Askinosie Chocolate hires its first COO

Askinosie Chocolate has added its first chief operating officer to the company roster, a move owner and CEO Shawn Askinosie said was needed because of rapid growth.

The Springfield-based chocolate company hired Allison Cash Dec. 2. Cash was formerly the vice president of marketing and field sales for Made Drinks Co. and has served on the Askinosie Chocolate Advisory Board since 2008.

"This is the most important hiring decision I have ever made," Askinosie said. "My focus as CEO will be primarily on strategic planning for the longer term, serving the people who work for us so they can do their jobs easier.

"Cocoa bean acquisition in origin countries and this requires a great deal of travel. Someone needs to be managing the factory when I am in remote Tanzania, for example."

Askinosie said he believes Cash's food and beverage marketing and sales background will help grow the company. As a board member, Cash has been instrumental in strategic planning for the business during the past five years.

"Allison is totally familiar with our company, our products, and our mission," he said. "We are fortunate to have someone with her background and experience in the food and beverage industry helping us manage the day-to-day affairs of the business."

Cash is the immediate past president of the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri and currently serves on the Nixa Education Foundation.[[In-content Ad]]