The Retail Bakers of America announced that Susan Nicolais took over for Bernard Reynolds as its new executive vice president. Nicolais, who assumed control on January 1, 2006, now oversees all operations of RBA. Her primary focus will be the organization's complete rebuilding, occurring this year and dedicated to membership benefits and growth.

A Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Nicolais most recently served as executive director for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She previously held a number of senior management positions with other associations, including the Association for Career and Technical Education and the National Newspaper Association. As executive editor, she has shared her expertise in two ASAE publications devoted to membership growth and retention.

"With her years of experience in the nonprofit and association world, and specifically in membership development, Susan was undoubtedly the right individual to lead RBA through our rebuilding," said Bill Mihu, vice-president for the St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets and president of RBA. "Her reputation throughout the association industry as a membership expert clearly connected with RBA's reorganization."

Under Nicolais' leadership, RBA will unveil a revamped Web site with new resources and tools solely accessible by RBA members, as well as an enhanced membership publication, additional and robust affinity programs, hard-to-find specialty formulas, and professional marketing, business growth and production resources for 2006 and beyond.

Former Executive Vice President Bernard Reynolds departed RBA at the end of 2005, after more than four years of service, to pursue other opportunities.