Leadership & Staff

ASTA Board of Directors

The ASTA Board of Directors is pivotal in steering the organization's strategic direction, governance, and financial oversight, ensuring alignment with its mission and vision. The Board is comprised of volunteer leaders in management, sales, procurement, technical, and other vital functions at ASTA’s Active Member companies, representing a diverse array of U.S. and global spice producers, growers, importers, and processors. The Board is elected annually and sets the organization’s strategic vision, which is implemented by the full-time professional staff in Washington, D.C. under the leadership of the Executive Director. They also focus on member engagement, risk management, and planning for future challenges and opportunities in the spice industry, thereby safeguarding the association’s sustainability and effectiveness.

Donald Pratt

President

McCormick and Company

Bob Cloney

VP/Secretary

Elite Spice

Lisa Patel

Treasurer

Kalsec

Kerri Goad-Berrios

Immediate Past President

Kalustyan

Danielle Dutton

Director

Rocky Mountain Spice Co.

Brad Gampper

Director

Riega Foods

Dan Hemming

Director

Sensient Natural Ingredients

Jill Hoffman

Director

B&G Foods

Dana Johnson

Director

ofi (Olam Food Ingredients)

Colin Keating

Director

Wixon

Nadia Niemann

Director

Solina USA

Seif Shazly

Director

Giza Seeds & Herbs

Chad Becnel

Associate Group Director

Merieux NutriSciences

Laura Shumow

Ex-Officio

ASTA

Interested in joining our Board? Please review our Eligibility Requirements to learn more.

Arbitration Board

Elected annually by our members, ASTA's Arbitration Board serves as a vital mechanism for efficiently and fairly resolving disputes within the spice industry. Composed of experienced professionals, the Arbitration Board adjudicates disagreements related to contracts, quality, deliveries, and other trade issues.

Gina Riekhof

Arbitration Board Chair (Serving the first year of a two-year term)

Riega Foods

Max Elton

Arbitration Board Member (Serving the second year of a two-year term)

John H. Elton, Inc.

Andrew Kuszynski

Arbitration Board Member (serving first year of a two-year term)

Schiff Foods

ASTA’s Arbitration Board Alternates (Serving one year term)

Nikhil Joseph

Alternate (one year term)

Nedspice

Pepe Sabater Herraiz

Alternate (one year term)

Sabater

Melissa Reck

Alternate (one year term)

Frontier Co-op

Mike Sabo

Alternate (one year term)

BCFoods

For detailed procedures and to initiate a case, please visit our Arbitration Program page.

ASTA Staff

Our dedicated ASTA Staff works tirelessly to support the membership and the broader spice industry. Each staff member brings unique expertise and commitment to our organization, playing a crucial role in implementing ASTA’s mission and vision. Their collaborative efforts ensure the smooth operation and success of our programs and initiatives.