19 Apr BEMA Staff Spotlight – Kelly Allen

Q: Congrats on your recent promotion! Describe your new role with BEMA. What are your goals for this new position?

A: My new role with BEMA is really an expansion from my previous position that was focused solely on membership. The addition of the meeting planning responsibilities allows me to take what I have learned about the needs of baking industry and our membership and design impactful member programs and events that connect people in creative ways.

One of my goals in this position is to develop one new element of programming for each existing BEMA event.

Q: Recently, you received your Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from ASAE The Center for Association Leadership. How will those new skills help you continue to meet the needs of BEMA members?

A: Earning my CAE provided me with a broader perspective on overall association management and taught me best practices that can be applied to my work at BEMA. This credential enabled be to be a more confident leader and gave me the ability to contribute to BEMA in a more strategic way.

Being part of the CAE network provides me with invaluable connections in the association world, all focused on the needs of our membership. The sharing of resources and ideas will continue to have a positive impact on the development of innovative and purposeful programs.

Q: What do you love most about the baking industry?

A: The baking industry is really more of a community, far more involved and relational than your run of the mill business contact. The people really like each other and find great value in connecting, which is definitely one thing I love about the baking industry. It will be very exciting this June to experience the joy of everyone being together again at Convention.

Q: What is your favorite baked good?

A: My grandmother’s rye bread, fresh out of the oven! I love trying to perfect her recipe but never seem to get it as good as grandma made it! I always made sure to get a little extra slice or two at our family gatherings.

Questions?

Contact Kelly Allen for questions on BEMA Membership and Meetings.