The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) recently held its annual board meeting in Rosemont, IL. During the conference, the upcoming retirement of President and CEO Michael Eardley was announced.
“We are thankful for Mike’s guidance of the association throughout his tenure. His knowledge and dedication to our industry enabled IDDBA to grow our annual trade show event and year-round educational resources,” said Dotty Vandermolen of Fresh Solutions and Immediate Past Chair of the Board.
With Eardley’s forthcoming retirement, the IDDBA Executive Committee has begun the search process for the next President and CEO of the Association. The committee will be accepting letters of interest and resumes through December 3, 2022.
Interested parties should submit these requirements via email to Katie Hilbrands at [email protected]. The committee will reach out to finalists for an interview during the month of January 2023, the IDDBA stated.
Related Article: IDDBA 2022 Show: A Memorable Return for the Dairy, Deli, and Bakery Industries
Eardley has been president and CEO of the IDDBA for the past eight years. Before, he worked for the San Antonio-based H-E-B Grocery Co. as a director of the deli, cheese, and prepared foods, a position he has held since 2009.
Eardley’s career in grocery started at his family’s supermarket while he was in grade school. He then spent 29 years working for D&W Food Centers (now owned by SpartanNash) in Grand Rapids, Mich., in various roles, including director of foodservice when the retailer opened its first restaurant and Central Kitchen facility, vice president of fresh foods (heading up the meat, produce, deli, bakery, seafood, floral, and chef departments). He also had leadership responsibilities for the Central Kitchen, meat plant, floral design, distribution facility, and food safety department.
IDDBA was founded in 1964 and is based in Madison, WI. It has evolved to reflect the changing scope of members’ needs in the dairy, deli, bakery, and related industries. The IDDBA helps its members (inclusive of manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and brokers) enhance their economic position by providing opportunities for professional dialogue, education, exchange of industry data, and selling opportunities.