Fine Chocolate Industry Nonprofit Announces New Board Officers and Executive Director

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) is excited to announce new officers for the organization’s Board of Directors, as well as a new Executive Director. The new leadership roles will be effective January 1, 2022.
 
Board President - Lauren Adler, Chocolopolis
Board Vice President - Jean Thompson, Seattle Chocolate Company
Treasurer - Dan Domingo, Cacao Latitudes
Secretary - Andal Balu, CocoaTown
 
The incoming officers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, in the fine chocolate industry and in the operations of FCIA. “Having worked alongside Lauren, Jean, Dan, and Andal on the board, I know the organization is in the best hands,” said Brad Kintzer, outgoing Board President and Chief Chocolate Maker at TCHO.
 
“We have many opportunities to continue to expand awareness of fine chocolate and its value, for consumers and to all those in the industry,” said incoming President Lauren Adler. “This is an exciting time and I’m looking forward to the coming year and beyond.”
 
In addition to the Board changes, FCIA’s Executive Director Bill Guyton also announced that he will step down from his role at the end of 2021. He will continue working with FCIA in his new role as Senior Advisor for the Madagascar program and cocoa value chain committee. The board has appointed Ephi Maglaris, the organization’s current Operations & Membership Manager, as Bill’s successor. “I am thrilled to see Ephi take on this new role,” said Bill. “With her rich event and operations experience and her connections to our members, she will bring new energy and insights as the next Executive Director.”
 
“Our association saw double-digit membership growth this past year, due in large part to leveraging technology to connect to our global community. Our web and social media presence, strategic partnerships, and promotional efforts provide real value to our members,” said Ephi Maglaris. “I look forward to continuing to build on the foundation Bill has created.”
 
For more information about the FCIA’s new board officers and Executive Director’s appointments and transition, please contact Bill Guyton at b.guyton@finechocolateindustry.org.
 
ABOUT THE FINE CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (FCIA)
FCIA is a non-profit trade association that promotes fine chocolate making practices and innovation, founded in 2007. It is the only organization focused 100% on supporting fine chocolate professionals, representing over 300 members from fine flavor cacao farmers to chocolatiers and from suppliers of ingredients to specialty retailers. The association promotes the artistry and craftsmanship of the chocolate professional focused on producing superior products made from premium chocolate and natural ingredients. FCIA believes in using best practices in cacao processing and chocolate production, and in transparent labeling and marketing practices. For more information on FCIA, please visit the FCIA website, Make Mine Fine Online Marketplace, and social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.