The American Bakers Association is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to its 2010-2012 Board of Directors.

Gary Prince, president of Bimbo Bakeries USA, has stepped off ABA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Howard “Robin” Alton III, president & CEO of the Pan-O-Gold Baking Company, will take Mr. Prince’s place as ABA’s first vice chairman. The vacated second vice chairman role has been assumed by Fred Penny, executive vice president at Bimbo Bakeries USA. These changes will be formally considered at the 2011 ABA Convention.

“All of us at ABA remain extremely grateful to Gary for his long record of leadership to ABA,” said ABA President & CEO Robb MacKie. “We have greatly valued his insight and know he will continue to play an important part within our organization. Mr. Penny will prove to be an excellent successor and we look forward the guidance he will bring to the Executive Committee.”

Long-time board member John Paterakis, president of H&S Bakery, also will transition off the ABA Board with William Paterakis coming aboard as the company’s new representative. As past ABA chairmen, both Mr. Prince and Mr. Paterakis will continue to serve on the ABA Board in ex-officio roles.

“ABA is forever indebted to John Paterakis for the long service, hard work and leadership he has provided to the industry,” Mr. MacKie added. “ABA would not be the strong organization it is today without Mr. Paterakis’ strong guiding hand and service. It is comforting to know that in addition to Bill, ABA will still benefit from John’s perspective.”

Also joining the Board is Barry McLean, president of ABA’s newest baker member, Canada Bread/Maple Leaf Bakery.

“ABA was thrilled this summer to welcome Canada Bread into the family. Now, we have the additional benefit of having their participation on the board,” said Mr. MacKie. “Barry will be an excellent source of new, fresh ideas—as well as a voice for bakers in North America at large.”

Burford President Fred Springer’s role as BEMA representative on the ABA Board expired at the close of IBIE 2010. AMF President Ken Newsome joined the board as the new BEMA representative.

“Under Fred’s leadership, the relationship between ABA and BEMA has grown extremely close. His dedication and devotion to the industry and ABA are greatly appreciated,” said Mr. MacKie. “We welcome Ken’s participation on the ABA Board. He has been a strong leader for BEMA and the industry. No doubt he will ably fill Fred Springer’s large footprint to make ABA and the industry stronger.”

The ABA Board of Directors is comprised of top leaders from across the baking industry who volunteer their time to develop consensus policies that improve the government environment and overall health of the baking industry. Allen Shiver, president of Flowers Foods, is serving as the board’s chairman through March 2012.