WASHINGTON — Laurie Graves, director of people systems with The Bama Companies, has been named vice-chair of the Human Resources Committee of the American Bakers Association.

Ms. Graves oversees all of the human resource functions at The Bama Companies, including employee relations, compliance, workforce management, compensation and benefits, as well as Bama’s health management system. She’s been with The Bama Companies for 12 years and was previously with TV Guide, Inc. for 10 years.

“We are excited to welcome Laurie as the new vice chair of the HR Committee,” said John Wagner, vice-president of labor relations with The Kroger Co. and current chairman of the HR Committee. “Laurie has brought a wealth of experience to the committee and has been a driving force behind finding opportunities to innovate within the human resource field. I have the utmost confidence in her abilities to help A.B.A. address current and future concerns within the human resource and labor relations scope of issues.”