American Bakers Association welcomes Eric Dell as president and CEO

Washington, D.C. – The American Bakers Association welcomed Eric Dell as its new president and CEO as of Jan. 1. Dell will lead the trade group’s sweeping mission of promoting and growing the baking industry in partnership with its 300-plus members.

Dell, JD, MBA, joins ABA from the National Automatic Merchandising Association as the organization’s executive vice-president. During his 10-year tenure, he built a best-in-class advocacy program, forged new industry partnerships, revitalized the industry trade show, and invigorated high-performing teams, the ABA said in a news release.

A veteran of Capitol Hill, serving two stints as Chief of Staff and Counsel to Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), Dell also was a practising attorney and law clerk to South Carolina Circuit Judge Marc Westbrook. He is a South Carolina native with a degree in political science and a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina. He earned his master of business Aadministration from the Johns Hopkins University – Carey School of Business.

“Following an exhaustive review of 67 qualified candidates, ABA’s Search committee was unanimous in our selection of Eric,” said Cordia Harrington, ABA’s board chair, and founder and CEO of Crown Bakeries. “He is an energetic, dynamic, and politically savvy leader who exudes passion for his work and his family. He is the ideal successor to carry on the strong reputation and foundation built by Robb MacKie and the ABA team.”

“I’m delighted to join this fantastic industry as the President and CEO of its leading trade association,” Dell said. “I am excited to lead ABA into the future with a pointed focus on crafting a culture-driven organization that I know will excel at all levels of programming for the membership. Working with the Board of Directors and the broader membership, we will elevate ABA’s value proposition.”

Learn more about the new president through the ABA’s Q-and-A.