NCA elects new Chairman, Board and Executive Board Members

NCA is pleased to announce the recent election of Ross Born, Co-CEO of Just Born, Inc., as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He succeeds Jim Conlan of Mastersfoods USA, a division of Mars, Inc. who served as NCA chairman since 2004.

Born has been actively involved with NCA for nearly two decades. He has served on both the NCA Board and the Executive Board and was Vice Chairman of the Association from 2004 - 2006.

"Ross Born has proved that he will be an innovative leader as Chairman," said Larry Graham, president of NCA. "Having worked in his family-owned business for nearly three decades, he brings a wealth of experience to the table and he cares deeply about the importance of expanding the depth and the breadth of the confectionery industry."
Ross joined the 83-year old family-owned firm in 1978 and shares the responsibility of managing the company with his cousin. Just Born produces the popular brand names Hot Tamales®, Mike and Ike®, Peeps® and Peanut Chews®.

Michael Gilmore, COO of Ferrero U.S.A. Inc., also began his new role as Vice Chairman of the Board while continuing to serve as the ALL CANDY EXPO® Committee Chair. Gilmore has been at Ferrero U.S.A. Inc. for over 17 years and boasts 35 years of experience in the food industry.

"Our NCA is fortunate to have a seasoned, dedicated, professional staff, along with a board of directors representing the best in the confectionery industry. Michael Gilmore and I are excited to work together with all of them," commented Born.

Joining Born and Gilmore are three new Executive Board members and 12 newly elected Board of Trustees members.

Newly elected NCA Executive Board members for the 2006-2008 term:
Tom Joyce, VP, Customer & Industry Affairs, The Hershey Company

Liam Killeen, President / CEO, Storck USA, L.P.

Richard Ross, President, Galerie

Newly elected NCA Board of Trustees members for the 2006-2009 term:
Scott Albanese, President, Albanese Confectionery Group

Eric Atkinson, President, Atkinson Candy

Ross Bainbridge, Managing Partner, Bainbridge and Associates

Rick Blommer, Vice President Operations, The Blommer Chocolate Co.

Scott Frey, Sr. Vice President Sales & Marketing, Brach's Confections, Inc.

Mitchell Goetze, Vice President Administration, Goetze's Candy Company, Inc.

Pat Huffman, President, Warrell Corporation

Rick Kay, Executive Vice President, Sweet Candy Company

John Morrissey, President, American Food Products

Linda Sahagian, President, Sahagian & Associates Inc.

Phil Shankman, President, Shankman & Associates

Jimmy Weatherford, President, Crown Candy Corp.

For more information about NCA leadership, committees or activities, visit the Association online at www.CandyUSA.com or call (703) 790-5750.

National Confectioners Association
8320 Old Courthouse Road, Ste 300
Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: (703) 790-5750
Fax (703) 790-5752
Email: info@CandyUSA.com
Web: www.CandyUSA.com