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 and a board member.
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 & CEO at Behrhorst & Crawford, Ltd
• Chris Weiler, President & CEO at Weiler Corporation
Just Born, founded in 1923, is a third generation family-owned business currently led by Co-CEO’s and cousins, Ross Born and David Shaffer; both joined the company in 1978.
“Only three percent of family run businesses survive to the fourth generation,” commented David Shaffer. “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.
Just Born Quality Confections – 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 member of the Just Born Quality Confections Board of Directors. 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 Chief Financial Officer (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 at Just Born Quality Confections.
Jim Crawford (Chairman & CEO, Behrhorst & Crawford, Ltd) brings his knowledge of specialty food distribution to the Just Born Quality Confections Board of Directors. In addition to his current roles as chairman and CEO of Behrhorst and Crawford, Ltd., Crawford currently serves on the board of three industrial firms: ABARTA, Inc., Greenleaf Corporation, and Metalwerks PMD, Inc.
Chris Weiler (President & CEO, Weiler Corporation) has deep experience as a third generation family business owner, transforming the company from a niche business into a global market leader. As CEO of Weiler Corporation 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).
Media Contact:
Colleen Imler
Coyne PR
973-588-2000
cimler@coynepr.com
About Just Born Quality Confections:
In 1923, founder Sam Born opened a small candy-making and retail store in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, “Just Born.” Together with Born’s brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived in spite of the economic depression of the 1930s and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA, which is still home to their iconic candy brands. Bob Born joined his father and 2 uncles in 1946 and among his significant achievements, developed the depositing system for the marshmallow chicks in 1954. All Just Born candies are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information, please visit www.justborn.com and see the breadth of candy. Follow us: facebook.com/JustBornInc, twitter.com/JustBornInc.