The American Society of Baking (ASB) announces Kristen L. Spriggs has been named as its next Executive Director to succeed Kent Van Amburg, who will retire on 2 March 2023.
Spriggs brings extensive management experience with more than 20 years in membership-based organisations where she led efforts to build community with volunteer leaders and staff. In roles throughout her careers, Spriggs has engaged in the leadership of events, certifications/professional development and products/services.
At the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) where she spent 17 years, where she also led the association’s sponsorship and advertising. More recently she served as the Chief Member Services Officer for the American Society for Quality (ASQ) providing leadership of its 60,000+ membership.
“Kristen’s extensive experience in board and committee governance, event management, as well as leading teams and organisations through transformational change made her the ideal candidate to shepherd ASB into a new era,” said Brittny Ohr, Board Chairman of ASB and Chairman of the Executive Search Committee. “We are really excited her passion for innovation and collaborative approach comes at the right time in ASB’s history with the succession of Kent Van Amburg, who brought stability and focus to ASB when he joined the organisation in 2010.”
Spriggs started her first week at ASB meeting with industry partners: “ASB has a strong foundation and, throughout all my discussions with the Board of Directors, I can see there are tremendous opportunities for us to enhance our service to the industry,” she said. “I could feel the strong bonds and familial nature among peers that connect individuals to one another in this industry – it was a huge piece of what attracted me to this role. I’m excited to do this in partnership with the other trade organisations and many other service partners who are invested in our industry’s success.”
Developing relationships and enhancing member has been a focus of Spriggs’ work throughout her career. Under her leadership, she has helped grow events. She has experience in board and committee relations as well as governance policy development from her time at NAMIc.
Van Amburg, a graduate of Kansas State University, spent 10 years as a representative for the grain industry before moving to association management. Prior to ASB, he served the gas and welding industry. He has served the association industry since 2006, with 13 years at ASB.
Spriggs will assume the role at the conclusion of ASB’s 99th annual BakingTECH in Chicago, Illinois, on 28 February to 2 March, 2023.
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