MADISON, WI — Each year, the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) honors leaders of all skill levels through its Champions of Change program. From early-stage to veteran members, recipients are celebrated for their impact on the industry, their companies and their communities.
Baking industry members have a major presence in this year’s cohort of award recipients, spanning in-store bakeries and suppliers alike.
Under Emerging Champions, which elevates early-career professionals, five recipients from the bakery sector are represented. This includes Marissa Behounek, food scientist at Dawn Foods; Kelly Morris, Portland division assistant bakery sales manager at Safeway; Angelo Madonna, bakery development manager at Giant Eagle; and Shalen Shaw, assistant category manager, bakery at Albertsons.
The industry is also well-represented among the Legendary Champion awardees, which celebrate senior-level leaders (VP or higher) for their strategic direction and innovation. This year, four individuals tied to the retail baking space received this honor. The recipients include Carlos Davila, VP, customer and consumer technology at DecoPac; Sofía Garassino, founder of Bari Bake House; and Julio Torres, food scientist of Dawn Foods.
All 32 award recipients will be celebrated during IDDBA’s annual convention, taking place June 7-9 in Orlando, FL.
