Just Born expands board of directors
Third-generation candy company seeks outside counsel to ensure continued growth.
Bethlehem, Pa.-based Just Born Quality Confections has appointed five independent members to join existing members Ross Born and David Shaffer on its board of directors.
The expanded board will consist of five independent directors and two family members: David Shaffer, who will assume the role of chairman of the board, and Ross Born, who will be the sole ceo of Just Born.
The five newly appointed board members include:
• Victoria Barnard, president at Foot Traffic USA, LLC
• Wendy Burden, principal at Burden Strategic Advisors
• Cathy Carroll, president at Legacy Onward, Inc.
• Jim Crawford, chairman and ceo at Behrhorst & Crawford, Ltd
• Chris Weiler, president and ceo at Weiler Corp.
Founded in 1923, Just Born is a third-generation, family-owned business currently led by Ross Born and David Shaffer, co-ceos and cousins who joined the company in 1978.
“Only three percent of family-run businesses survive to the fourth generation,” Shaffer says. “Creating an independent board of directors will help keep Just Born a family-owned business for many years to come.”
The primary purpose of the board will be to provide guidance and direction on strategic planning, capital planning and succession planning. The board will meet quarterly, with the initial meeting scheduled for later this month.
New Board of Directors Bios
Victoria Barnard (president, Foot Traffic USA, LLC) has extensive executive experience in consumer goods, including a successful 30-year career at Hallmark Cards, a highly respected, third-generation family-owned business. Barnard’s experience in corporate and business strategy, consumer insight-driven innovation and brand development makes her a valued new board member. Barnard served as a member of the board of Humana, Inc., for several years, and was also co-founder and Board Chair of Women’s Capital Connection.
Wendy Burden (principal, Burden Strategic Advisors) has more than 25 years of experience in finance roles, 20 as a cfo. Burden has a vast familiarity with corporate leadership and strategic planning, and has more than 25 years of experience in consumer products and specialty retail business. Burden currently serves on the boards of American Friends of the Chateau De Compiegne, Carolina Ballet and Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Plains.
Cathy Carroll (president, Legacy Onward, Inc.) has extensive experience working with family businesses and business leaders, both through her work as president and coo of her family’s business, and as a leadership coach. Carroll obtained an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago and combines strong financial acumen with sound strategic planning and corporate governance experience. Carroll also brings 14 years of non-profit board experience to her role to the company.
Jim Crawford (chairman and ceo, Behrhorst & Crawford, Ltd) brings his knowledge of specialty food distribution to the board. He currently serves on the board of three industrial firms: ABARTA, Inc., Greenleaf Corp., and Metalwerks PMD, Inc.
Chris Weiler (president and ceo, Weiler Corp.) has deep experience as a third-generation, family business owner, transforming the company from a niche business into a global market leader. As Weiler Corp.’s ceo since 2008, Weiler has demonstrated his drive to grow a company globally without sacrificing the family-oriented values of the business. Weiler has served on four boards, including the Pennsylvania Chapter President of the Young President’s Organization (YPO).
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