The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) are baking up new changes that will lead them to success and growth in 2013 and beyond.

On Feb. 18, Bernadette Shanahan-Haas stepped into the role of director of operations for the RBA.   Bernadette comes to the RBA with a strong background in organizational management, marketing, and development. 

Over the past 15 years, she has worked with companies of all sizes including national destinations and regional economic institutions.  Most recently, Bernadette has worked as the Fundraising/Marketing Director with the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, as well as the Executive Director of the Professional Women’s Network for the Chicago Southland. 

“Her strengths in developing member relations, creating strategic partnership, and implementing successful marketing plans will allow her to build the RBA into strong force in our industry...” says RBA Board President, Ken Downey, “that’s exactly what we need right now!”   

The RBA has a long history of setting trends for retail bakers, and in the coming years, they will strengthen that legacy with educational programs and member networking.  With over 700 members across the country, the RBA prides itself with providing bakers and industry partners with the opportunity to connect and learn.  The Board of Directors and staff with RBA realize the importance of strategic and out-of-the-box thinking, the type of thinking that will exceed expectations. 

“The success of our bakery members is truly our main goal,” says Bernadette Shanahan-Haas, “we want to create an organization that can lead and build business in the industry.  When they succeed, we succeed!”

Bernadette was named as one of the 2009 “Influential Women in Business” by the National Association of Women Business Owners & The Business Ledger.  She is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, and is a member of several non-profit volunteer committees.  Bernadette is also an executive judge for the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations Paragon Awards.

For more information on the Retail Bakers of America, please visit us online at www.RetailBakersofAmerica.org.