RBA Staff

		RICK BITTNER Executive Director E-mail: rbittner@rbanet.com Telephone: (703) 610-0272 Rick is from Lake Geneva, Wis. and is the third generation in the baking industry. After 15 years as a "hands on" bakery owner, he sold the business and joined BakeMark USA. Rick is recently retired after 18 years as a Regional General Manager directly responsible for BakeMark's Milwaukee/Chicago branch and oversight of the Cincinnati branch. He holds an undergraduate degree in Finance and a Master's in Management.

		PAUL SAPIENZA Vice President of Operations E-mail: psapienza@rbanet.com Telephone: (703) 610-0269 Paul is from Elmont, N.Y. and is the second generation in the baking industry. In 1973 he took over a retail bakery from his parents, which also had a wholesale division manufacturing Italian pastries. The retail store is managed by his wife, Roseanne, and son, Andrew. In 2007, Paul merged the wholesale business with the Brooklyn Cannoli Company which continues to manufacture under the Sapienza Pastry label. Paul also served as past president of the New York State Association of Manufacturing Retail Bakers. He holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting.

		ALEKSANDRA SYSKA Associate Executive Director E-mail: asyska@rbanet.com Telephone: (703) 610-0241 Aleksandra is from Sterling, Va. Her late grandparents owned The Plaza Bakery in Arlington, Va. and were members of the RBA. She holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism, Mass Communication and Business Marketing, and is pursuing her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. She is thrilled to be working with and learning from members of the baking community.

		HOWARD COOK Manager, Education and Certification Programs E-mail: hcook@rbanet.com Telephone: (703) 610-0230 Howard is from Arlington, Va. He has a strong background in local and state governmental development and management. He has worked over 20 years for various national, state and local associations and government municipalities. With his acquired skills in team-building, program management and member services, he is a great asset to RBA. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and currently assists his family with development of various catering venues.

		AMY CANNON Administrative Assistant E-mail: acannon@rbanet.com Telephone: (703) 245-8061 Amy is from Reston, Va. In addition to her work with RBA, Amy serves as Secretary of the Reston Mom's Club and was the scheduler for her husband's campaign for Virginia House of Delegates. She is also Secretary of the Republican Club of Greater Reston. She has spent time working with Edibles Incredible Desserts in Reston, Va. and learned about the baking industry. Amy spends her free time volunteering and being with her three, young children.