FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January, 21, 2026
Kerwin Brown
913/338-1300
kbrown@bema.org
BEMA Announces Promotion of Emily Bowers to Executive Vice President
Overland Park, KS – January 21, 2026
BEMA is pleased to announce the promotion of Emily Bowers to the role of Executive Vice President, recognizing ten years of dedicated service and exceptional leadership across the organization and the industry.
Throughout her tenure, Emily has consistently demonstrated strong strategic insight, operational excellence, and a collaborative leadership style. She has earned the trust and respect of staff, industry partners, and the BEMA Board of Directors through her steady presence, clear communication, and sound judgment. Her work has been instrumental in supporting informed decision-making and advancing the organization’s mission and member services.
Emily joined BEMA in 2016 as Director of Education & Professional Development and was later promoted to Senior Director of Education & Operations and then Vice President of Education & Operations. Since that time, she has played a central role in developing and implementing BEMA-U and NEXUS, as well as a variety of other programs. She has overseen day-to-day operations to ensure efficient, high-quality processes, while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration across teams.
Emily has also played a prominent role representing BEMA across the industry. Most notably, through her leadership and involvement with the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE). She has helped advance strategic initiatives and strengthen key partnerships, while contributing to one of the largest educational programs in the global baking industry. Emily has recently been appointed to a non-voting seat on the IBIE Executive Committee joining Kerwin to represent BEMA.
“Emily has an exceptional ability to bring people together—whether that’s bakers, members, partners, or our internal team—in a way that fosters trust, collaboration, and purpose,” describes Kerwin Brown, BEMA President & CEO. “She leads with authenticity and respect, creating strong relationships and a positive culture that translates directly into exceptional execution. That ability to connect people and align them around our mission is a defining part of what makes BEMA special, and Emily embodies that every day.”
Operationally, Emily has proven to be a strong and capable leader, successfully balancing day-to-day management with long-term strategic vision. Her ability to align operational execution with organizational priorities has played a key role in driving performance, supporting the team, and positioning BEMA for continued growth. As Executive Vice President, Emily will serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO, working collaboratively to deliver value to BEMA’s members and to the global baking industry.
“Emily is deeply mission-driven and consistently dependable—qualities that have earned the confidence of the Board and the entire organization. She has a strong appreciation for BEMA’s proud legacy, while also keeping a clear and thoughtful focus on what is best for our future.” commented Jay Hardy, Chairman of Board, BEMA. “Her ability to honor where we have been while helping create a strategic vision for the future makes her an invaluable leader for BEMA.”
Emily’s promotion reflects BEMA’s commitment to strong leadership, sound governance, and organizational excellence. BEMA congratulates Emily on this well-deserved achievement and looks forward to the continued impact she will make in her expanded role.
About BEMA
Founded in 1918, BEMA (Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds), is an international, not-for-profit trade association representing leading bakery and food suppliers. BEMA creates authentic connections that improve its members’ businesses and the industries they serve. Its members utilize the value they gain through BEMA networking and educational events to provide their customers with the most effective, innovative solutions in the baking industry.
