The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) announced that Abby Despins has joined the organization as VP of education and industry relations. Despins will officially begin her role with IDDBA on March 30. 

Despins brings nearly two decades of experience in the food industry, with a career spanning several companies that make up IDDBA’s vibrant membership. Most recently, she led marketing and communications at Emmi Roth, where she spent nearly a decade owning strategy, consumer marketing, events, and industry communications for one of the nation’s premier specialty cheese producers.  

Throughout her career, Despins has reportedly worked closely with retailers, manufacturers, and industry partners to build brands, strengthen connections, and advance the dairy industry. Prior to Emmi Roth, she held roles at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Schreiber Foods—organizations well known to the IDDBA community.  

Having spent her career working within IDDBA member companies, Despins brings a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the dairy, deli, and bakery sectors today, along with established relationships across many areas of the industry.  

Despins also brings firsthand experience with IDDBA’s signature event, having attended the annual show multiple times as an exhibitor. Through those experiences, she developed a deep appreciation for the role the association plays in bringing the industry together to share ideas, discover innovation, learn, and build meaningful connections, IDDBA says.

“In many ways, Abby has spent her career inside the IDDBA family,” said Chris Schwass, acting CEO of IDDBA. “She understands the challenges and opportunities our members face because she has been part of building the businesses that power our industry.”  

In her new role, Despins will lead the development and expansion of IDDBA’s education programs and strengthen connections across the dairy, deli, and bakery sectors. She will work closely with members to identify emerging trends, create meaningful learning opportunities, and help industry professionals stay ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.  

Despins also brings association experience and a strong commitment to industry collaboration. Her passion for connecting people, ideas, and innovation will help ensure IDDBA continues to  deliver impactful education and valuable resources for its members.  

“I’m honored to join IDDBA and serve an industry that has been such an important part of my career,” says Despins. “I’ve seen firsthand the value this community creates for our industry. I’m excited to help develop education and connections that support our members and strengthen the future of the dairy, deli, and bakery industries.”  

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