Judson-Atkinson Candies, Inc., which serves the vending industry in addition to other retail trades, announced several management structure changes following Dr. Basil E. Atkinson stepping down as president and becoming adviser to both Judson-Atkinson Candies, Inc. and sister company Atkinson Candy Co.
Dr. Atkinson's daughter, Amy Atkinson Voltz, will take on the role of president, while her sister, Rinda Miller, has been promoted to executive vice president in charge of the company's safety and human resources departments.
Dr. Atkinson, an industry veteran and honored recipient of the Doc Reed Silver Candy Dish Award, purchased the San Antonio, Texas-based Judson Candy Co. in 1983 and renamed it Judson-Atkinson Candies. He will be inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame this fall in Tampa, Fla.
Amy Atkinson Voltz said in a prepared statement: "Dr. Atkinson is still very active in the company's day-to-day operations. We're not going to change our way of doing business; these are strictly management changes that will enable Judson-Atkinson Candies to grow stronger as a company."
Since joining the company in 1984, Amy has worked in commodities and purchasing, as well as on the freight side of the business. She will oversee production, handle commodities and become more involved in product development in her new role.
Rinda, a 15-year veteran of the company, now reports directly to the president.
Melissa Hudson is now vice president. Previously responsible for purchasing, she has been with the company for the past 18 years, originally coming to the company as an assistant to Amy. She will continue to manage packaging design development in her new role.
