The United Family, a Texas-based grocery chain with stores in 36 communities in West Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth and New Mexico, has announced Gaston Luna has joined the company as director of bakery. Luna plans on sharing his innovative take on baking and the passion he developed through years of industry experience with the United team.

Luna is taking the place of Tammy Kampsula, who served as the bakery director for The United Family for 12 years.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Gaston’s experience leading our bakery department,” said Diane Earl, senior director of prepared foods. “Considering Gaston’s extensive knowledge of the industry, we are confident his insights will propel our department forward and bring fresh ideas.”

Prior to joining The United Family, Luna served as general manager and director of operations at Casey’s Cupcakes, L.L.C. in California. Luna has also served in several capacities for California-based grocery chains, including as the director of bakery and tortilleria operations for Mi Pueblo Foods, the director of bakery at Jensen’s Finest Foods and in the bakery operations department at Vallarta.

“I am extremely excited to join the United Family and lead bakery operations of each of the company’s five successful banners,” said Luna. “I look forward to sharing my experience, in hopes of bringing innovative ideas to the team and leading department growth.”