WFFC Announces 2015 Gala Honoree: Shawn Houser, Hershey

NEPTUNE, NJ – The WFFC is pleased to announce that Ms. Shawn M. Houser, Director, Snacks Product Development, The Hershey Company, will be honored at the 33rd WFFC Annual Gala on October 7, 2015, at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, New Jersey.

In her current role, Ms. Houser isresponsible for developing The Hershey Company’s global product offerings beyond confectionery, and delivering the company’s key strategy of driving growth through innovation in new categories.  Under her leadership, her team develops new products including Brookside Fruit & Nut Bars, Hershey’s Syrup and Hershey’s and Reese’s Spreads..

Ms. Houser joined The Hershey Company in 1996 as a Research Scientist in Chocolate Product Development.   Since then, she has taken on increasing responsibilities in R&D, successfully developing and commercializing many chocolate products including filled Hershey’s Kisses Chocolates, Hershey’sKisses with Caramel and Hershey’s Pot of Gold Chocolates.  In addition to R&D, she worked in Innovation and International Marketing as an Associate Marketing Manager.  Before being promoted to the Director position, Ms. Houser was Senior Manager, Chocolate Excellence, leading a team to develop new products for Hershey’s Kisses, and Hershey’s Drops.

Prior to The Hershey Company, she worked at the Campbell Soup Company as a Research Associate, where she focused on flavors and ingredients in Tomato Soup, Juice, Prego and Pepperidge Farm products.

Ms. Houser serves on the board of directors for PMCA, and was recognized by the YWCA for her community service and received the 2012 Women of Excellence award.  She was instrumental in developing many organizational initiatives at The Hershey Company including: The Women’s Business Resource Group, Hershey’s Mentoring Program, Renewing Hershey’s Values and Take Your Child to Work Day.  For her WFFC Gala charity designation, Ms. Houser has chosen the Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Ms. Houser holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Lebanon Valley College and a master’s degree in business administration from The Pennsylvania State University.

For registration and further information, please visit www.wffc.org.

About the WFFC

The WFFC, Inc. was founded in 1982 by women employed in various capacities in the U.S. flavor and fragrance industry. This organization was borne out of a recognized need for a networking, education and support system for women in our industry. Our mission has been and remains to this day to provide a center of education, camaraderie, support and networking opportunities for women in our industry. Our membership encompasses women involved in sales, purchasing, customer service as well as technical careers.

RELEASE NO.                     082015/010