The National Confectioners Association announced March 9 that Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, will assume the role of chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term.
Jacobs most recently served as vice chair and will take over for departing board chair Barry Rosenbaum, president of Nassau Candy Distributors.
“I am honored to take on this role to advocate on behalf of hundreds of confectionery companies and the nearly 58,000 American workers they employ,” Jacobs said.
“In a challenging environment, our industry remains strong and vibrant as consumers, now more than ever, want treats in their lives. I look forward to working with the NCA membership and staff to ensure the continued strength of this cherished industry.”
Jacobs served as the association’s political action committee chair and was instrumental in building CandyPAC. Prior to leading Bazooka Candy Brands, Jacobs worked for more than a decade in marketing roles at Nabisco, Unilever and Dr Pepper Snapple Group.
“Tony’s keen understanding of policy and politics, and his knowledge of the industry make him an incredibly effective thought leader for our industry,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO.
NCA also announced additional appointments to its Board of Trustees. Jerry Hagedorn, EVP of Barry Callebaut, will serve as vice chair of the NCA board. Five industry representatives will join the board, including:
- Carrie Abbott, Newfangled Confections;
- John Kretchmer, American Licorice Company;
- Rob Nelson, Elmer Chocolate;
- Stephanie Stuckey, Stuckey’s; and
- Steve Gohde, The Allan Sullivan Company.
The National Confectioners Association represents more than 400 member companies in the confectionery industry from multi-national, global manufacturers to small, family-owned businesses. The industry employs about 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields.
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