Katherine Clark

Class of 2019

Katherine Clark’s has dreamt of working in the confectionery industry since high school.

Born on May 18, 1966, she learned of having a strong work ethic, love for one another, and never ending support and encouragement from her parents.

Her love of the category stemmed from stopping at bulk candy stores in high school and college to stock up on all her favorites.

Her career started as the very first intern at Goelitz Confectionery’s North Chicago factory during her junior year at the University of Wisconsin.

After graduating with a degree in food science in 1988, she landed her first full-time job at Ferrara Pan Candy Company in the research and development department, under the tutelage of Sal Ferrara.

Three years later, in 1991, she would move to the supplier side and join Centerchem as a Technical Sales Representative. Her more than 20 years at the company saw her rise to the position of Director of Technical Services and establish a midwest sales office for the company.

In 2014, she was awarded NCA’s Supplier Member of the Year for her significant and lasting contributions to the confectionery industry through dedication and involvement in confectionery organizations.

When Capol developed a direct sales force in 2012, they turned to Katherine to head North American operations as Vice-President of Sales. Serving on the company’s management team until her retirement in December 2018, Katherine oversaw astounding growth for the business during her six years at the helm.

Her laundry list of industry involvement includes: NCA Board of Trustees, NCA Supplier Advisory Committee Chairman, Kettle Committee Chairman, American Association of Candy Technologists’ Chicago Section Chairman and Vice-Chairman of The Confectionery Foundation.

As Vice-Chairman of the Confectionery Foundation, Katherine heads the Next Generation Program where, each year, students from across the country attend the Sweets & Snacks Expo to hear presentations, have career-focused dialogue with industry executives and engage in guided tours to learn more about the people and companies that make up the industry.

Katherine and her husband Charles have a son, Chip.

In her free time, she loves spending time with family, running and cooking for the homeless at her church’s soup kitchen where she has served as coordinator for the past 20 years.

To Katherine, being inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame symbolizes the pinnacle of her career and she is, “forever grateful to the NCSA and Candy Hall of Fame board.”