The American Bakers Association (ABA) has announced that Josh Bickford, president of Clyde’s Donuts, and Jill Stang, VP of sales and business development at Lesaffre, will serve as the new Co-Chairs of NextGenBaker, ABA’s leadership development program for the commercial baking industry.

According to the ABA, as leaders representing both baker and allied member companies, Bickford and Stang will guide the strategic direction of NextGenBaker, supporting its mission to develop a strong, skilled, and connected leadership pipeline to advance the industry’s long-term success.

Bickford is the fourth-generation leader of Clyde’s Donuts, a family-owned bakery celebrating more than 100 years of craftsmanship and innovation. Since returning to the business in 2009, Bickford has helped transform Clyde’s into a modern food manufacturing organization focused on quality, efficiency, and growth. As president, he leads strategy, culture, and innovation, driving the company’s expansion while keeping its roots firmly in the tradition of great baking. Passionate about the future of the industry, he is committed to developing the next generation of leaders and strengthening collaboration across the baking community.

“NextGenBaker is the leadership pipeline for the bakery industry, where established and emerging leaders come together to learn, solve problems, and strengthen our industry,” says Bickford. “I’m most excited about bringing passionate people together and building lasting relationships that will keep our industry thriving for years to come!”  

At Lesaffre as VP of sales, Stang leads commercial strategy and customer partnerships, helping shape solutions that meet evolving market needs. Her career spans ingredient innovation and consumer brands, including leadership roles at IFF and experience with TerraVia and Udi’s Gluten Free, giving her a unique perspective on both technical and market-driven growth. A graduate of Kansas State University with a BS in Bakery Science, Stang focuses on building strong relationships and fostering growth for customers and the broader baking community.

“Leading NextGenBaker is a chance to support the future of our industry through real leadership development,” said Stang. “It’s about helping emerging talent grow, connect, and lead with confidence. I believe in investing in people, and this group is doing just that!

ABA extends its appreciation to Lili Economakis (division vice president, customer development non-commercial at Aspire Bakeries) and Bradley Cain (president of Cain Food Industries) for their distinguished leadership as outgoing co-chairs of NextGenBaker.

“Lili and Bradley have made a lasting impact on NextGenBaker, elevating its role as a cornerstone of ABA’s leadership development program,” said ABA senior manager for events and programming Pippa O’Shea. “We are grateful for their dedication to growing emerging leaders and advancing our industry’s future. We are excited to welcome Josh and Jill into their new roles and look forward to the energy, insight, and vision they will bring to shaping the next chapter of baking manufacturing leadership.”

The next event will be the NextGenBaker Brunch on Monday, April 20, during the ABA 2026 Convention, featuring Jorge Rosas, CEO of WeWow USA, as the keynote speaker. In his session, Rosas will explore how leaders can amplify their influence, make smarter decisions, and preserve the human connection that inspires trust. Participants will leave with practical strategies to future-proof their leadership and guide their organizations with confidence, integrity, and vision.  

Learn more about NextGenBaker here.

Related: ABA announces Jon McNeill as Convention keynote speaker