IDDBA: New Prez/CEO by August

The International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) expects to have a new president/CEO in place no later than Aug. 1, 2014, according to Bill Klump, chairman of the board of the association and chief marketing officer for Garner, N.C.-based Butterball LLC.

Klump said that the search, which began after the death of longtime CEO and President Carol Christison in March, has narrowed to a small group of highly qualified candidates, with final interviews scheduled for next month.

"The selection of the right person to lead the IDDBA is the most important issue we will face this year," noted Klump. "The search has been thorough, with a team [comprising] current members of the executive committee, as well as several past chairmen of the board. We are positive we will find the right person for the association who will help us to fulfill the IDDBA's mission of being a relentless advocate and resource for the dairy, deli and bakery categories."

In other IDDBA news, longtime employee and current SVP Lucie Arendt is retiring, effective July 16, 2014. "I leave with fond memories and many wonderful friends," said Arendt, who is also Christison's daughter. "I am very proud of this organization and all that we have achieved over the years. Thank you for the opportunity to work in a job I love and with such a strong, dedicated and professional staff."

"Lucie Arendt just led us through an incredibly successful Seminar & Expo, and we will always be grateful for her efforts this year and for the 28 years she gave the association," added Klump, noting that the transition would allow for the prioritization of new opportunities, initiatives and organizational responsibilities.

Madison, Wis.-based IDDBA is a nonprofit membership organization serving the dairy, deli, bakery, cheese and supermarket foodservice industries.