ASB Names Board of Directors, Officers, and Committee Leadership

The annual announcement was made at BakingTech 2026 in Chicago.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The American Society of Baking (ASB) has installed its 2026-27 board of directors, officers, and committee leadership, effective February 18, 2026, during the Annual Meeting of Members at BakingTech in Chicago. The new leadership team includes a diverse group of industry professionals who will serve in various roles to advance the organization's mission and commitment to the commercial baking industry.

Why it matters

The ASB plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the commercial baking industry through educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry advocacy. The announcement of the new board, officers, and committee leadership signifies a renewed focus and vision for the organization, which is poised to continue its century-plus journey of serving the industry.

The details

The executive committee officers include Sarah Tsocanos as Board Chair, Kathy Sargent as 1st Vice Chair, John Hinds as 2nd Vice Chair, Chad Larson as 3rd Vice Chair, Theresa Watkinson as Secretary/Treasurer, and Matt Bowers as Immediate Past Chair. The new directors at-large include Charlotte Atchley, Jim Blum, Edgar Jaramillo, Rachel Klataske, Ashley Robertson, and Carter Wands. The 2026/2027 committee chairs were also announced, covering areas such as the Baking Hall of Fame Selection, BakingTech 20 Planning, Commercial Engagement, Education, Finance & Audit, Membership & Marketing, Product Development Competition, Young Professionals, and Z50 Safety and Sanitation.

  • The annual announcement was made at BakingTech 2026 in Chicago, held from February 16-19, 2026.
  • The new leadership team's term began on February 18, 2026.

The players

Kristen L. Spriggs

Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Baking (ASB).

Sarah Tsocanos

ASB Board Chair 2026-27 and Senior Manager, R&D, Bakery, for The Campbell's Co.

Kathy Sargent

1st Vice Chair of the ASB and an employee of Bimbo Bakeries USA.

John Hinds

2nd Vice Chair of the ASB and an employee of Cain Food Industries Inc.

Chad Larson

3rd Vice Chair of the ASB and an employee of Mel-O-Cream Donuts in Springfield, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“The ASB Board and committee leaders have such a clear vision of our renewed mission and commitment to the commercial baking industry. The team and I are honored to serve alongside each of our hundreds of volunteers who are dedicated to ASB's future and the professionalism of our industry. When we say #ASBOnTheRise we mean it, and these volunteers take their role and responsibility very seriously. It is an exciting time in our century-plus journey.”

— Kristen L. Spriggs, Chief Executive Officer, ASB (bakingbusiness.com)

“As someone who has grown professionally through ASB's educational programs, committees and community, it is a true honor to serve as board chair.”

— Sarah Tsocanos, ASB Board Chair 2026-27 and Senior Manager, R&D, Bakery, for The Campbell's Co. (bakingbusiness.com)

The takeaway

The new ASB leadership team represents a diverse group of industry professionals who are committed to advancing the organization's mission and supporting the commercial baking industry through educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry advocacy. Their appointment signals a renewed focus and vision for the ASB as it continues its century-plus journey of serving the industry.