Patrick L. Hurley

Class of 2003

Pat was born in Niles, MI, February 21, 1943. He graduated from Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, FL. He married Laurie in 1981, and together they have six children – Lori, Faie, Melissa, Deborah, Carrie and Richard.

A 34-year candy business veteran, Pat joined Spangler Candy Co. in 1969 as a quality control supervisor. In 1974, he was promoted to cost control supervisor, then quality control manager the next year. In 1977 he became quality assurance manager, and in 1992 he was tapped as director of technical services, the position he holds today.

Pat serves as secretary of the American Association of Candy Technologists, is a member of the National Confectioners Association technical committee and serves on the board and as treasurer of the Northwest Ohio section on the Institute of Food Technologists.

“When I joined the confectionery industry,” he says, “there was a need for educational programs. Today, many are offered to candy technologists through the continued efforts of the PMCA, NCA and AACT.”

Pat credits George Jenkins, who was research and development director for Tom Foods and later vice-president of manufacturing for Candy USA, for starting his AACT career and for providing guidance in candy production techniques.

In 1990, Pat received the AACT Stroud Jordan Award for his efforts in developing technical programs for both the AACT and NCA. In 2000, he received the Kettle Award for his contributions to the industry.

Receiving these two accolades have been the most memorable moments of Pat’s career.