Linda G. Sahagian

Class of 2011

Linda G. Sahagian is the founder of Sahagian & Assoc., Inc., which she established to develop and manufacture items for private label distribution.

Born April 15, 1944, in Providence, RI, to Lavon and Winifred, Linda graduated from Hope High School in Providence, before going on to study at the University of Rhode Island, where she graduated in 1967 with a B.F.A in musical theater and a minor in speech. She also received a FCC-endorsed license from Northeast Broadcasting in Boston.

After graduating college, Linda worked in both TV and radio. Then in 1971, she started Sahagian & Assoc., acting as president and CEO throughout her 32-year career in the confectionery industry.

Linda has been active in the industry as a member of the National Confectioners Association, where she has served on both the executive board of governors and chair of the communications committee from 2008 to 2010. She was also chairperson of the NCA’s communications task force and was on the strategic planning committee.

She has worked on the membership and budget and audit committees for the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade. In addition, she has been a member of NACS and sat on the Illinois export advisory committee.

Linda has been honored for her service to the food industry numerous times, including Food & Drug Packager of the Year in 1985 for her work with Syntex Laboratories, Inc.

She was appointed to the Illinois Agricultural Export Advisory Committee in 1996 by executive order of Gov. Jim Edgar, and during the same year was presented the Illinois Department of Commerce award for outstanding achievement in export excellence.

Outside of the industry, Linda has served her community as an active member in various civic organizations, including eight years as president of Madison Street Business Association, which she currently serves as vice-president. She was given the Athena Award in 1994 by the Chamber of Commerce of Oak Park River Forest for making significant volunteer contributions outside her profession.

She has three sisters: Cynthia, Harriet and Marcia. Linda and Douglas have been married since May 8, 1971, and they have two children: Phillip and Gregory.