FMI Raises Hatcher to SVP, Gov’t and Public Affairs

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) has promoted Jennifer Hatcher to the position of SVP, government and public affairs. Reporting to FMI president and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin, Hatcher will continue to direct all federal and state public affairs outreach work for the Arlington, Va.-based trade association.

“Jennifer’s outstanding leadership on issues critical to FMI members and her sharp skills as a coalition-builder and strategic thinker on public policy challenges and opportunities make her an extraordinary advocate for food retailers and wholesalers,” noted Sarasin. “Her extensive knowledge of the public policy process and its intricacies has been a tremendous asset to FMI and its members.”

Hatcher’s most recent position was group VP of government relations at FMI. During her time at the trade group, she has focused on public policy issues affecting payments, emerging technologies, Food Stamps, WIC, financial services and legal reform. Hatcher chairs the legislative subcommittee of the Merchants Payments Coalition, a cross-industry effort addressing fairness and competition in the credit card interchange fee system.

Before joining FMI in 1998, Hatcher was chief of staff to Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) who currently holds the ranking member position on the House Financial Services Committee. She was also the secretary of the treasury as a special assistant and White House liaison during President George H.W. Bush’s administration, and a White House intern during President Ronald Reagan’s administration.