RCI welcomes new executive director

Retail Confectioners International (RCI), a trade association serving the chocolate and confectionery industry, is pleased to announce the selection of Angie Burlison as its new executive director. Burlison will replace Kelly Brinkmann who announced her departure in April 2013.

Burlison has more than 10 years experience working with strategic planning, marketing communications, event planning and trade show management, most recently as marketing communications manager for manufacturing company, Tuthill Corporation. Burlison managed a $0.5 million budget, supervised administrative staff, developed advertising and literature, coordinated all national sales meeting events and oversaw the company’s trade show program. She is active in the local Springfield, Missouri community including being a current member of Leadership Springfield and the Junior League of Springfield.

RCI’s 2013-2014 incoming board president, Doug Dressman, with Esther Price Candies Corp. in Dayton, Ohio, US, states: “Kelly served RCI at a critical time and she has helped transform the organization. Although we are saddened that she is departing, we certainly understand her decision to stay at home with her young family. We are excited to have Angie join us and look forward to a smooth transition.  Angie brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm and we have no doubt the organization will be poised for continued growth under her leadership.”

As executive director, Burlison will be responsible for the direction and operations of the association. She will be working with the board of directors, publishing RCI materials and directing financial operations and stewardship.

“I look forward to being a part of the RCI family and learning how we can further support our members” says Burlison.

As part of her role as executive director, Burlison will travel to RCI’s 93rd Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio, 24-28 June 2013. Brinkmann’s service to RCI will be recognised while Burlison is welcomed to RCI during an Executive Director’s Reception at 6.00pm on Monday 24 June at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, US.