RCI names new executive director

Retail Confectioners International has selected a new executive director to lead the Springfield-based chocolate and confectionery industry trade association.

Angie Burlison, who currently serves as marketing communications manager for Tuthill Corp., is scheduled to start with RCI on July 15. She succeeds Kelly Brinkman, who said she is exiting the position July 31 to focus on her children - new twins and a toddler.

"Truly, RCI was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Brinkman, who has held the position since January 2009. "I feel like being a mom is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, too."

Brinkman said Burlison will attend RCI's annual convention in Cincinnati June 24-28, before finishing her work with Tuthill, where she manages a $500,000 budget, supervises administrative staff, develops advertising, coordinates national sales meetings and oversees the company's trade show program.

"Angie brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, and we have no doubt the organization will be poised for continued growth under her leadership," said Doug Dressman, incoming RCI board president and an executive with Esther Price Candies Corp. in Dayton, Ohio, in a news release.

RCI, a nonprofit trade organization for candy makers and industry suppliers, was founded in 1917 and relocated to Springfield from Chicago in 2009, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.