Food Industry Execs Elect New Board
Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) elected a new board of directors and officers at an annual membership meeting held during the national professional association's 88th annual convention, which took place earlier this month in Savannah, Ga.
"FIAE proudly represents the best of the best across the country," said Ellie Taylor, president of the Alabama Grocers Association and incoming chair. "I am honored and privileged to be the first chairperson from the great state of Alabama, and am pleased to serve this great organization. I have big shoes to fill as Jamie Pfuhl, from the Minnesota Grocers Association moves to outgoing chairperson. Under her leadership, we have transitioned to new leadership, created a new fresh look and logo, and undertaken exciting new initiatives."
Besides Taylor and Pfuhl, the other officers on the FIAE executive committee are Vice Chairman Brian Jordan, president, Illinois Food Retailers Association, and Secretary-Treasurer Tim McCabe, president, Arizona Food Marketing Alliance.
Joining the officers on the board are the following newly elected members: Julie Miro Wenger, executive director, Delaware Food Industry Council; Rob Ikard, president and CEO, Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association; Kathy Kuzava, president, Georgia Food Industry Association; Michelle Hurd, CAE, president, Iowa Grocery Industry Association; and Genna Gent, SVP, government affairs, American Beverage Association.
These new members join existing board members Lee Anderson, General Mills; Derek Crawford, Kraft Heinz; Dave Davis, Utah Food Industry Association; Pat Davis, Food Marketing Institute; Greg Ferrara, National Grocers Association; Jan Gee, Washington Food Industry Association; Amanda Hagan, Grocery Manufacturers Association; Stefani Millie Grant, Unilever; and Tracy Mihas, Mondelez Global.
Outgoing board members Ron Fong, California Grocers Association; Stan Sorkin, Connecticut Food Association; Nate Filler, Ohio Grocers Association; and Kimberly O'Brien, Monsanto were acknowledged during the GMA Excellence in Government Affairs dinner on Nov. 13.
As for the new logo (pictured) spearheaded by Pfuhl, it now includes a tag line, "Leading the Food Industry, State by State," to help clarify FIAE's purpose.
Sunset Beach, N.C.-based FIAE represents local, state and regional food association executives, who in turn represent more than 95 percent of the grocery retail industry.