Spangler CEO, who has pushed for sugar policy changes, named chairman of NCA board

Vashaw and Chibe have both worked as ‘strong industry thought leaders’ for the NCA over the last several years, NCA president and CEO John Downs told ConfectioneryNews.

“I am grateful for Kirk and Paul’s engagement, energy and commitment and we look forward to working with them to address the issues that matter the most to this amazing industry in the coming years,” ​Downs said.

For his lobbying efforts to update US sugar policy, which has made some headway but fell short in the 2018 Farm Bill passed last fall, the NCA awarded Vashaw as its inaugural ‘Member Advocate of the Year’ in 2012. He led Spangler as president from 2007 to 2011, when he was named CEO.

Marty Palmer, president and CEO of Palmer’s Candies – another family-owned company out of Iowa – joins the board as treasurer. Other members include leaders from Bazooka Candy Brands, Mars Wrigley, Jelly Belly, Perfetti van Melle, Godiva and Mondelēz.

“The future of the confectionery industry is bright, and it is of utmost importance to have visionary leaders at the helm of the next chapter in our journey,” ​added Downs.