Theresa Cogswell, the first female chairperson of the American Society of Baking, left her job as vice president of research and development at Interstate Bakeries in May, but she plans to return after a four-month sabbatical. In fact, the 27-year baking industry veteran notes that she expects to attend the International Baking Industry Exposition, which runs Oct. 7-10 in Orlando, Fla.

“I’m not leaving the industry,” she says. “I’m a baker, and I plan to return to working in the baking industry. It will take a while to determine what the next chapter of my life will look like.”

Cogswell notes that leaving Interstate, which is in Chapter 11 reorganization, was a difficult decision. She had worked for IBC since 1992.

“After taking four months off,” she says, “I am a going to explore other opportunities that are out there for myself.”

Cogswell is well respected in the industry. Until March, she was chairperson of the American Society of Baking. In addition to being involved in the American Bakers Association’s Food Technical Regulatory Affairs Committee, she is a founding member and serves as president of the Society of Bakery Women, which is a network of business professionals.

If you know someone who deserves to be inducted into the Tortilla Industry Association’s Hall of Fame, nominate them now.

Selected candidates will be honored at TIA’s 18th Annual Convention & Trade Expo, to be held Sept. 11-13 in Las Vegas. The selection criteria and nomination form can be found at www.tortilla-info.com/about/HallOfFame.htm. All entries must be received by July 1, at which point they will be reviewed by the Hall of Fame Committee to determine the short list of eligible candidates that the full TIA board will vote on.

Existing members of the Hall of Fame have long histories and notable accomplishments in the tortilla industry, notes Roberto Quiñones, executive director of TIA. They are well recognized by their industry partners and often have created sizable companies through humble origins and family involvement, he adds.

Others are known for their contributions to the tortilla industry through research or innovations in creating products, equipment, and ingredients, Quiñones says.