan Winter is a multimedia journalist with a passion for uplifting positive social change through storytelling. As the creative director for Avant Food Media, she guides the creative direction for Commercial Baking projects, including the magazine, podcast, email campaigns and more. Prior to joining the Avant team, Jordan was a content marketing associate for nonprofits such as B Lab and Bioneers. She is also the host of No Free Lunches, a video series she co-created with her local tourism agency to highlight the food and drink scene in Lawrence, KS. Outside of work, she loves to travel the world, spend time in nature and bake cookies for friends.

Lily Cota is a writer, editor and photographer from Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and a minor in Photography. When she's not writing, you can find her reading fantasy novels, thrifting, trying out local coffee shops and spending time with her nieces.

Mari Rydings is a versatile content creator, editor and marketer with experience developing dynamic, results-driven materials for B2B and B2C audiences. As the editorial director for Avant Food Media, she leads the day-to-day editorial operations for the company’s print and digital magazines, newsletters and social media platforms. Outside of work, she loves reading, hiking, putting together jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her husband and their twin daughters.

Annie Hollon is an experienced journalist, copywriter and social media strategist. As digital editor of Avant Food Media, her contributions include coordinating web content for Commercial Baking and Craft to Crumb, leading social media content and strategy, and crafting features for both brands' magazines. She found a love for magazine writing during her time at the University of Alabama where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in public relations and English. Beyond writing, you can find her expanding her library, attempting to teach herself the guitar and exploring what Kansas City has to offer.

Olivia Siddall found her passion for multimedia production when she attended her first film class at the University of Kansas. She went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production, and has worked on many film, video and audio projects over the last six years. Her personal portfolio includes various areas of multimedia production, including industry-focused photography and videography, behind-the-scenes and process photography, and audio engineering. Outside of multimedia production, Olivia spends most of her free time hanging out with her family and friends, teaching her cats tricks, and thinking about food.

Maddie Lambert is a copywriter and editor from Joplin, MO. She graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English - literary studies. When she's not poring over the magazine or lost in the pages of a new novel, you can find Maddie exploring her local bookstores, spending time with her husband, or sharing her latest literary discoveries with fellow book enthusiasts.

Erin Zielsdorf is an account executive based in Chicago, IL. She has a passion for building relationships, maintaining relationships, and helping others achieve their marketing goals. Prior to joining Commercial Baking, Erin worked as an account manager in the digital marketing space and is eager to bring her knowledge into the baking industry. In her free time, you can find Erin enjoying the Chicago restaurant scene, running along the lakefront, or spending time with friends and family.

Maggie Glisan covers consumer trends and emerging markets for the Commercial Baking media group. She spent the bulk of her 15-year career as the senior food editor at Better Homes and Gardens, where she was responsible for producing, writing and editing stories and developing recipes for the monthly magazine and special interest publications. Prior to that she worked as graphic designer and assistant art director in the Food Group at Better Homes and Gardens, where she took on an increasing role in content creation and editorial development.