Anonymous Questions, Comments, Support

First, I'm sorry this is happening to you, Cindy. Second, were you a member of ABA, ASB or both and how is the retaliation connected? I've also experienced corporate abuse myself. You're Brave!

Thank you for your support. I was a member of ASB and I was the 2nd Chair on the 2022-23 Board. The initial retaliation began at ASB when I reported the wrong-doing. ASB and ABA have traditionally focused on Industrial Bakery members, so the same industrial bakery companies are on both Boards.

So Eric Dell had a lobbyist bullying you? This is unbelievable and downright disturbing. I have 3 1/2 more years before retiring which can't come soon enough. Good Luck, Cindy. The anonymous communication is clever.

It is truly disturbing. When you serve on a non-profit board and realize that someone is about to make a money grab, you do the right thing which is also your fiduciary responsibility. Glad you like the anonymous communication.

Wow, Cindy! That's shocking to hear. Bravo to you for fighting back. Few too many people take this step. Non-profits rely on honesty and integrity. It's unfortunate when you find out it's happening our industry too. I hope this issue is resolved quickly and to the benefit of the members. We need to improve these associations.

I agree. It's time for these societies and associations to serve the members instead of enriching themselves.

Cindy, while I appreciate your efforts to prevent this from happening to anyone else, I wonder if you're putting yourself in danger. ABA/Eric Dell seems to "connected" Please be safe.

You're not the first person to show concern for me and thank you. To be honest, the abuse has been upsetting and worrisome. By exposing each person, I actually hope to improve my safety. If something happens to me, authorities will know who to look at . . . right?

To answer your question, No - Eric Dell or anyone who intimidates another person for reporting wrong-doing should not be in a leadership position. In my opinion, he should be dismissed. Although I was not on the Board during the time you served on the Executive Committee, I can tell you that you are not the first person to witness wrong-doing. One of the primary responsibilities of an Executive Committee Member is to oversee the organization's finances and ensure accountability. This is called Fiduciary responsibility. Good for you for having the courage to speak up. No one should ever be intimidated, threatened or made to feel uncomfortable for doing what is right and protecting the organization's members. These associations/societies should be serving the members; not themselves. It's time for new leadership.

Thank you for your input. I could not agree more.

Good to hear that Matt Sagely's firm has taken action. I do hope that the American Society of Bakers follows suit. Very unsettling and I'm sorry to hear you've suffered any backlash for doing the right thing. Thank you for the anonymity and ability to say what I'm really thinking. Secretly routing you on, Cindy. Kick some association A$$!

I also hope ABA takes action too. What does it say about our industry if leadership allows retaliatory behavior for doing exactly what the job requires.

Cindy, two words: Chutzpah and thank you!

You're welcome!

I want to hear from you. Keep writing.