Now in its third year, Baking Management’s Influential 20 issue examines some of the people who made a material difference in the baking industry over the past year. Some of these are familiar faces, while others are new to the list, but each has earned this nod from his or her industry peers.

The individuals on the list represent a wide range of capacities, functions and affiliations. Many are in the daily trenches of Washington D.C., shaping policy that affects the volume baking industry. This group includes both legislators themselves, who are working on sugar prices, agriculture bills, commodities trading, nutrition and any number of issues bound to affect bakers, as well as the associations tasked with defending the baking industry’s interests. It’s on this gridiron that we see real influence in action, for better or for worse.

Bakers themselves and closely allied trades are naturally represented, as well. I’m always impressed by the willingness of baking business leaders to participate in associations and share information–well, not all information, but a substantial amount. Between ABA, BEMA, WFC, IBA, and a host of others, industry leaders have a multitude of well-used channels for advancing influence and sharing insight.

We always like to highlight educators who not only help shape the industry today, but also are building tomorrow’s leaders. The baking business depends on well-trained workers and innovators, and baking education programs are constantly replenishing the industry with eager, capable hands.

Among this disparate group of 20 influential individuals, leadership is the common link. These 20 people help to shape volume baking by their leadership and example, and for that, they deserve recognition.