
Governance

Strong leadership and clear oversight guide the work of Grain Foods Foundation. Our governance structure includes an experienced executive team, a dedicated Board of Trustees and active committees that help shape strategy, ensure accountability and advance our mission.
Together, these leaders provide direction across research, education, communications and industry engagement — ensuring our programs are effective, transparent and grounded in sound science.
Executive Staff

Erin E. Ball
Executive Director

Sharon Ruckdeschel
Project Manager
Board of Trustees

Manufacturing Co-Chair:
Penny Patterson-Smith
Flowers Foods & Subsidiaries

Milling Co-Chair:
Bruce King
Grain Craft

Treasurer:
Angie Quinn
Momentum Group
Rick Oleshak
AB Mauri
Angie Goldberg
Ardent Mills
J. Bohn Popp
Aunt Millie’s
Colleen Zammer
Bay State Milling
Marlene Sidhu
Bimbo Bakeries USA
Patrick Meehan
King’s Hawaiian
Matt Manwaring
Puratos
Jim Meyer
Richardson USA
Mike Gude
Sosland Publishing Company
Brandon Stone
The Kroger Co.
Strategic Leadership
Grain Foods Research Institute Board of Directors
Erin Ball, President
Jim Meyer, Treasurer, Richardson USA
Jonathan Aplin, Ardent Mills
Kathleen Robbins, Bimbo Bakeries USA
Ram Ramakrishna, Bay State Milling
Joe Layton, Puratos
GFF Finance and Audit Committee
James Scher, ADM
Brian Dwyer, Aunt Millie’s
Jim Meyer, Richardson USA
Mike Gude, Sosland Publishing Company

