Speakers
Mark Abdoo, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Global Regulatory Operations and Policy (GO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Mark Abdoo is the FDA’s Acting Deputy Commissioner for Global Regulatory Operations and Policy (GO), providing executive oversight, strategic leadership, and policy direction to FDA’s domestic and international product quality and safety efforts, including global data-sharing, development and harmonization of standards, field operations, compliance, and enforcement activities. He leads FDA’s efforts related to North American Free Trade Agreement, and previously, efforts related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership trade agreements. Prior to joining FDA, Mr. Abdoo served in senior positions in the Federal government including: Senior Advisor for Food Security and Agricultural Economics at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); Director for Global Health and Food Security at the National Security Council staff at the White House; and, in various positions in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including Acting Deputy Director and Director for Multilateral Affairs in the Office of Global Affair
Mark Abdoo is the FDA’s Acting Deputy Commissioner for Global Regulatory Operations and Policy (GO), providing executive oversight, strategic leadership, and policy direction to FDA’s domestic and international product quality and safety efforts, including global data-sharing, development and harmonization of standards, field operations, compliance, and enforcement activities. He leads FDA’s efforts related to North American Free Trade Agreement, and previously, efforts related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership trade agreements. Prior to joining FDA, Mr. Abdoo served in senior positions in the Federal government including: Senior Advisor for Food Security and Agricultural Economics at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); Director for Global Health and Food Security at the National Security Council staff at the White House; and, in various positions in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including Acting Deputy Director and Director for Multilateral Affairs in the Office of Global Affair
Patricia L. Alcock, Director, Office of Training Education and Development FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Patricia L. Alcock is the Director of the ORA’s Office of Training Education and Development (OTED). OTED's primary role is to analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate adult education, training, development and certification programs for FDA ORA employees as well as with our State regulatory partners. Ms. Alcock has been with the FDA since receiving her B.A. from Lycoming College in 1989 and has multi-district and multi-Center experience at FDA. She served as an FDA Investigator in two ORA Districts for 7 years, a Compliance Officer in CDER’s Office of Compliance for 3 years, and has been in a management role with the FDA since 1999. She has received many FDA level awards for her contribution to public health protection.
Patricia L. Alcock is the Director of the ORA’s Office of Training Education and Development (OTED). OTED's primary role is to analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate adult education, training, development and certification programs for FDA ORA employees as well as with our State regulatory partners. Ms. Alcock has been with the FDA since receiving her B.A. from Lycoming College in 1989 and has multi-district and multi-Center experience at FDA. She served as an FDA Investigator in two ORA Districts for 7 years, a Compliance Officer in CDER’s Office of Compliance for 3 years, and has been in a management role with the FDA since 1999. She has received many FDA level awards for her contribution to public health protection.
DIANA AMADOR-TORO, Program Division Director, Office of Pharmaceuticals Quality Operations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Diana Amador-Toro currently serves as New Jersey District Director and as the Program Division Director for the Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Operations (OPQO) within FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA). As the District Director she has geographic and administrative responsibilities for all employees within her District regardless of their Program areas. As Program Division Director she provides executive leadership in directing and managing all the Pharmaceutical Quality Operations of FDA within the 14 states of her Division.
Prior to assuming the additional responsibilities of Program Division Director, Ms. Amador-Toro served as the Central Region Food and Drug Director from 2015 until ORA’s Program Alignment in 2017. She provided executive leadership in directing and managing all programs of FDA within the 15 states of the Central Region and was responsibility for a professional and technical field staff of over 800 employees located in seven Districts and three ORA Laboratories including the Forensic Chemistry Center. She also served as the Chair of the Field Drug Committee and as the Drug Program Manager for ORA between 2008 and 2016.
Ms. Amador-Toro served six years as the Director of Investigations providing leadership in directing and managing the district’s inspectional activities in New Jersey. She also served four years as the Science Branch Director in the San Juan District Office where she was responsible for formulating operating policies and procedures, dealing with the analysis of samples, research and investigations at the San Juan District Laboratory.
Ms. Amador-Toro received her B.S. degree from the University of Puerto Rico in 1982 and in 1983 joined the FDA as an Investigator in the Newark District Office. In 1990, she transferred to San Juan as a Drug Specialist and subsequently became the first Pre-Approval Manager for both Drugs and Devices in the field. She has over 34 years of field experience in investigations and compliance activities, has contributed to ICH and FDA Guidance documents and has conducted international GMP and Pharmaceutical Quality training in Argentina, Estonia, Austria and England among other countries.
Ms. Amador-Toro is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and a USDA graduate of the Executive Potential Management Program. Throughout her career she has been recognized for her leadership, contributions and accomplishments in Compliance, Investigations and Laboratory activities with numerous agency honor awards, including the Commissioner’s Special Citation and FDA’s highest award, the Award of Merit.
Diana Amador-Toro currently serves as New Jersey District Director and as the Program Division Director for the Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Operations (OPQO) within FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA). As the District Director she has geographic and administrative responsibilities for all employees within her District regardless of their Program areas. As Program Division Director she provides executive leadership in directing and managing all the Pharmaceutical Quality Operations of FDA within the 14 states of her Division.
Prior to assuming the additional responsibilities of Program Division Director, Ms. Amador-Toro served as the Central Region Food and Drug Director from 2015 until ORA’s Program Alignment in 2017. She provided executive leadership in directing and managing all programs of FDA within the 15 states of the Central Region and was responsibility for a professional and technical field staff of over 800 employees located in seven Districts and three ORA Laboratories including the Forensic Chemistry Center. She also served as the Chair of the Field Drug Committee and as the Drug Program Manager for ORA between 2008 and 2016.
Ms. Amador-Toro served six years as the Director of Investigations providing leadership in directing and managing the district’s inspectional activities in New Jersey. She also served four years as the Science Branch Director in the San Juan District Office where she was responsible for formulating operating policies and procedures, dealing with the analysis of samples, research and investigations at the San Juan District Laboratory.
Ms. Amador-Toro received her B.S. degree from the University of Puerto Rico in 1982 and in 1983 joined the FDA as an Investigator in the Newark District Office. In 1990, she transferred to San Juan as a Drug Specialist and subsequently became the first Pre-Approval Manager for both Drugs and Devices in the field. She has over 34 years of field experience in investigations and compliance activities, has contributed to ICH and FDA Guidance documents and has conducted international GMP and Pharmaceutical Quality training in Argentina, Estonia, Austria and England among other countries.
Ms. Amador-Toro is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and a USDA graduate of the Executive Potential Management Program. Throughout her career she has been recognized for her leadership, contributions and accomplishments in Compliance, Investigations and Laboratory activities with numerous agency honor awards, including the Commissioner’s Special Citation and FDA’s highest award, the Award of Merit.
Laurel Arrigona, Regulatory Affairs, Ceutical Laboratories, Inc.
Laurel Arrigona is a Regulatory Affairs associate with Ceutical Labs. She is responsible for guiding clients towards regulatory compliance through quality systems implementation, audits, and similar activities. Ms. Arrigona is a former compliance officer in the areas of drugs, medical devices, tattoo, and body piercing with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Additionally, she has worked for the State of Texas as a microbiologist. She participates in the Body Art Committee (BAC) and has helped develop the BAC Tattoo Ink and Permanent Cosmetic Labeling Guide. Laurel participates in the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Body Art Model Code Workgroup which has been working to revise the NEHA Body Art Model Code. Also with NEHA, Laurel has worked to assist in the development of national policy standards in various areas pertaining to body art.
Laurel Arrigona is a Regulatory Affairs associate with Ceutical Labs. She is responsible for guiding clients towards regulatory compliance through quality systems implementation, audits, and similar activities. Ms. Arrigona is a former compliance officer in the areas of drugs, medical devices, tattoo, and body piercing with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Additionally, she has worked for the State of Texas as a microbiologist. She participates in the Body Art Committee (BAC) and has helped develop the BAC Tattoo Ink and Permanent Cosmetic Labeling Guide. Laurel participates in the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Body Art Model Code Workgroup which has been working to revise the NEHA Body Art Model Code. Also with NEHA, Laurel has worked to assist in the development of national policy standards in various areas pertaining to body art.
Dr. Samir Assar, Director of the Division of Produce Safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)
Dr. Samir Assar is the Director of the Division of Produce Safety in the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Since 2008, Dr. Assar has led the development of FDA’s policy, regulation, and guidance on produce safety, including those mandated by the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Dr. Assar provides strategic leadership in developing plans for research, training, and compliance activities that target a safe and abundant produce supply. Dr. Assar is committed to enhancing partnerships with produce safety stakeholders and has collaboratively forged initiatives and agreements aimed at protecting public health.
Dr. Samir Assar is the Director of the Division of Produce Safety in the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Since 2008, Dr. Assar has led the development of FDA’s policy, regulation, and guidance on produce safety, including those mandated by the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Dr. Assar provides strategic leadership in developing plans for research, training, and compliance activities that target a safe and abundant produce supply. Dr. Assar is committed to enhancing partnerships with produce safety stakeholders and has collaboratively forged initiatives and agreements aimed at protecting public health.
Dr. Samir Assar, Director of the Division of Produce Safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)
Dr. Samir Assar is the Director of the Division of Produce Safety in the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Since 2008, Dr. Assar has led the development of FDA’s policy, regulation, and guidance on produce safety, including those mandated by the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Dr. Assar provides strategic leadership in developing plans for research, training, and compliance activities that target a safe and abundant produce supply. Dr. Assar is committed to enhancing partnerships with produce safety stakeholders and has collaboratively forged initiatives and agreements aimed at protecting public health.
Dr. Samir Assar is the Director of the Division of Produce Safety in the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Since 2008, Dr. Assar has led the development of FDA’s policy, regulation, and guidance on produce safety, including those mandated by the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Dr. Assar provides strategic leadership in developing plans for research, training, and compliance activities that target a safe and abundant produce supply. Dr. Assar is committed to enhancing partnerships with produce safety stakeholders and has collaboratively forged initiatives and agreements aimed at protecting public health.
Mark Bailey, Acting Supervisor of the Medical Devices Inspection Unit, Health Canada
I’m currently the Acting Supervisor of the Medical Devices Inspection Unit in Toronto, Ontario. My department is responsible for conducting inspections of Medical Device Establishment Licence holders as part of Health Canada’s Medical Devices Inspection Program. From 2007 to 2017, I worked as an Inspector in the unit, where I completed over 200 inspections of licence holders. In addition to conducting inspections during this time, my responsibilities also included: training of inspectors, updating policies and guidance documents, writing internal quality documents, and annual inspection planning and coordination.
Prior to joining Health Canada, I received a B. Sc. in Biology & Psychology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and a Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Affairs from Humber College in Toronto, Ontario
I’m currently the Acting Supervisor of the Medical Devices Inspection Unit in Toronto, Ontario. My department is responsible for conducting inspections of Medical Device Establishment Licence holders as part of Health Canada’s Medical Devices Inspection Program. From 2007 to 2017, I worked as an Inspector in the unit, where I completed over 200 inspections of licence holders. In addition to conducting inspections during this time, my responsibilities also included: training of inspectors, updating policies and guidance documents, writing internal quality documents, and annual inspection planning and coordination.
Prior to joining Health Canada, I received a B. Sc. in Biology & Psychology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and a Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Affairs from Humber College in Toronto, Ontario
Mitzi Baum, Managing Director of Food Safety, Feeding America
Mitzi Baum has been a member of the Feeding America team for over 21 years and is currently the Managing Director of Food Safety. In this role, Mitzi manages the continued development of food safety initiatives including: development and execution of the food safety strategic plan; oversight of third party food safety audit program; food safety educational summits; development of food safety resources; and coordination with donors and regulatory agencies to support donations.
Mitzi earned her Master of Science in Food Safety and certificate in Food Law from Michigan State University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH in Restaurant/Hospitality Management. She has earned certificates in Non-Profit Management from the University of Chicago, Quality Management from DePaul University, Food Safety Management from Cornell University and is a certified Food Safety instructor. Mitzi managed restaurants for the Peasant Restaurant Co. in Atlanta, Funky’s Restaurants in Cincinnati, and Lettuce Entertain You, Enterprises in Chicago prior to her career with Feeding America.
Mitzi is a native Chicagoan and lives in Chicago with her husband and their 9 year old daughter. She is passionate about CrossFit, yoga, the Chicago Cubs, plays 16 inch softball (Chicago-style) and loves to cook and travel.
Mitzi Baum has been a member of the Feeding America team for over 21 years and is currently the Managing Director of Food Safety. In this role, Mitzi manages the continued development of food safety initiatives including: development and execution of the food safety strategic plan; oversight of third party food safety audit program; food safety educational summits; development of food safety resources; and coordination with donors and regulatory agencies to support donations.
Mitzi earned her Master of Science in Food Safety and certificate in Food Law from Michigan State University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH in Restaurant/Hospitality Management. She has earned certificates in Non-Profit Management from the University of Chicago, Quality Management from DePaul University, Food Safety Management from Cornell University and is a certified Food Safety instructor. Mitzi managed restaurants for the Peasant Restaurant Co. in Atlanta, Funky’s Restaurants in Cincinnati, and Lettuce Entertain You, Enterprises in Chicago prior to her career with Feeding America.
Mitzi is a native Chicagoan and lives in Chicago with her husband and their 9 year old daughter. She is passionate about CrossFit, yoga, the Chicago Cubs, plays 16 inch softball (Chicago-style) and loves to cook and travel.
Matt Bavougian, Owner, Onyx Piercing Studio
Matt Bavougian is the owner and senior piercer at Onyx Piercing Studio in Lincoln, Nebraska. Matt has been in the piercing industry for over 20 years. He has been working with legislators and public health worker for over a decade. Since joining the Association of Professional Piercers in 2015, he has been an active member of their Legislation and Regulatory Affairs Committee. Matt is also currently working on the Body Art Model Code with the National Environmental Health Association.
Matt Bavougian is the owner and senior piercer at Onyx Piercing Studio in Lincoln, Nebraska. Matt has been in the piercing industry for over 20 years. He has been working with legislators and public health worker for over a decade. Since joining the Association of Professional Piercers in 2015, he has been an active member of their Legislation and Regulatory Affairs Committee. Matt is also currently working on the Body Art Model Code with the National Environmental Health Association.
Dawn Beck, Associate Director, Olmsted County Public Health Services
Dawn Beck has a keen interest in food and food safety. As a self-proclaimed “foodie” Dawn has chosen professions that revolve around food. She has worked as a clinical dietitian, a foodservice director, an Environmental Health Specialist, and an Environmental Health Manager. Since 2011 she has served as Associate Director of Olmsted County Public Health Services in Rochester, MN overseeing Environmental Health, Disease Prevention and Control, and Public Health Emergency Preparedness. Dawn is also enthusiastic about continuous improvement and she has studied a variety of quality improvement models. Her passion for food and quality improvement have combined to drive her pursuit of food protection program continuous improvement.
Dawn Beck has a keen interest in food and food safety. As a self-proclaimed “foodie” Dawn has chosen professions that revolve around food. She has worked as a clinical dietitian, a foodservice director, an Environmental Health Specialist, and an Environmental Health Manager. Since 2011 she has served as Associate Director of Olmsted County Public Health Services in Rochester, MN overseeing Environmental Health, Disease Prevention and Control, and Public Health Emergency Preparedness. Dawn is also enthusiastic about continuous improvement and she has studied a variety of quality improvement models. Her passion for food and quality improvement have combined to drive her pursuit of food protection program continuous improvement.
Courtney Bidney, Director, Global Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, General Mills
Courtney is a Director in Global Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at General Mills and is a member of the Bell Institute of Health, Nutrition, and Food Safety. Courtney’s responsibilities include regulatory and external affairs accountabilities in the areas of food safety and nutrition. In addition, Courtney leads the international health and wellness network responsible for Health and Wellness strategy, including innovation, communication, and regulatory.
Courtney joined General Mills in 2000 as a Quality Management Associate and subsequently worked in multiple General Mills manufacturing facilities as both a Quality Engineer and Quality Manager. Courtney transitioned to the General Mills corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2009 where she has served in multiple roles of increasing responsibility in the scientific and regulatory affairs area. Courtney serves on the GMA Science and Regulatory Affairs Committee and is a governor appointed member of the Minnesota Food Safety and Defense Task Force. In addition, Courtney is the Food Industry Advisor to the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) Board of Directors and is the Co-Chair of the AFDO Industry Association Membership Committee.
Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science Degree in Food Science and Technology from Ohio State University. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and two small children, Jackson and Madeline.
Elizabeth A. Bihn, Ph.D., Director of the Produce Safety Alliance and National GAPs Program, Executive Director of the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University, Department of Food Science, Cornell University
Dr. Elizabeth A. Bihn is the Director of the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) leading a nationwide team tasked with providing fundamental, science-based, on-farm food safety knowledge to fresh fruit and vegetable farmers, packers, regulatory personnel and others interested in the safety of fresh produce to meet the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule requirements. Betsy is also the Executive Director of the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University with a mission to provide training and conduct research to support the food industry, from farm to fork, in reducing foodborne illness risks. She has developed award-winning educational materials and training programs for fruit and vegetable farmers, packers, and farm workers for over 18 years. Her research focuses on surface water quality used in the production of fruits and vegetables. Betsy is also the Director of the National Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Program. She received her B.S. in Zoology from the Ohio State University, M.S. in Horticulture from the University of Florida, and Ph.D. in Food Science from Cornell University.
Dr. Elizabeth A. Bihn is the Director of the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) leading a nationwide team tasked with providing fundamental, science-based, on-farm food safety knowledge to fresh fruit and vegetable farmers, packers, regulatory personnel and others interested in the safety of fresh produce to meet the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule requirements. Betsy is also the Executive Director of the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University with a mission to provide training and conduct research to support the food industry, from farm to fork, in reducing foodborne illness risks. She has developed award-winning educational materials and training programs for fruit and vegetable farmers, packers, and farm workers for over 18 years. Her research focuses on surface water quality used in the production of fruits and vegetables. Betsy is also the Director of the National Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Program. She received her B.S. in Zoology from the Ohio State University, M.S. in Horticulture from the University of Florida, and Ph.D. in Food Science from Cornell University.
Steven Bloodgood, Chief Seafood Processing and Technology Policy Branch, Division of Seafood Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration
Mr. Bloodgood has over 30 years’ experience in the seafood industry in regulatory, quality assurance, and operations positions. He is the Chief of the Seafood Processing and Technology Policy Branch in the Division of Seafood Safety at the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The work in his Branch focuses on policy development, interpretation, and technical reviews as they relate to FDA regulations, laws, guidance, and enforcement actions. He has worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seafood Inspection Program where he held several positions from Field Inspector to Deputy Chief of the Northeast Inspection Branch. Steve has also spent many years working for several international seafood manufacturing companies. He has held senior level management positions in quality assurance, manufacturing, procurement, and warehouse management/logistics. He has a B.S. degree in Biology from Shippensburg University.
Mr. Bloodgood has over 30 years’ experience in the seafood industry in regulatory, quality assurance, and operations positions. He is the Chief of the Seafood Processing and Technology Policy Branch in the Division of Seafood Safety at the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The work in his Branch focuses on policy development, interpretation, and technical reviews as they relate to FDA regulations, laws, guidance, and enforcement actions. He has worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seafood Inspection Program where he held several positions from Field Inspector to Deputy Chief of the Northeast Inspection Branch. Steve has also spent many years working for several international seafood manufacturing companies. He has held senior level management positions in quality assurance, manufacturing, procurement, and warehouse management/logistics. He has a B.S. degree in Biology from Shippensburg University.
Christina Bongo-Box, Vice President of Global Procurement, Little Caesars
Christina Bongo-Box is the Vice President of Global Procurement for Little Caesars in Detroit where she provides leadership and oversight of the domestic and international procurement, international Quality Assurance, global commodities and replenishment business units. She executes effective vendor relationships, domestic and international sourcing and pricing, develops strategies to achieve increasing levels of customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
For the last 25+ years she has worked in Quality Assurance, New Product Development and Supply Chain/Procurement both Domestically and Internationally working on projects such as spending 6 weeks in the bearing sea aboard a factory trawler when Tyson Foods purchased Artic Alaska fishing fleet, she helped grow the breakfast concept with KFC International; she improved the product safety in Indonesia for Churchs/Texas Chicken and lead strategic direction for global quality assurance and product engineering for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen; as well as helping take Little Caesars to the next level with the sourcing plan to support the launch of the Extra Most Bestest $6 HNR Pepperoni Pizza as well as the Stuffed Crust Version which was an amazing Limited Time Offer for our customers!!!
Christina Bongo-Box is the Vice President of Global Procurement for Little Caesars in Detroit where she provides leadership and oversight of the domestic and international procurement, international Quality Assurance, global commodities and replenishment business units. She executes effective vendor relationships, domestic and international sourcing and pricing, develops strategies to achieve increasing levels of customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
For the last 25+ years she has worked in Quality Assurance, New Product Development and Supply Chain/Procurement both Domestically and Internationally working on projects such as spending 6 weeks in the bearing sea aboard a factory trawler when Tyson Foods purchased Artic Alaska fishing fleet, she helped grow the breakfast concept with KFC International; she improved the product safety in Indonesia for Churchs/Texas Chicken and lead strategic direction for global quality assurance and product engineering for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen; as well as helping take Little Caesars to the next level with the sourcing plan to support the launch of the Extra Most Bestest $6 HNR Pepperoni Pizza as well as the Stuffed Crust Version which was an amazing Limited Time Offer for our customers!!!
Dr. Ben Chapman, Associate Professor and Food Safety Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University
Dr. Ben Chapman is an associate professor and food safety extension specialist at North Carolina State University. As a teenager, a Saturday afternoon viewing of the classic cable movie, Outbreak, sparked his interest in pathogens and public health. With the goal of less foodborne illness, his group designs, implements, and evaluates food safety strategies, messages, and media from farm-to-fork. Ben co-hosts a biweekly podcast called Food Safety Talk and publishes a food safety blog, barfblog.
Dr. Ben Chapman is an associate professor and food safety extension specialist at North Carolina State University. As a teenager, a Saturday afternoon viewing of the classic cable movie, Outbreak, sparked his interest in pathogens and public health. With the goal of less foodborne illness, his group designs, implements, and evaluates food safety strategies, messages, and media from farm-to-fork. Ben co-hosts a biweekly podcast called Food Safety Talk and publishes a food safety blog, barfblog.
Michael Chappell, Principal, Regulatory Compliance, Greenleaf Health
Michael Chappell, Principal, Regulatory Compliance with Greenleaf Health, Inc. brings extensive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) experience with a unique understanding of how the regulated industry is affected by FDA’s enforcement operations. At Greenleaf, Michael works closely with clients, providing strategic consulting services on regulatory, enforcement, and compliance matters. Consultation includes his unique perspective on FDA expectations and the agency’s evaluation processes on regulatory findings and issues. He has served as an expert witness related to FDA’s regulatory process. Michael joined Greenleaf after a distinguished 38 year career at FDA, where he rose to the senior leadership position at FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA).
Michael Chappell, Principal, Regulatory Compliance with Greenleaf Health, Inc. brings extensive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) experience with a unique understanding of how the regulated industry is affected by FDA’s enforcement operations. At Greenleaf, Michael works closely with clients, providing strategic consulting services on regulatory, enforcement, and compliance matters. Consultation includes his unique perspective on FDA expectations and the agency’s evaluation processes on regulatory findings and issues. He has served as an expert witness related to FDA’s regulatory process. Michael joined Greenleaf after a distinguished 38 year career at FDA, where he rose to the senior leadership position at FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA).
Nancy L. Cohen, PhD, RD, FAND, Senior Planning Officer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Professor of Nutrition on the Amherst campus
Nancy L. Cohen, PhD, RD, FAND, is a Senior Planning Officer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Professor of Nutrition on the Amherst campus. Prior positions include Head of the Department of Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for 15 years, Interim Dean of the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at the UMass System Office, Visiting Scientist with the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Otago, New Zealand.
Dr. Cohen received her Ph.D. degree from the University of California at Davis in Nutrition Science and her B.S. degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University. An author of over 50 research and 40 extension publications, Dr. Cohen has served as a Principal or co-Principal Investigator for dozens of grants totaling over $5 million. Her scholarship focuses on nutrition and food safety education, nutritional needs of older adults, and development of online technologies to effectively reach diverse populations with nutrition education and training. Her portfolio includes over 140 invited media interviews, including the Ladies' Home Journal, Men’s Fitness, Eating Well, CNN.com, and Time.com.
Dr. Cohen is a founding chair of the Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education, and serves on the Massachusetts Statewide Food Policy Council Advisory Committee. With UMass Extension and the Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education, she has developed numerous curricula, fact sheets, training programs, online resources, and other educational programs in food safety and nutrition for teachers, farmers, older adults, child-care staff, consumers, foodservice staff, and other professionals. Dr. Cohen’s national service includes serving as past-chair and board member with the Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs; membership on the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Public Information Committee, Ad-hoc Committee on Position Papers, and Journalism and Public Service Award Committee; member of the Career Development Committee and Science Communicator with the Institute of Food Technologists; service on the Board of Directors of the Society for Nutrition Education (SNE); and chair of the ASN Nutrition Education Research Interest Section. Dr. Cohen was awarded the UMass Amherst Distinguished Outreach Research Award and the UMass President’s Public Service Award, and was named a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Earlier honors include induction into the Delta Omega Honor Society, service as Rho Chapter Chair, and Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year from the Massachusetts Dietetic Association.
Nancy L. Cohen, PhD, RD, FAND, is a Senior Planning Officer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Professor of Nutrition on the Amherst campus. Prior positions include Head of the Department of Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for 15 years, Interim Dean of the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at the UMass System Office, Visiting Scientist with the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Otago, New Zealand.
Dr. Cohen received her Ph.D. degree from the University of California at Davis in Nutrition Science and her B.S. degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University. An author of over 50 research and 40 extension publications, Dr. Cohen has served as a Principal or co-Principal Investigator for dozens of grants totaling over $5 million. Her scholarship focuses on nutrition and food safety education, nutritional needs of older adults, and development of online technologies to effectively reach diverse populations with nutrition education and training. Her portfolio includes over 140 invited media interviews, including the Ladies' Home Journal, Men’s Fitness, Eating Well, CNN.com, and Time.com.
Dr. Cohen is a founding chair of the Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education, and serves on the Massachusetts Statewide Food Policy Council Advisory Committee. With UMass Extension and the Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education, she has developed numerous curricula, fact sheets, training programs, online resources, and other educational programs in food safety and nutrition for teachers, farmers, older adults, child-care staff, consumers, foodservice staff, and other professionals. Dr. Cohen’s national service includes serving as past-chair and board member with the Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs; membership on the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Public Information Committee, Ad-hoc Committee on Position Papers, and Journalism and Public Service Award Committee; member of the Career Development Committee and Science Communicator with the Institute of Food Technologists; service on the Board of Directors of the Society for Nutrition Education (SNE); and chair of the ASN Nutrition Education Research Interest Section. Dr. Cohen was awarded the UMass Amherst Distinguished Outreach Research Award and the UMass President’s Public Service Award, and was named a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Earlier honors include induction into the Delta Omega Honor Society, service as Rho Chapter Chair, and Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year from the Massachusetts Dietetic Association.
Nancy L. Cohen, PhD, RD, FAND, Senior Planning Officer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Professor of Nutrition on the Amherst campus
Nancy L. Cohen, PhD, RD, FAND, is a Senior Planning Officer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Professor of Nutrition on the Amherst campus. Prior positions include Head of the Department of Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for 15 years, Interim Dean of the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at the UMass System Office, Visiting Scientist with the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Otago, New Zealand.
Dr. Cohen received her Ph.D. degree from the University of California at Davis in Nutrition Science and her B.S. degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University. An author of over 50 research and 40 extension publications, Dr. Cohen has served as a Principal or co-Principal Investigator for dozens of grants totaling over $5 million. Her scholarship focuses on nutrition and food safety education, nutritional needs of older adults, and development of online technologies to effectively reach diverse populations with nutrition education and training. Her portfolio includes over 140 invited media interviews, including the Ladies' Home Journal, Men’s Fitness, Eating Well, CNN.com, and Time.com.
Dr. Cohen is a founding chair of the Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education, and serves on the Massachusetts Statewide Food Policy Council Advisory Committee. With UMass Extension and the Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education, she has developed numerous curricula, fact sheets, training programs, online resources, and other educational programs in food safety and nutrition for teachers, farmers, older adults, child-care staff, consumers, foodservice staff, and other professionals. Dr. Cohen’s national service includes serving as past-chair and board member with the Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs; membership on the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Public Information Committee, Ad-hoc Committee on Position Papers, and Journalism and Public Service Award Committee; member of the Career Development Committee and Science Communicator with the Institute of Food Technologists; service on the Board of Directors of the Society for Nutrition Education (SNE); and chair of the ASN Nutrition Education Research Interest Section. Dr. Cohen was awarded the UMass Amherst Distinguished Outreach Research Award and the UMass President’s Public Service Award, and was named a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Earlier honors include induction into the Delta Omega Honor Society, service as Rho Chapter Chair, and Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year from the Massachusetts Dietetic Association.
Nancy L. Cohen, PhD, RD, FAND, is a Senior Planning Officer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Professor of Nutrition on the Amherst campus. Prior positions include Head of the Department of Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for 15 years, Interim Dean of the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at the UMass System Office, Visiting Scientist with the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Otago, New Zealand.
Dr. Cohen received her Ph.D. degree from the University of California at Davis in Nutrition Science and her B.S. degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University. An author of over 50 research and 40 extension publications, Dr. Cohen has served as a Principal or co-Principal Investigator for dozens of grants totaling over $5 million. Her scholarship focuses on nutrition and food safety education, nutritional needs of older adults, and development of online technologies to effectively reach diverse populations with nutrition education and training. Her portfolio includes over 140 invited media interviews, including the Ladies' Home Journal, Men’s Fitness, Eating Well, CNN.com, and Time.com.
Dr. Cohen is a founding chair of the Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education, and serves on the Massachusetts Statewide Food Policy Council Advisory Committee. With UMass Extension and the Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education, she has developed numerous curricula, fact sheets, training programs, online resources, and other educational programs in food safety and nutrition for teachers, farmers, older adults, child-care staff, consumers, foodservice staff, and other professionals. Dr. Cohen’s national service includes serving as past-chair and board member with the Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs; membership on the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Public Information Committee, Ad-hoc Committee on Position Papers, and Journalism and Public Service Award Committee; member of the Career Development Committee and Science Communicator with the Institute of Food Technologists; service on the Board of Directors of the Society for Nutrition Education (SNE); and chair of the ASN Nutrition Education Research Interest Section. Dr. Cohen was awarded the UMass Amherst Distinguished Outreach Research Award and the UMass President’s Public Service Award, and was named a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Earlier honors include induction into the Delta Omega Honor Society, service as Rho Chapter Chair, and Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year from the Massachusetts Dietetic Association.
Erik Coleman, Health Scientist (Informatics), National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Erik Coleman— is a Health Scientist (Informatics) with the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He holds a BS in Health Science with a minor in Information Technology from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) and a Masters of Public Health degree from Howard University (Washington, DC). In 2005, Erik entered the public health arena functioning as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Fairfax County Health Department, Food Safety Section. In 2008, he functioned as a Salmonella Database Manager with PulseNet USA within CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID). Currently, Erik manages and supports the National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS), the Environmental Training Series and other related activities that aid in understanding and preventing environmental causes of foodborne illness outbreaks.
Erik Coleman— is a Health Scientist (Informatics) with the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He holds a BS in Health Science with a minor in Information Technology from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) and a Masters of Public Health degree from Howard University (Washington, DC). In 2005, Erik entered the public health arena functioning as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Fairfax County Health Department, Food Safety Section. In 2008, he functioned as a Salmonella Database Manager with PulseNet USA within CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID). Currently, Erik manages and supports the National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS), the Environmental Training Series and other related activities that aid in understanding and preventing environmental causes of foodborne illness outbreaks.
Matthew Coleman, Environmental Administration, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
In May of 1999, Matthew found his passion for Public Health while working in multiple programmatic areas as a field inspector with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). In July 2005, he earned his Registered Sanitarian(RS) and in 2016 his Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS). Matthew is a 2016 – 2017, Cohort VI graduate of IFPTI’s Fellowship in Food Protection.
In his current role as Environmental Administrator with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Matthew leads the Manufactured Food Team. The Department’s vision is to be the Nation’s premier food safety program. Matthew guides policy, procedures and practice to ensure a safe and wholesome food supply and support Florida’s Food Industries and an Integrated Food Safety System.
In May of 1999, Matthew found his passion for Public Health while working in multiple programmatic areas as a field inspector with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). In July 2005, he earned his Registered Sanitarian(RS) and in 2016 his Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS). Matthew is a 2016 – 2017, Cohort VI graduate of IFPTI’s Fellowship in Food Protection.
In his current role as Environmental Administrator with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Matthew leads the Manufactured Food Team. The Department’s vision is to be the Nation’s premier food safety program. Matthew guides policy, procedures and practice to ensure a safe and wholesome food supply and support Florida’s Food Industries and an Integrated Food Safety System.
Kimberly Concra is Nutrition and Food Safety Specialist for Cape Cod Cooperative Extension on Cape Cod
Kimberly Concra is Nutrition and Food Safety Specialist for Cape Cod Cooperative Extension on Cape Cod. A nutritionist licensed in Massachusetts, she received her degree from UMass, Amherst. In her role with Extension she is co-chair of the Cape Cod Hunger Network, teaches ServSafe courses and does nutrition education activities, some through SNAP-ed grant funds through UMass. She has worked also as a nutritionist for the Women, Infants and Children(WIC) nutrition program and in family support. She is active with the MA Partnership for Food Safety Education(MPFSE). She is a Lead Instructor for the FSMA compliant Preventive Controls for Human Food course, and is a trainer for multiple evidence based nutrition education programs. She has also completed both the Better Process Control School through UMass and attended the Master Food Preserver Course from Cornell University. She continues her nutrition education in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics(AND) and NECAFS(The Northeast Center for Advancing Food Safety). Her interests are beekeeping and beachcombing and she serves on the Board of Directors for three nonprofit agencies.
Kimberly Concra is Nutrition and Food Safety Specialist for Cape Cod Cooperative Extension on Cape Cod. A nutritionist licensed in Massachusetts, she received her degree from UMass, Amherst. In her role with Extension she is co-chair of the Cape Cod Hunger Network, teaches ServSafe courses and does nutrition education activities, some through SNAP-ed grant funds through UMass. She has worked also as a nutritionist for the Women, Infants and Children(WIC) nutrition program and in family support. She is active with the MA Partnership for Food Safety Education(MPFSE). She is a Lead Instructor for the FSMA compliant Preventive Controls for Human Food course, and is a trainer for multiple evidence based nutrition education programs. She has also completed both the Better Process Control School through UMass and attended the Master Food Preserver Course from Cornell University. She continues her nutrition education in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics(AND) and NECAFS(The Northeast Center for Advancing Food Safety). Her interests are beekeeping and beachcombing and she serves on the Board of Directors for three nonprofit agencies.
Carol A. Conroy, Associate for the Safe Food Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Carol A. Conroy is an Associate for the Safe Food Project at The Pew Charitable Trusts. She manages the Project’s root cause analysis initiative, which seeks to convene experts from across federal and state public health agencies, industry, and other relevant sectors to develop a common understanding of how to best perform root cause analyses and communicate lessons learned from these investigations. Additionally, Carol supports the Project’s efforts to promote cross-cutting food safety policies and protocols that apply to the entire food supply with a goal of further reducing foodborne illness.
Prior to joining Pew, Carol received her B.S. in Health Promotion with a minor in Spanish from the University of Georgia. She is currently a J.D. candidate at The George Washington University Law School, with an expected graduation date of May 2021.
Carol A. Conroy is an Associate for the Safe Food Project at The Pew Charitable Trusts. She manages the Project’s root cause analysis initiative, which seeks to convene experts from across federal and state public health agencies, industry, and other relevant sectors to develop a common understanding of how to best perform root cause analyses and communicate lessons learned from these investigations. Additionally, Carol supports the Project’s efforts to promote cross-cutting food safety policies and protocols that apply to the entire food supply with a goal of further reducing foodborne illness.
Prior to joining Pew, Carol received her B.S. in Health Promotion with a minor in Spanish from the University of Georgia. She is currently a J.D. candidate at The George Washington University Law School, with an expected graduation date of May 2021.
Susie Dai, PhD, Director of Environmental Health, State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa
Susie Dai, PhD serves as the Director of Environmental Health at that State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa. She leads the programs that monitor and analyze environmental contaminants in drinking water, ground water, soil, food and other sources.
Dr. Dai previously served as a research associate professor for the Office of the Texas State Chemist with a joint appointment to the Texas A&M University Department of Veterinary Pathobiology in the Veterinary School. Her background focused in field application of measurement science, regulatory science, biomonitoring, biotechnologies, quality control and quality assurance, and risk assessment. She has developed and implemented risk management models while maintaining research programs and academic appointments.
Dr. Dai earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and then entered the Duke University doctoral program where she earned her Ph.D. in chemistry with additional education in biomedical engineering and regulatory science.
Susie Dai, PhD serves as the Director of Environmental Health at that State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa. She leads the programs that monitor and analyze environmental contaminants in drinking water, ground water, soil, food and other sources.
Dr. Dai previously served as a research associate professor for the Office of the Texas State Chemist with a joint appointment to the Texas A&M University Department of Veterinary Pathobiology in the Veterinary School. Her background focused in field application of measurement science, regulatory science, biomonitoring, biotechnologies, quality control and quality assurance, and risk assessment. She has developed and implemented risk management models while maintaining research programs and academic appointments.
Dr. Dai earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and then entered the Duke University doctoral program where she earned her Ph.D. in chemistry with additional education in biomedical engineering and regulatory science.
Maya Davis, Compliance Officer, US Food and Drug Administration
Maya Davis began with FDA in 2009 as a Drug Investigator in New England District after completing her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Yale University with a preclinical neuroscience focus. She conducted inspections of human and veterinary drug manufacturers and compounding facilities as an Investigator and later as Drug Specialist and Pre-Approval Manager in 2014. She became a Compliance Officer in 2015, where she currently recommends compliance actions for domestic and foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers and compounding facilities. Maya is responsible for outreach to boards of pharmacy in the New England area and currently serves on the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy Advisory Committee as a CGMP expert in aseptic processing.
Maya Davis began with FDA in 2009 as a Drug Investigator in New England District after completing her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Yale University with a preclinical neuroscience focus. She conducted inspections of human and veterinary drug manufacturers and compounding facilities as an Investigator and later as Drug Specialist and Pre-Approval Manager in 2014. She became a Compliance Officer in 2015, where she currently recommends compliance actions for domestic and foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers and compounding facilities. Maya is responsible for outreach to boards of pharmacy in the New England area and currently serves on the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy Advisory Committee as a CGMP expert in aseptic processing.
Jim Dingman, Environmental Health Manager, City of Plano, TX.
Jim has been employed in the Environmental Health field for over 36 years, in both the public sector and private sectors. He is currently the Environmental Health Manager for the City of Plano Texas. Prior to Plano, he was employed by Underwriters Laboratories in Illinois for 16 years, and before that, at Tri-County Health Department in the Denver area, spending over 16 years in various capacities. He has published numerous articles in professional journals, and served as President of NEHA in 2002-2003.
Jim has been employed in the Environmental Health field for over 36 years, in both the public sector and private sectors. He is currently the Environmental Health Manager for the City of Plano Texas. Prior to Plano, he was employed by Underwriters Laboratories in Illinois for 16 years, and before that, at Tri-County Health Department in the Denver area, spending over 16 years in various capacities. He has published numerous articles in professional journals, and served as President of NEHA in 2002-2003.
Daniela Drago, Ph.D., RAC, Assistant Professor and the Director of Regulatory Affairs Programs, George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Daniela Drago, Ph.D., RAC is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Regulatory Affairs Programs at George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Prior to joining academia, she has held senior positions in global regulatory and medical affairs at F. Hoffman-La Roche, Vifor Pharma, Reckitt Benckiser, and Bausch & Lomb. Daniela has assisted in the development of hundreds of regulated products. She prepared and evaluated more than 300 global regulatory submissions and participated in numerous meetings with regulatory agencies. She serves as an expert witness on FDA requirements, global regulatory strategies, and compliance matters. She is the Chair of the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS) DC/Baltimore Chapter and the Expert Advisor on regulatory competencies for The Organization for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA). She also serves on the board of directors of the Association of Graduate Regulatory Educators (AGRE). She received her Ph.D. in chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich).
Daniela Drago, Ph.D., RAC is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Regulatory Affairs Programs at George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Prior to joining academia, she has held senior positions in global regulatory and medical affairs at F. Hoffman-La Roche, Vifor Pharma, Reckitt Benckiser, and Bausch & Lomb. Daniela has assisted in the development of hundreds of regulated products. She prepared and evaluated more than 300 global regulatory submissions and participated in numerous meetings with regulatory agencies. She serves as an expert witness on FDA requirements, global regulatory strategies, and compliance matters. She is the Chair of the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS) DC/Baltimore Chapter and the Expert Advisor on regulatory competencies for The Organization for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA). She also serves on the board of directors of the Association of Graduate Regulatory Educators (AGRE). She received her Ph.D. in chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich).
Rebecca Dreisch, MS, Senior Emergency Response Coordinator, Office of Human and Animal Food Operations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Rebecca Dreisch serves as a Senior Emergency Response Coordinator for the Office of Human and Animal Food Operations at the Food and Drug Administration. Prior to this position, Rebecca served as the FDA National Emergency Response Coordinator in the Office of Operations and as a microbiologist for the Office of Regulatory Science. Her current responsibilities include serving as the liaison between ORA HQ, District/Divisions, Centers, CORE and OEO for crisis management and outbreak response. Prior to joining the FDA, Ms. Dreisch worked for the EPA and the USDA as a senior microbiologist/research microbiologist. Ms. Dreisch has served on numerous FDA Incident Management Groups at the Headquarters level and assists with FDA ICS trainings and exercises. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and her graduate work at the University of Maryland.
Rebecca Dreisch serves as a Senior Emergency Response Coordinator for the Office of Human and Animal Food Operations at the Food and Drug Administration. Prior to this position, Rebecca served as the FDA National Emergency Response Coordinator in the Office of Operations and as a microbiologist for the Office of Regulatory Science. Her current responsibilities include serving as the liaison between ORA HQ, District/Divisions, Centers, CORE and OEO for crisis management and outbreak response. Prior to joining the FDA, Ms. Dreisch worked for the EPA and the USDA as a senior microbiologist/research microbiologist. Ms. Dreisch has served on numerous FDA Incident Management Groups at the Headquarters level and assists with FDA ICS trainings and exercises. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and her graduate work at the University of Maryland.
Kristen Esch, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Produce Safety Specialist, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
For the past year, Kristin has worked for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) as a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Produce Safety Specialist. Previously she worked with the Department for 16 years conducting on-farm environmental and animal care inspections. Kristin has an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in Animal Science and a Masters degree in Agricultural Extension Education. Education of farmers, citizens and other states regarding environmental, animal care and food safety issues has been a passion for Kristin. She is a lead trainer for both Produce Safety Alliance courses and On Farm Readiness Review train the trainer.
For the past year, Kristin has worked for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) as a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Produce Safety Specialist. Previously she worked with the Department for 16 years conducting on-farm environmental and animal care inspections. Kristin has an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in Animal Science and a Masters degree in Agricultural Extension Education. Education of farmers, citizens and other states regarding environmental, animal care and food safety issues has been a passion for Kristin. She is a lead trainer for both Produce Safety Alliance courses and On Farm Readiness Review train the trainer.
Sandra Eskin directs the Safe Food Project, at The Pew Charitable Trusts
Sandra Eskin directs the Safe Food Project, at The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington DC, which seeks to reduce health risks from foodborne pathogens by working collaboratively with federal and state government, industry, and other stakeholders. Before joining Pew, Sandra spent nearly 20 years as a public-policy consultant to numerous consumer and public-interest organizations, during which time she provided strategic and policy advice on a broad range of consumer protection issues, in particular, food and drug safety, labeling, and advertising. A lawyer, Eskin previously worked as a staff attorney at a federal agency and as a legislative representative for the Consumer Federation of America. She has served on a number of federal advisory committees and has authored numerous reports and articles on food safety topics. Eskin received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her J.D. from UC-Hastings College of the Law.
Sandra Eskin directs the Safe Food Project, at The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington DC, which seeks to reduce health risks from foodborne pathogens by working collaboratively with federal and state government, industry, and other stakeholders. Before joining Pew, Sandra spent nearly 20 years as a public-policy consultant to numerous consumer and public-interest organizations, during which time she provided strategic and policy advice on a broad range of consumer protection issues, in particular, food and drug safety, labeling, and advertising. A lawyer, Eskin previously worked as a staff attorney at a federal agency and as a legislative representative for the Consumer Federation of America. She has served on a number of federal advisory committees and has authored numerous reports and articles on food safety topics. Eskin received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her J.D. from UC-Hastings College of the Law.
Cathy Feeney, Co-Chief at the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Food Protection
Cathy Feeney is the Co-Chief at the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Food Protection. Cathy has been at the RIDOH since 2005. Previously, Cathy was an inspector, the compliance officer, and a supervisor. She is a Registered Dietitian and received a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the University of RI.
Cathy Feeney is the Co-Chief at the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Food Protection. Cathy has been at the RIDOH since 2005. Previously, Cathy was an inspector, the compliance officer, and a supervisor. She is a Registered Dietitian and received a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the University of RI.
Donna M. Garren, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Science and Policy American Frozen Food Institute
Dr. Donna Garren is currently the Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the American Frozen Food Institute. Her extensive background and expertise in food safety, food science, nutrition, and regulatory affairs are instrumental in building and enhancing strong and effective regulatory programs for the food and beverage industry.
Prior to joining AFFI, Dr. Garren was the President and General Manager for NSF Agriculture (formerly NSF Davis Fresh), a business unit of NSF International.
Dr. Garren was the Vice President, Food Safety Programmes for The Consumer Goods Forum. She was responsible for the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) activities in the Americas.
Dr. Garren was the Vice President, Health and Safety Regulatory Affairs for the National Restaurant Association, headquartered in Washington, DC prior to her tenure at The Consumer Goods Forum.
Her responsibilities included advising and representing the NRA and its membership on health and safety legislative and regulatory issues impacting the restaurant industry.
Before joining the National Restaurant Association, she spent six years as the Vice President, Scientific and Technical Affairs at the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (United). She was responsible for all produce food safety, food security and food quality related issues and activities, science-based regulatory and
legislative activities, and technical consultation to United’s membership.
In addition, Dr. Garren began her professional career at Boskovich Farms, Inc. as the Director of Research & Development / Product Safety. She drove the creation and introduction of produce food safety programs.
Dr. Garren graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. in food science and nutrition, with a minor in microbiology. She earned her doctorate degree in food science and technology with an emphasis in food microbiology from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Donna Garren is currently the Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the American Frozen Food Institute. Her extensive background and expertise in food safety, food science, nutrition, and regulatory affairs are instrumental in building and enhancing strong and effective regulatory programs for the food and beverage industry.
Prior to joining AFFI, Dr. Garren was the President and General Manager for NSF Agriculture (formerly NSF Davis Fresh), a business unit of NSF International.
Dr. Garren was the Vice President, Food Safety Programmes for The Consumer Goods Forum. She was responsible for the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) activities in the Americas.
Dr. Garren was the Vice President, Health and Safety Regulatory Affairs for the National Restaurant Association, headquartered in Washington, DC prior to her tenure at The Consumer Goods Forum.
Her responsibilities included advising and representing the NRA and its membership on health and safety legislative and regulatory issues impacting the restaurant industry.
Before joining the National Restaurant Association, she spent six years as the Vice President, Scientific and Technical Affairs at the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (United). She was responsible for all produce food safety, food security and food quality related issues and activities, science-based regulatory and
legislative activities, and technical consultation to United’s membership.
In addition, Dr. Garren began her professional career at Boskovich Farms, Inc. as the Director of Research & Development / Product Safety. She drove the creation and introduction of produce food safety programs.
Dr. Garren graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. in food science and nutrition, with a minor in microbiology. She earned her doctorate degree in food science and technology with an emphasis in food microbiology from the University of Georgia.
Ms. Joann M. Givens, Program Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs’ Human and Animal Food; HAF-West, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Ms. Joann M. Givens serves as Office of Regulatory Affairs’ Human and Animal Food Program Director; HAF-West. In this leadership position, Joann oversees the human and animal food program work plan, accomplishments, implementation strategies of FSMA, program alignment advancement and collaborates with the Center of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), ORA components and external stakeholders. Prior to serving in this position, Joann served as the Acting Regional Director of the Central Region for several years, Deputy Regional Director in the Central Region and District Director in Detroit District. Joann is a graduate of Berkeley College, Little Falls, NJ and also majored in biology at Kean University, Union, NJ. She is the recipient of numerous awards and a member of numerous professional organizations.
Ms. Joann M. Givens serves as Office of Regulatory Affairs’ Human and Animal Food Program Director; HAF-West. In this leadership position, Joann oversees the human and animal food program work plan, accomplishments, implementation strategies of FSMA, program alignment advancement and collaborates with the Center of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), ORA components and external stakeholders. Prior to serving in this position, Joann served as the Acting Regional Director of the Central Region for several years, Deputy Regional Director in the Central Region and District Director in Detroit District. Joann is a graduate of Berkeley College, Little Falls, NJ and also majored in biology at Kean University, Union, NJ. She is the recipient of numerous awards and a member of numerous professional organizations.
Jim Gorny, Ph.D. ,Senior Science Advisor for Produce Safety, FDA Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
Ms. Joann M. Givens serves as Office of Regulatory Affairs’ Human and Animal Food Program Director; HAF-West. In this leadership position, Joann oversees the human and animal food program work plan, accomplishments, implementation strategies of FSMA, program alignment advancement and collaborates with the Center of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), ORA components and external stakeholders. Prior to serving in this position, Joann served as the Acting Regional Director of the Central Region for several years, Deputy Regional Director in the Central Region and District Director in Detroit District. Joann is a graduate of Berkeley College, Little Falls, NJ and also majored in biology at Kean University, Union, NJ. She is the recipient of numerous awards and a member of numerous professional organizations.
Ms. Joann M. Givens serves as Office of Regulatory Affairs’ Human and Animal Food Program Director; HAF-West. In this leadership position, Joann oversees the human and animal food program work plan, accomplishments, implementation strategies of FSMA, program alignment advancement and collaborates with the Center of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), ORA components and external stakeholders. Prior to serving in this position, Joann served as the Acting Regional Director of the Central Region for several years, Deputy Regional Director in the Central Region and District Director in Detroit District. Joann is a graduate of Berkeley College, Little Falls, NJ and also majored in biology at Kean University, Union, NJ. She is the recipient of numerous awards and a member of numerous professional organizations.
Ken Groggel, Manager of the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program, New Mexico Department of Health
Ken Groggel was selected as the first Manager of the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program when the legislature approved funding for the Department of Health to administer the Program in 2012. During his tenure with the Medical Cannabis Program, the Department revised its regulations to enhance Program accountability, patient access, quality assurance and product safety. Working with the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, legislative committees, cannabis businesses and qualified patients, Ken was responsible for licensure and regulatory compliance in a challenging legal and political environment.
After four years, Ken left the MCP and is now Director of Proficiency Testing Programs for Emerald Scientific, the first and only company dedicated to distributing scientific equipment and supplies exclusively to the cannabis industry. His responsibilities include the Emerald Test, an inter-laboratory comparison/proficiency test to help establish an industry benchmark for cannabis testing and laboratory competence with the participation of cannabis testing laboratories around the world. Ken continues to promote good science, industry accountability, good manufacturing practices, consultation and cooperation with regulatory agencies and accreditation organizations.
Ken Groggel was selected as the first Manager of the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program when the legislature approved funding for the Department of Health to administer the Program in 2012. During his tenure with the Medical Cannabis Program, the Department revised its regulations to enhance Program accountability, patient access, quality assurance and product safety. Working with the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, legislative committees, cannabis businesses and qualified patients, Ken was responsible for licensure and regulatory compliance in a challenging legal and political environment.
After four years, Ken left the MCP and is now Director of Proficiency Testing Programs for Emerald Scientific, the first and only company dedicated to distributing scientific equipment and supplies exclusively to the cannabis industry. His responsibilities include the Emerald Test, an inter-laboratory comparison/proficiency test to help establish an industry benchmark for cannabis testing and laboratory competence with the participation of cannabis testing laboratories around the world. Ken continues to promote good science, industry accountability, good manufacturing practices, consultation and cooperation with regulatory agencies and accreditation organizations.
Patrick Guzzle, Food Protection Program Manager with the Division of Public Health in the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW)
Patrick Guzzle is the Food Protection Program Manager with the Division of Public Health in the Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW). He has held that position since January, 2004. Patrick holds a Bachelors Degree in Spanish and Masters Degrees in Medical Anthropology and Public Health, all from Idaho State University.
Prior to his employment with IDHW, Patrick was employed in the Environmental Health section of Southeastern Idaho Public Health in Pocatello, Idaho. During his time in Pocatello, Patrick held the positions of Food Protection Program Coordinator and also Environmental Health Supervisor.
He is a registered Environmental Health Specialist and is also registered with the National Environmental Health Association as a Food Safety Trainer. He has taught numerous food safety and sanitation courses to managers and staff members associated with all types of retail food establishments. He is a member of the National Environmental Health Association, and the Conference for Food Protection and has just completed a two term as CFP Chair.
Patrick and his wife Dianne were both raised in the mountains of Colorado. They and their children live in Boise.
Patrick Guzzle is the Food Protection Program Manager with the Division of Public Health in the Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW). He has held that position since January, 2004. Patrick holds a Bachelors Degree in Spanish and Masters Degrees in Medical Anthropology and Public Health, all from Idaho State University.
Prior to his employment with IDHW, Patrick was employed in the Environmental Health section of Southeastern Idaho Public Health in Pocatello, Idaho. During his time in Pocatello, Patrick held the positions of Food Protection Program Coordinator and also Environmental Health Supervisor.
He is a registered Environmental Health Specialist and is also registered with the National Environmental Health Association as a Food Safety Trainer. He has taught numerous food safety and sanitation courses to managers and staff members associated with all types of retail food establishments. He is a member of the National Environmental Health Association, and the Conference for Food Protection and has just completed a two term as CFP Chair.
Patrick and his wife Dianne were both raised in the mountains of Colorado. They and their children live in Boise.
Lisa Hainstock, Food Safety Specialist, Food & Dairy Division, Michigan Department of Agriculture
Lisa Hainstock – Lisa holds a B.S. in biochemistry from Northern Michigan University and started her career in environmental health in 1990 working as a sanitarian for a local health department in rural Michigan. She moved to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as a Non-Community Public Water Supply Consultant in 1998 and since 2002, has worked for the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Food & Dairy Division as a food safety specialist. In her current position, she both coordinates and provides training in foodborne illness investigations, tracebacks and recalls, and works closely with the food industry, local, state and federal investigators on these issues. She has represented the Association of Food and Drug Officials on the Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response (CIFOR) since 2008, and was a co-author of the CIFOR Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response and the CIFOR Industry Guidelines.
Lisa Hainstock – Lisa holds a B.S. in biochemistry from Northern Michigan University and started her career in environmental health in 1990 working as a sanitarian for a local health department in rural Michigan. She moved to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as a Non-Community Public Water Supply Consultant in 1998 and since 2002, has worked for the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Food & Dairy Division as a food safety specialist. In her current position, she both coordinates and provides training in foodborne illness investigations, tracebacks and recalls, and works closely with the food industry, local, state and federal investigators on these issues. She has represented the Association of Food and Drug Officials on the Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response (CIFOR) since 2008, and was a co-author of the CIFOR Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response and the CIFOR Industry Guidelines.
Linsey Hollett, Director, Health Product Compliance and Risk Management, Health Canada
Linsey Hollett is the current Director of Health Product Compliance and Risk Management with the Regulatory Operations and Regions Branch of Health Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University. In addition to the management of drug shortages, she oversees a division responsible for domestic compliance verification activities and the coordination of border activities related to prescription and non-prescription drugs. She has been with Health Canada for the past 14 years, always within regulatory organizations, working on files related to healthy environments, consumer product safety and now health product compliance and enforcement.
Linsey Hollett is the current Director of Health Product Compliance and Risk Management with the Regulatory Operations and Regions Branch of Health Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University. In addition to the management of drug shortages, she oversees a division responsible for domestic compliance verification activities and the coordination of border activities related to prescription and non-prescription drugs. She has been with Health Canada for the past 14 years, always within regulatory organizations, working on files related to healthy environments, consumer product safety and now health product compliance and enforcement.
Stic Harris, DVM, MPH, Director of the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Stic Harris, DVM, MPH, joined the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in August 2017 as the new Director of the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network. In this role, Dr. Harris will oversee FDA’s full-time staff dedicated to preventing, detecting, and investigating outbreaks related to human food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.
Distinguishing himself as a leader in the world of outbreak response, Dr. Harris brings with him an invaluable mix of clinical and policy experience. Formerly with the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch (AFHSB), the central epidemiologic resource for the U.S. military, he was part of the Alert and Response Operations Team in the Integrated Biosurveillance division, where the work is focused on monitoring infectious diseases. Dr. Harris’ team was responsible for identifying, verifying, and delivering the latest information and assessments of outbreaks affecting the Department of Defense.
Prior to his four years at AFHSB, Dr. Harris was a veterinary medical officer at the Department of Homeland Security. He was based in the Office of Health Affairs, where he was the liaison to One Health, the global initiative to unite human and veterinary medicine. He also worked on strategy for the National Biosurveillance Integration Center, which integrates information about biological threats to human, animal, plant and environmental health, and served as the acting Biodefense Advisor.
From 2009-2010, he was a AAAS/AVMA (American Association for the Advancement of Science/American Veterinary Medical Association) Congressional Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the office of Minnesota Senator Al Franken, working on health care, food safety, infectious disease, agriculture, and biodefense. Additionally, Dr. Harris served as Senator Al Franken’s lead on the Food Safety Modernization Act during the congressional review and committee hearings.
Dr. Harris also spent several years working as an epidemiologist in both the Texas and Georgia state health departments on such varied topics as lead poisoning prevention, prion diseases, arthritis, bioterrorism, maternal and child health, and cancer. Other former positions of note include time as an emergency medical technician, a research associate in emergency medicine, and a professional hockey player.
Dr. Harris has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Public Health in molecular epidemiology and public health genetics from the University of Michigan.
Stic Harris, DVM, MPH, joined the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in August 2017 as the new Director of the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network. In this role, Dr. Harris will oversee FDA’s full-time staff dedicated to preventing, detecting, and investigating outbreaks related to human food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.
Distinguishing himself as a leader in the world of outbreak response, Dr. Harris brings with him an invaluable mix of clinical and policy experience. Formerly with the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch (AFHSB), the central epidemiologic resource for the U.S. military, he was part of the Alert and Response Operations Team in the Integrated Biosurveillance division, where the work is focused on monitoring infectious diseases. Dr. Harris’ team was responsible for identifying, verifying, and delivering the latest information and assessments of outbreaks affecting the Department of Defense.
Prior to his four years at AFHSB, Dr. Harris was a veterinary medical officer at the Department of Homeland Security. He was based in the Office of Health Affairs, where he was the liaison to One Health, the global initiative to unite human and veterinary medicine. He also worked on strategy for the National Biosurveillance Integration Center, which integrates information about biological threats to human, animal, plant and environmental health, and served as the acting Biodefense Advisor.
From 2009-2010, he was a AAAS/AVMA (American Association for the Advancement of Science/American Veterinary Medical Association) Congressional Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the office of Minnesota Senator Al Franken, working on health care, food safety, infectious disease, agriculture, and biodefense. Additionally, Dr. Harris served as Senator Al Franken’s lead on the Food Safety Modernization Act during the congressional review and committee hearings.
Dr. Harris also spent several years working as an epidemiologist in both the Texas and Georgia state health departments on such varied topics as lead poisoning prevention, prion diseases, arthritis, bioterrorism, maternal and child health, and cancer. Other former positions of note include time as an emergency medical technician, a research associate in emergency medicine, and a professional hockey player.
Dr. Harris has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Public Health in molecular epidemiology and public health genetics from the University of Michigan.
Stic Harris, DVM, MPH, Director of the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Stic Harris, DVM, MPH, joined the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in August 2017 as the new Director of the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network. In this role, Dr. Harris will oversee FDA’s full-time staff dedicated to preventing, detecting, and investigating outbreaks related to human food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.
Distinguishing himself as a leader in the world of outbreak response, Dr. Harris brings with him an invaluable mix of clinical and policy experience. Formerly with the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch (AFHSB), the central epidemiologic resource for the U.S. military, he was part of the Alert and Response Operations Team in the Integrated Biosurveillance division, where the work is focused on monitoring infectious diseases. Dr. Harris’ team was responsible for identifying, verifying, and delivering the latest information and assessments of outbreaks affecting the Department of Defense.
Prior to his four years at AFHSB, Dr. Harris was a veterinary medical officer at the Department of Homeland Security. He was based in the Office of Health Affairs, where he was the liaison to One Health, the global initiative to unite human and veterinary medicine. He also worked on strategy for the National Biosurveillance Integration Center, which integrates information about biological threats to human, animal, plant and environmental health, and served as the acting Biodefense Advisor.
From 2009-2010, he was a AAAS/AVMA (American Association for the Advancement of Science/American Veterinary Medical Association) Congressional Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the office of Minnesota Senator Al Franken, working on health care, food safety, infectious disease, agriculture, and biodefense. Additionally, Dr. Harris served as Senator Al Franken’s lead on the Food Safety Modernization Act during the congressional review and committee hearings.
Dr. Harris also spent several years working as an epidemiologist in both the Texas and Georgia state health departments on such varied topics as lead poisoning prevention, prion diseases, arthritis, bioterrorism, maternal and child health, and cancer. Other former positions of note include time as an emergency medical technician, a research associate in emergency medicine, and a professional hockey player.
Dr. Harris has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Public Health in molecular epidemiology and public health genetics from the University of Michigan.
Stic Harris, DVM, MPH, joined the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in August 2017 as the new Director of the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network. In this role, Dr. Harris will oversee FDA’s full-time staff dedicated to preventing, detecting, and investigating outbreaks related to human food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.
Distinguishing himself as a leader in the world of outbreak response, Dr. Harris brings with him an invaluable mix of clinical and policy experience. Formerly with the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch (AFHSB), the central epidemiologic resource for the U.S. military, he was part of the Alert and Response Operations Team in the Integrated Biosurveillance division, where the work is focused on monitoring infectious diseases. Dr. Harris’ team was responsible for identifying, verifying, and delivering the latest information and assessments of outbreaks affecting the Department of Defense.
Prior to his four years at AFHSB, Dr. Harris was a veterinary medical officer at the Department of Homeland Security. He was based in the Office of Health Affairs, where he was the liaison to One Health, the global initiative to unite human and veterinary medicine. He also worked on strategy for the National Biosurveillance Integration Center, which integrates information about biological threats to human, animal, plant and environmental health, and served as the acting Biodefense Advisor.
From 2009-2010, he was a AAAS/AVMA (American Association for the Advancement of Science/American Veterinary Medical Association) Congressional Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the office of Minnesota Senator Al Franken, working on health care, food safety, infectious disease, agriculture, and biodefense. Additionally, Dr. Harris served as Senator Al Franken’s lead on the Food Safety Modernization Act during the congressional review and committee hearings.
Dr. Harris also spent several years working as an epidemiologist in both the Texas and Georgia state health departments on such varied topics as lead poisoning prevention, prion diseases, arthritis, bioterrorism, maternal and child health, and cancer. Other former positions of note include time as an emergency medical technician, a research associate in emergency medicine, and a professional hockey player.
Dr. Harris has a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Public Health in molecular epidemiology and public health genetics from the University of Michigan.
Cory Hedman, MPH, Vice President, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Meijer
Cory has over 40 years of food safety experience, both within the retail food industry and also as a regulator. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Eastern Illinois University, and a Master of Public Health Degree from Benedictine University.
He is a member of numerous state, national and international organizations. He was a Founding Member of the Board of Directors for the Global Food Safety Initiative through the Consumer Goods Forum. Meijer was the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award from the International Association for Food Protection, in recognition of Meijer’s outstanding commitment to and achievement in corporate excellence in food safety and quality.
Cory has over 40 years of food safety experience, both within the retail food industry and also as a regulator. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Eastern Illinois University, and a Master of Public Health Degree from Benedictine University.
He is a member of numerous state, national and international organizations. He was a Founding Member of the Board of Directors for the Global Food Safety Initiative through the Consumer Goods Forum. Meijer was the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award from the International Association for Food Protection, in recognition of Meijer’s outstanding commitment to and achievement in corporate excellence in food safety and quality.
Adam Inman, Assistant Program Manager, Food Safety & Lodging, Kansas Department of Agriculture
Adam Inman is the assistant program manager for the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Lodging Program. He came back to the world of food safety in 2009 after three rewarding years as a case review officer with KDA’s Pesticide and Fertilizer Program. Adam was the Food Safety Technical Specialist for KDA’s Food Safety Program from 2004 to 2006 and a food protection investigator for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Consumer Health from 2002 to 2004. Before coming to the public sector, Adam worked in the environmental field.
Adam serves as a Co-Chair of the Retail Food Committee of the Association of Food and Drug Officials. Adam served as a Board Member for the Manufactured Foods Regulatory Program Alliance from 2013 to 2018 and served as Chair in 2016-2017.
Adam was honored to be a 2012-2013 International Food Protection Training Institute Food Protection Fellow and to participate in the Association of Food and Drug Officials’ Junior Board program in 2013. Adam received a B.S. in biology from Kansas State University.
Adam enjoys spending time with his extraordinary wife and three amazing daughters. He also enjoys playing his guitar collection and writing/performing food safety songs.
Adam Inman is the assistant program manager for the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Lodging Program. He came back to the world of food safety in 2009 after three rewarding years as a case review officer with KDA’s Pesticide and Fertilizer Program. Adam was the Food Safety Technical Specialist for KDA’s Food Safety Program from 2004 to 2006 and a food protection investigator for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Consumer Health from 2002 to 2004. Before coming to the public sector, Adam worked in the environmental field.
Adam serves as a Co-Chair of the Retail Food Committee of the Association of Food and Drug Officials. Adam served as a Board Member for the Manufactured Foods Regulatory Program Alliance from 2013 to 2018 and served as Chair in 2016-2017.
Adam was honored to be a 2012-2013 International Food Protection Training Institute Food Protection Fellow and to participate in the Association of Food and Drug Officials’ Junior Board program in 2013. Adam received a B.S. in biology from Kansas State University.
Adam enjoys spending time with his extraordinary wife and three amazing daughters. He also enjoys playing his guitar collection and writing/performing food safety songs.
Dr. Maria Ishida, Director of Division of Food Laboratory, New York Department of Agriculture and Markets
Dr. Maria Ishida is the Director of Division of Food Laboratory under the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Before moving to Albany NY, she was the Bureau Chief of Food Laboratories under the Division of Food Safety, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Dr. Ishida earned her Ph.D in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Brazil in 2002, and before joining the Florida’s Food Laboratories in 2007, she worked on a project at University of Florida involving grapevine disease. She is very active on several public health workgroups and committees such as Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), FDA, USDA, APHL, and AFDO as subject expert manner.
Dr. Maria Ishida is the Director of Division of Food Laboratory under the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Before moving to Albany NY, she was the Bureau Chief of Food Laboratories under the Division of Food Safety, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Dr. Ishida earned her Ph.D in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Brazil in 2002, and before joining the Florida’s Food Laboratories in 2007, she worked on a project at University of Florida involving grapevine disease. She is very active on several public health workgroups and committees such as Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), FDA, USDA, APHL, and AFDO as subject expert manner.
Charlie Kalish, Food Safety Consultant and Trainer
Charlie Kalish is a food safety consultant and trainer to numerous food companies around the U.S. and internationally with a focus on compliance with U.S. food safety regulations (federal, state, local), HACCP, food safety plan development and 3rd party audit prep (GFSI, major retailers). He is a Lead Instructor for IFPTI's Instructor Skills Training and an FSPCA Lead Instructor for the Preventive Controls (Human, Animal) and Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) rules. Charlie has assisted dozens of retail and food service operations in the preparation of HACCP plans to comply with the FDA Food Code's ROP HACCP regulations. He began his career in food manufacturing, working on multiple farms and processing facilities across France and New England producing dairy products.
Charlie Kalish is a food safety consultant and trainer to numerous food companies around the U.S. and internationally with a focus on compliance with U.S. food safety regulations (federal, state, local), HACCP, food safety plan development and 3rd party audit prep (GFSI, major retailers). He is a Lead Instructor for IFPTI's Instructor Skills Training and an FSPCA Lead Instructor for the Preventive Controls (Human, Animal) and Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) rules. Charlie has assisted dozens of retail and food service operations in the preparation of HACCP plans to comply with the FDA Food Code's ROP HACCP regulations. He began his career in food manufacturing, working on multiple farms and processing facilities across France and New England producing dairy products.
Michael Kalish
Michael began his career in the dairy and meat processing industries, with work on over a dozen farms and facilities across the USA, France, Switzerland and Italy. He received his formal training in food processing and food safety at l’istituto lattiero caseario e delle tecnologie agroalimentari (Italy), and has managed operations for food facilities in France and New York City. Michael is a co-owner of the consulting group, Food Safety Guides, an FSPCA Lead Instructor for PCHF, PCAF and FSVP and an SQF trainer. Michael is also an accomplished television personality as a Food Network Chopped Finalist and Winner of the Great Food Truck Race (Series 7).
Michael began his career in the dairy and meat processing industries, with work on over a dozen farms and facilities across the USA, France, Switzerland and Italy. He received his formal training in food processing and food safety at l’istituto lattiero caseario e delle tecnologie agroalimentari (Italy), and has managed operations for food facilities in France and New York City. Michael is a co-owner of the consulting group, Food Safety Guides, an FSPCA Lead Instructor for PCHF, PCAF and FSVP and an SQF trainer. Michael is also an accomplished television personality as a Food Network Chopped Finalist and Winner of the Great Food Truck Race (Series 7).
Jan L. Kelly, Manufactured Food Program Manager, Food and Feed Safety Division, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Jan Kelly has been with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), Food Safety Program, since October 1990 starting as a food inspector in southwestern Minnesota. She has held various positions with the program; Rapid Response Team coordinator, Manufactured Foods Regulatory Program Standards coordinator, training program Development and as a Supervisor for the Southern Minnesota food inspection team. In her current role as the Manufactured Food Program Manager, she plans and directs the implementation of the statewide manufactured food regulatory program, including oversight of the field supervisors, development and continuous improvement of inspection procedures, leading emergency food safety investigations in addition to managing the FDA Food Inspection contract. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota, and is a Registered Sanitarian.
Jan feels very fortunate to live on a small acreage in SW MN with her husband Mark and a menagerie of animals.
Jan Kelly has been with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), Food Safety Program, since October 1990 starting as a food inspector in southwestern Minnesota. She has held various positions with the program; Rapid Response Team coordinator, Manufactured Foods Regulatory Program Standards coordinator, training program Development and as a Supervisor for the Southern Minnesota food inspection team. In her current role as the Manufactured Food Program Manager, she plans and directs the implementation of the statewide manufactured food regulatory program, including oversight of the field supervisors, development and continuous improvement of inspection procedures, leading emergency food safety investigations in addition to managing the FDA Food Inspection contract. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota, and is a Registered Sanitarian.
Jan feels very fortunate to live on a small acreage in SW MN with her husband Mark and a menagerie of animals.
Patrick Kennelly, Program Director, Association of Food and Drug Officials
Patrick Kennelly is a Program Director for the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), and currently manages the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Alliance Cooperative Agreement. Prior to joining AFDO, Patrick worked for the California Department of Public Health for 28 years. Prior to his retirement from CDPH, Patrick was the Chief of the Food Safety Section and was responsible for overseeing the Department’s statewide food safety operations which include inspection and investigation of processed food manufacturers, distributors, water bottling plants and vended water operations; investigation of food-borne illness outbreaks, food contamination and tampering events, and food recalls; and development and delivery of food safety education to the food processing industry. Patrick has directed and overseen numerous complex food-borne illness outbreak investigations, environmental investigations, tracebacks, and food recalls during his tenure.
Patrick previously served as a member of the California Food and Agriculture Defense Steering Committee and the California Organic Advisory Board. Patrick has previously served as the President of the Western Association of Food and Drug Officials (WAFDO) and served on the Board as a Member at Large in 2016 and 2017.
Patrick currently serves as a Governing Council Member and Co-Chair for FDA’s Partnership for Food Protection (PFP), and previously served as an Advisory Board Member for the Western Institutes for Food Safety and Security, and as an Advisory Board Member for the Center for Produce Safety
Patrick Kennelly is a Program Director for the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), and currently manages the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Alliance Cooperative Agreement. Prior to joining AFDO, Patrick worked for the California Department of Public Health for 28 years. Prior to his retirement from CDPH, Patrick was the Chief of the Food Safety Section and was responsible for overseeing the Department’s statewide food safety operations which include inspection and investigation of processed food manufacturers, distributors, water bottling plants and vended water operations; investigation of food-borne illness outbreaks, food contamination and tampering events, and food recalls; and development and delivery of food safety education to the food processing industry. Patrick has directed and overseen numerous complex food-borne illness outbreak investigations, environmental investigations, tracebacks, and food recalls during his tenure.
Patrick previously served as a member of the California Food and Agriculture Defense Steering Committee and the California Organic Advisory Board. Patrick has previously served as the President of the Western Association of Food and Drug Officials (WAFDO) and served on the Board as a Member at Large in 2016 and 2017.
Patrick currently serves as a Governing Council Member and Co-Chair for FDA’s Partnership for Food Protection (PFP), and previously served as an Advisory Board Member for the Western Institutes for Food Safety and Security, and as an Advisory Board Member for the Center for Produce Safety
Michelle Larson, Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis, Minnesota Department of Health
Michelle Larson is the Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). She has 20 years of public health experience at the state and local level that includes topics such as obesity, tobacco prevention, Strategic National Stockpile, emergency preparedness, environmental health, and policy development. She has a PhD from the University of Minnesota in Organization, Leadership, and Policy Development, a Masters of Public Affairs degree from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Government, and a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Wisconsin. Michelle served in the Minnesota Air National Guard for 6 years. Her hobbies include being a mom, knitting, and anything outdoors.
Michelle Larson is the Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). She has 20 years of public health experience at the state and local level that includes topics such as obesity, tobacco prevention, Strategic National Stockpile, emergency preparedness, environmental health, and policy development. She has a PhD from the University of Minnesota in Organization, Leadership, and Policy Development, a Masters of Public Affairs degree from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Government, and a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Wisconsin. Michelle served in the Minnesota Air National Guard for 6 years. Her hobbies include being a mom, knitting, and anything outdoors.
Mark A. Levin, MD, Vermont Commissioner of Health
Dr. Mark Levine was appointed commissioner of health by Governor Phil Scott and began service on March 6, 2017.
Prior to his appointment, Dr. Levine was a professor of medicine at the University of Vermont, associate dean for graduate medical education, and designated institutional official at the College of Medicine and UVM Medical Center. He also served as vice chair for education in the Department of Medicine.
Dr. Levine received his B.A. in biology from the University of Connecticut and M.D. from the University of Rochester. He completed his internal medicine residency and chief resident year at the University of Vermont, and a fellowship in general internal medicine at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Levine’s general internal medicine practice focused on health promotion and disease prevention, preventative health screening and clinical nutrition, chronic disease management, and solving complex diagnostic dilemmas.
With this experience, Dr. Levine understands the challenges our health care system holds for both patients and physicians. This informs his interest in improving public health through policies that foster a culture of health.
Dr. Levine has served on the American College of Physicians Board of Regents, and as governor of its Vermont chapter; as vice president and president-elect of the Vermont Medical Society; and was a longstanding member of the Vermont Department of Health’s Primary Care-Public Health Integration Workgroup. He successfully directed large NIH and HRSA educational grants related to nutrition-preventive medicine competencies for general physicians.
Dr. Mark Levine was appointed commissioner of health by Governor Phil Scott and began service on March 6, 2017.
Prior to his appointment, Dr. Levine was a professor of medicine at the University of Vermont, associate dean for graduate medical education, and designated institutional official at the College of Medicine and UVM Medical Center. He also served as vice chair for education in the Department of Medicine.
Dr. Levine received his B.A. in biology from the University of Connecticut and M.D. from the University of Rochester. He completed his internal medicine residency and chief resident year at the University of Vermont, and a fellowship in general internal medicine at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Levine’s general internal medicine practice focused on health promotion and disease prevention, preventative health screening and clinical nutrition, chronic disease management, and solving complex diagnostic dilemmas.
With this experience, Dr. Levine understands the challenges our health care system holds for both patients and physicians. This informs his interest in improving public health through policies that foster a culture of health.
Dr. Levine has served on the American College of Physicians Board of Regents, and as governor of its Vermont chapter; as vice president and president-elect of the Vermont Medical Society; and was a longstanding member of the Vermont Department of Health’s Primary Care-Public Health Integration Workgroup. He successfully directed large NIH and HRSA educational grants related to nutrition-preventive medicine competencies for general physicians.
Glenda R. Lewis, Director of Retail Food Protection Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Food Safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Ms. Lewis is currently the Director of the Retail Food Protection Staff in FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Food Safety, and has been at FDA since December 1996, serving as Retail Food Policy Team Leader for 14 years prior to her serving in her current post. In her current role, she has oversight of the Retail Food Policy Team and the Interstate Travel Program guiding the respective leads for each program. In this capacity, she leads the division in the development of national retail food policy and policy for the Interstate Travel Program.
Ms. Lewis has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College, Atlanta, GA and a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ms. Lewis is currently the Director of the Retail Food Protection Staff in FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Food Safety, and has been at FDA since December 1996, serving as Retail Food Policy Team Leader for 14 years prior to her serving in her current post. In her current role, she has oversight of the Retail Food Policy Team and the Interstate Travel Program guiding the respective leads for each program. In this capacity, she leads the division in the development of national retail food policy and policy for the Interstate Travel Program.
Ms. Lewis has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College, Atlanta, GA and a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Katie Lott, Community Safety Program Manager, Tocoma-Pierce County Health Department
Katie Lott is the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Food and Community Safety Program Manager. She started with the Tacoma-Pierce County as a field inspector in 2006. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor’s in Food and Nutritional Science. Prior to working at the health department, she developed and ran a food safety program for an independent grocery chain.
Katie Lott is the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Food and Community Safety Program Manager. She started with the Tacoma-Pierce County as a field inspector in 2006. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor’s in Food and Nutritional Science. Prior to working at the health department, she developed and ran a food safety program for an independent grocery chain.
Katie Lott, Community Safety Program Manager, Tocoma-Pierce County Health Department
Katie Lott is the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Food and Community Safety Program Manager. She started with the Tacoma-Pierce County as a field inspector in 2006. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor’s in Food and Nutritional Science. Prior to working at the health department, she developed and ran a food safety program for an independent grocery chain.
Katie Lott is the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Food and Community Safety Program Manager. She started with the Tacoma-Pierce County as a field inspector in 2006. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor’s in Food and Nutritional Science. Prior to working at the health department, she developed and ran a food safety program for an independent grocery chain.
Valerie, Madamba, Regulatory Attorney
Valerie Madamba is a regulatory attorney with experience across the spectrum of FDA-regulated products and a special focus on food issues. She began her career at the FDA's Office of Chief Counsel, supporting the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition on food regulatory and enforcement matters. Valerie has also practiced as an FDA Associate at Hogan Lovells and legal counsel at Bayer Women's Health. Long devoted to all things food-related, Valerie is currently part of the legal team at Blue Apron, where she established the role of Food Regulatory Counsel and advises the company on a broad range of legal and regulatory issues, including food safety, labeling and communications, and legislative affairs. She has also recently been an adjunct professor of Food Law at Brooklyn Law School.
Valerie Madamba is a regulatory attorney with experience across the spectrum of FDA-regulated products and a special focus on food issues. She began her career at the FDA's Office of Chief Counsel, supporting the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition on food regulatory and enforcement matters. Valerie has also practiced as an FDA Associate at Hogan Lovells and legal counsel at Bayer Women's Health. Long devoted to all things food-related, Valerie is currently part of the legal team at Blue Apron, where she established the role of Food Regulatory Counsel and advises the company on a broad range of legal and regulatory issues, including food safety, labeling and communications, and legislative affairs. She has also recently been an adjunct professor of Food Law at Brooklyn Law School.
Rob Mancini, Environmental Health Officer, Health Canada
Rob Mancini currently works for Health Canada as an Environmental Health Officer. In his previous roles with Diversey he was the Canadian food safety and sanitation lead and had managed Target Corporation’s food safety and sanitation account. He has vast experience and knowledge in the field of food safety, with specific emphasis on alternate modes of food safety training. He worked as a research associate for the University of Manitoba on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s inspection modernization project identifying biological hazards and ranking risk associated with food processing. Rob has more than15 years’ experience in Regulatory Compliance and as a Certified Public Health Inspector. In Canada, he provided expert advice on revisions made to the Canadian Food Retail and Food Services Code and Federal/Provincial/Territorial National Guidelines for Food Safety Training. Rob hosted and provided research for the television series “Kitchen Crimes” for Food Network Canada, H.G.T.V. (U.S.) and Discovery Asia. Rob has done numerous radio and television interviews across Canada on varying topics pertaining to food safety. He has provided expert opinion on food safety for varying levels of Government in Canada and is an active speaker on food safety and an author on Barfblog.. He currently holds a Master’s Degree in Food Safety through Kansas State University.
Rob Mancini currently works for Health Canada as an Environmental Health Officer. In his previous roles with Diversey he was the Canadian food safety and sanitation lead and had managed Target Corporation’s food safety and sanitation account. He has vast experience and knowledge in the field of food safety, with specific emphasis on alternate modes of food safety training. He worked as a research associate for the University of Manitoba on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s inspection modernization project identifying biological hazards and ranking risk associated with food processing. Rob has more than15 years’ experience in Regulatory Compliance and as a Certified Public Health Inspector. In Canada, he provided expert advice on revisions made to the Canadian Food Retail and Food Services Code and Federal/Provincial/Territorial National Guidelines for Food Safety Training. Rob hosted and provided research for the television series “Kitchen Crimes” for Food Network Canada, H.G.T.V. (U.S.) and Discovery Asia. Rob has done numerous radio and television interviews across Canada on varying topics pertaining to food safety. He has provided expert opinion on food safety for varying levels of Government in Canada and is an active speaker on food safety and an author on Barfblog.. He currently holds a Master’s Degree in Food Safety through Kansas State University.
SHARON LINDAN MAYL, Senior Advisor for Policy to the Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
SHARON LINDAN MAYL has been at FDA for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Senior Advisor for Policy to the Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine. In this position, she oversees and manages significant policy initiatives for the Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine. She currently focuses on implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Ms. Mayl co-leads the team that is developing the FSMA import rules and guidance documents, including those related to the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, Voluntary Qualified Import Program, and Accredited Third-Party Certification Program. Ms. Mayl is also the co-lead for the FSMA import operational team that will prepare the Agency for its transition from policy setting to compliance in the next phase of FSMA implementation. Ms. Mayl is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School. Prior to joining the agency in 1994, she worked first in private practice and then for a public interest advocacy group on foods issues.
SHARON LINDAN MAYL has been at FDA for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Senior Advisor for Policy to the Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine. In this position, she oversees and manages significant policy initiatives for the Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine. She currently focuses on implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Ms. Mayl co-leads the team that is developing the FSMA import rules and guidance documents, including those related to the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, Voluntary Qualified Import Program, and Accredited Third-Party Certification Program. Ms. Mayl is also the co-lead for the FSMA import operational team that will prepare the Agency for its transition from policy setting to compliance in the next phase of FSMA implementation. Ms. Mayl is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School. Prior to joining the agency in 1994, she worked first in private practice and then for a public interest advocacy group on foods issues.
Mac McKeen, Fellow, Regulatory Science, Boston Scientific
Mac McKeen has over 25 years of experience in the medical device industry in regulatory and quality roles focused on the development, clinical study, and regulatory approvals of cardiovascular devices and is currently a Fellow at Boston Scientific with previous leadership roles at Guidant, Medtronic, St. Jude Medical, Cardiac Science and Phillips Medisize. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota instructing a 4000 level course on medical device development and is also a Faculty Director within the College of Continuing and Applied Professional Studies. He is actively involved in advocacy and collaboration with the FDA through industry associations including AdvaMed, MDIC and Medical Alley. He holds a BS in Industrial Technology from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Dallas and is RAC certified.
Mac McKeen has over 25 years of experience in the medical device industry in regulatory and quality roles focused on the development, clinical study, and regulatory approvals of cardiovascular devices and is currently a Fellow at Boston Scientific with previous leadership roles at Guidant, Medtronic, St. Jude Medical, Cardiac Science and Phillips Medisize. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota instructing a 4000 level course on medical device development and is also a Faculty Director within the College of Continuing and Applied Professional Studies. He is actively involved in advocacy and collaboration with the FDA through industry associations including AdvaMed, MDIC and Medical Alley. He holds a BS in Industrial Technology from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Dallas and is RAC certified.
Maureen McNamara, Founder & Chief Facilitator, Cannabis Trainers
Maureen McNamara is a Trainer, Facilitator and Coach. She has led hundreds of workshops and coaches business professionals and entrepreneurs to create more success and joy in their lives.
With 20+ years of professional training experience, Maureen has trained and certified 15,000+ employees, managers and owners in the ServSafe® certification programs. She has facilitated classes for small locally owned businesses as well as international corporations.
Maureen is the Founder and Chief Facilitator with Cannabis Trainers™; a corporation created to deliver professional training solutions for the Cannabis Industry. They’ve designed a comprehensive, engaging program to ensure the responsible, knowledgeable and safe sale of cannabis: Sell-SMaRT™.
Maureen worked with the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) to design the Responsible Cannabis Vendor Program in 2014. The Sell-SMaRT™ program was the first enforcement division and state health department approved program in the U.S.A. She worked with the City of Denver to ensure the new pilot program for Social Cannabis Use rolls out smoothly.
In addition to her work with regulators, Maureen is a highly sought after speaker at industry events; Marijuana Business Conference & Expo, NCIA Cannabis Business Summit, CWCB Expo and the Women Grow Leadership Summits.
Maureen is the chairperson of The Infused Products Committee with FOCUS (Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards). Cannabis Trainers is a member of The National Cannabis Industry Association, a founding member of Women Grow and a member of The Minority Cannabis Business Association.
The team at Cannabis Trainers continues to expand while offering their services coast to coast and are currently customizing their training to the needs of the Canadian market.
Maureen McNamara is a Trainer, Facilitator and Coach. She has led hundreds of workshops and coaches business professionals and entrepreneurs to create more success and joy in their lives.
With 20+ years of professional training experience, Maureen has trained and certified 15,000+ employees, managers and owners in the ServSafe® certification programs. She has facilitated classes for small locally owned businesses as well as international corporations.
Maureen is the Founder and Chief Facilitator with Cannabis Trainers™; a corporation created to deliver professional training solutions for the Cannabis Industry. They’ve designed a comprehensive, engaging program to ensure the responsible, knowledgeable and safe sale of cannabis: Sell-SMaRT™.
Maureen worked with the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) to design the Responsible Cannabis Vendor Program in 2014. The Sell-SMaRT™ program was the first enforcement division and state health department approved program in the U.S.A. She worked with the City of Denver to ensure the new pilot program for Social Cannabis Use rolls out smoothly.
In addition to her work with regulators, Maureen is a highly sought after speaker at industry events; Marijuana Business Conference & Expo, NCIA Cannabis Business Summit, CWCB Expo and the Women Grow Leadership Summits.
Maureen is the chairperson of The Infused Products Committee with FOCUS (Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards). Cannabis Trainers is a member of The National Cannabis Industry Association, a founding member of Women Grow and a member of The Minority Cannabis Business Association.
The team at Cannabis Trainers continues to expand while offering their services coast to coast and are currently customizing their training to the needs of the Canadian market.
Alice P. Mead, J.D., LL.M., Vice President , U.S. Public Policy and Public Affairs, Greenwich Biosciences
Ms. Mead received her Juris Doctor degree from University of Santa Clara School of Law and her Masters of Law degree from Yale. She served for twelve years as an in-house counsel to the California Medical Association (CMA), one of the largest state medical associations in the country. Prior to that time, Ms. Mead was a litigation associate at a global law firm and an Assistant Professor of Law at Arizona State University College of Law, where she taught courses in constitutional law. Since 1999 she has served as Vice President, U.S. Public Policy and Public Affairs, for Greenwich Biosciences, the first company in the world to develop cannabis-derived prescription medications in adherence to modern scientific and regulatory standards. She focuses on domestic and international drug control laws and policy issues.
Ms. Mead received her Juris Doctor degree from University of Santa Clara School of Law and her Masters of Law degree from Yale. She served for twelve years as an in-house counsel to the California Medical Association (CMA), one of the largest state medical associations in the country. Prior to that time, Ms. Mead was a litigation associate at a global law firm and an Assistant Professor of Law at Arizona State University College of Law, where she taught courses in constitutional law. Since 1999 she has served as Vice President, U.S. Public Policy and Public Affairs, for Greenwich Biosciences, the first company in the world to develop cannabis-derived prescription medications in adherence to modern scientific and regulatory standards. She focuses on domestic and international drug control laws and policy issues.
Erik P. Mettler, Assistant Commissioner for Partnerships and Policy within the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Erik P. Mettler is Assistant Commissioner for Partnerships and Policy within the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this role, he serves as advisor to the Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs on the full range of ORA's activities including partnerships, implementation of new laws and regulations, and overall strategic planning and prioritization. He is responsible for providing long range strategic direction for ORA policies and programs including the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Mr. Mettler previously served as the Associate Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine in the Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine (OFVM). His years of experience at the FDA give him a broad perspective on public health, policy, and administrative management along with an awareness of critical issues at all levels of the agency.
Mr. Mettler holds a Master of Public Health from the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.
Erik P. Mettler is Assistant Commissioner for Partnerships and Policy within the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this role, he serves as advisor to the Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs on the full range of ORA's activities including partnerships, implementation of new laws and regulations, and overall strategic planning and prioritization. He is responsible for providing long range strategic direction for ORA policies and programs including the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Mr. Mettler previously served as the Associate Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine in the Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine (OFVM). His years of experience at the FDA give him a broad perspective on public health, policy, and administrative management along with an awareness of critical issues at all levels of the agency.
Mr. Mettler holds a Master of Public Health from the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.
Thomas W. Nerney, Retail Food Specialist, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Tom Nerney is a Retail Food Specialist in the Office of State Cooperative Programs within the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. He also served as an Investigator and Food Specialist for FDA’s New England District Office, where he conducted both domestic and foreign food safety inspections and investigations at food manufacturing facilities. Tom previously worked as a Compliance and Standardization Officer with the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Food Safety. Tom received his undergraduate degree from Providence College and has a Certificate of Graduated Studies in Management from Salve Regina University.
Tom Nerney is a Retail Food Specialist in the Office of State Cooperative Programs within the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. He also served as an Investigator and Food Specialist for FDA’s New England District Office, where he conducted both domestic and foreign food safety inspections and investigations at food manufacturing facilities. Tom previously worked as a Compliance and Standardization Officer with the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Food Safety. Tom received his undergraduate degree from Providence College and has a Certificate of Graduated Studies in Management from Salve Regina University.
Priscilla Neves, Consumer Safety Officer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Priscilla Neves is a Consumer Safety Officer - MFRPS Specialist working in the FDA, Office of Partnerships in the Division of Standards Implementation. She is responsible for providing support to states enrolled in the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards and assisting with special projects. Prior to joining FDA in 2010, Priscilla worked for the MA Dept. of Public Health Food Protection Program for 26 years in the areas of retail, manufactured food, food emergency response as well as serving as Assistant Director and Director of the program.
Priscilla Neves is a Consumer Safety Officer - MFRPS Specialist working in the FDA, Office of Partnerships in the Division of Standards Implementation. She is responsible for providing support to states enrolled in the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards and assisting with special projects. Prior to joining FDA in 2010, Priscilla worked for the MA Dept. of Public Health Food Protection Program for 26 years in the areas of retail, manufactured food, food emergency response as well as serving as Assistant Director and Director of the program.
Penny Norquist, Program Manager, Food Protection and Defense Institute
Penny Norquist is a program manager at FPDI. Penny joined FPDI with over 17 years of R&D experience in the Food & Beverage Industry. She supports the CoreSHIELD platforms and the development of new FPDI technology tools for preparedness. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota.
Penny Norquist is a program manager at FPDI. Penny joined FPDI with over 17 years of R&D experience in the Food & Beverage Industry. She supports the CoreSHIELD platforms and the development of new FPDI technology tools for preparedness. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota.
Stephen Ostroff, M.D., Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Stephen Ostroff, M.D., is the Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, a position he assumed in May 2016. In that role, he oversees the food and animal health activities of FDA, including FDA's responsibilities in the areas of food safety and nutrition, food labeling, food and color additives, cosmetics, dietary supplements, animal drugs and animal feed, and research to support the food and veterinary medicine mission of FDA.
Dr. Ostroff has also served as the acting FDA Commissioner on two occasions, from April 2015 to late February 2016 and again from January to May 2017.
Dr. Ostroff served as the FDA's Chief Scientist starting in February 2014. The Office of the Chief Scientist works closely with FDA's product centers, providing strategic leadership and support for FDA's regulatory science and innovation initiatives.
Dr. Ostroff joined FDA in 2013 as Chief Medical Officer in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and Senior Public Health Advisor to FDA's Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine.
Prior to that, he served as Deputy Director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At CDC Dr. Ostroff focused on emerging infectious diseases, food safety, and coordination of complex outbreak response. He retired from the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service at the rank of Rear Admiral (Assistant Surgeon General). Dr. Ostroff was also the Director of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Acting Physician General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has consulted internationally on public health projects in South Asia and Latin America.
Dr. Ostroff graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1981 and completed residencies in internal medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and preventive medicine at CDC.
Stephen Ostroff, M.D., is the Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, a position he assumed in May 2016. In that role, he oversees the food and animal health activities of FDA, including FDA's responsibilities in the areas of food safety and nutrition, food labeling, food and color additives, cosmetics, dietary supplements, animal drugs and animal feed, and research to support the food and veterinary medicine mission of FDA.
Dr. Ostroff has also served as the acting FDA Commissioner on two occasions, from April 2015 to late February 2016 and again from January to May 2017.
Dr. Ostroff served as the FDA's Chief Scientist starting in February 2014. The Office of the Chief Scientist works closely with FDA's product centers, providing strategic leadership and support for FDA's regulatory science and innovation initiatives.
Dr. Ostroff joined FDA in 2013 as Chief Medical Officer in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and Senior Public Health Advisor to FDA's Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine.
Prior to that, he served as Deputy Director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At CDC Dr. Ostroff focused on emerging infectious diseases, food safety, and coordination of complex outbreak response. He retired from the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service at the rank of Rear Admiral (Assistant Surgeon General). Dr. Ostroff was also the Director of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Acting Physician General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has consulted internationally on public health projects in South Asia and Latin America.
Dr. Ostroff graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1981 and completed residencies in internal medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and preventive medicine at CDC.
Mickey Parish, Ph.D., Senior Science Advisor, CFSAN, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dr. Mickey Parish is the Senior Science Advisor at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. In this role, he oversees the overall CFSAN research portfolio and addresses issues related to science and research policy. In his previous position at FDA, Mickey was the Senior Advisor for Microbiology in the CFSAN Office of Food Safety and provided technical support for food safety policy development and implementation, and participated in outbreak and recall investigations. He was elected to the Executive Board of the International Association for Food Protection and currently serves as President of IAFP in 2017-18. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and received the 2015 IFT Myron Solberg Award for excellence in building partnerships among industry, academia and government. Prior to coming to FDA, Mickey was a career academician first on the faculty at the University of Florida and later as Professor and department chair in the University of Maryland’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science. He has a Ph.D. in Food Science from North Carolina State University, a Master’s degree in Food Science from the University of Florida, and B.S. in Biology from Florida State University.
Dr. Mickey Parish is the Senior Science Advisor at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. In this role, he oversees the overall CFSAN research portfolio and addresses issues related to science and research policy. In his previous position at FDA, Mickey was the Senior Advisor for Microbiology in the CFSAN Office of Food Safety and provided technical support for food safety policy development and implementation, and participated in outbreak and recall investigations. He was elected to the Executive Board of the International Association for Food Protection and currently serves as President of IAFP in 2017-18. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and received the 2015 IFT Myron Solberg Award for excellence in building partnerships among industry, academia and government. Prior to coming to FDA, Mickey was a career academician first on the faculty at the University of Florida and later as Professor and department chair in the University of Maryland’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science. He has a Ph.D. in Food Science from North Carolina State University, a Master’s degree in Food Science from the University of Florida, and B.S. in Biology from Florida State University.
Dr. Larry Payton, Corporate Director of Quality Assurance, Sushic, LLC
Dr. Larry Sean Payton is a Food Safety Expert, leader, teacher and speaker with broad scope experience developing, implementing and monitoring food safety and QA systems within high volume retail, manufacturing, catering, and hospitality environments. An educator at heart, Dr. Payton has taught in adult education for 15 years, the last 9 as an adjunct professor with San Jacinto College Culinary Program. He is passionate about teaching a common sense approach to retail food safety, ensuring operator-level workers have simple yet critical systems and best practices that keep food safe. The same message he shares with executives, regulators and customers through thought leadership, teaching, and speaking engagements.
Considered a subject matter expert, and as one of the few sushi QA leaders in the world, Dr Payton brings a uniquely qualified perspective on both Food Safety and Retail Food Safety in the world of sushi. As Corporate Director of Quality Assurance for Tokyo Gardens Catering and Sushi, Dr. Payton’s safety initiatives have been integral to the company's successes in over 300 locations for the last decade. In the prior 13 years Dr. Payton held key positions within H-E-B’s Houston Milk Plant and Own Brand Quality Assurance where he inspected over 300 manufacturing facilities as well as their Food Safety Houston division.
A graduate of Prairie View A & M University with a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Economics and Master's Degree in Education, Doctorate Degree in Education from a joint program with Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University.
Larry is a member of the Conference for Food Protection, Texas Retail Association, Association of Leadership Educators (ALE) and American Society for Quality (ASQ).
Dr. Payton is married to Jonita and they have two daughters, Nandi and Olivia and one son, Pierce. The Payton family resides in Houston, TX.
Dr. Larry Sean Payton is a Food Safety Expert, leader, teacher and speaker with broad scope experience developing, implementing and monitoring food safety and QA systems within high volume retail, manufacturing, catering, and hospitality environments. An educator at heart, Dr. Payton has taught in adult education for 15 years, the last 9 as an adjunct professor with San Jacinto College Culinary Program. He is passionate about teaching a common sense approach to retail food safety, ensuring operator-level workers have simple yet critical systems and best practices that keep food safe. The same message he shares with executives, regulators and customers through thought leadership, teaching, and speaking engagements.
Considered a subject matter expert, and as one of the few sushi QA leaders in the world, Dr Payton brings a uniquely qualified perspective on both Food Safety and Retail Food Safety in the world of sushi. As Corporate Director of Quality Assurance for Tokyo Gardens Catering and Sushi, Dr. Payton’s safety initiatives have been integral to the company's successes in over 300 locations for the last decade. In the prior 13 years Dr. Payton held key positions within H-E-B’s Houston Milk Plant and Own Brand Quality Assurance where he inspected over 300 manufacturing facilities as well as their Food Safety Houston division.
A graduate of Prairie View A & M University with a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Economics and Master's Degree in Education, Doctorate Degree in Education from a joint program with Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University.
Larry is a member of the Conference for Food Protection, Texas Retail Association, Association of Leadership Educators (ALE) and American Society for Quality (ASQ).
Dr. Payton is married to Jonita and they have two daughters, Nandi and Olivia and one son, Pierce. The Payton family resides in Houston, TX.
Marla Phillips, Director, Xavier Health, Xavier University
Marla A. Phillips, Ph.D. Director, Xavier Health. Xavier University. Marla joined Xavier University in 2008 as the Director of Xavier Health, where she leads initiatives with FDA officials and Pharmaceutical and Medical Device professionals. Marla began working in the pharmaceutical industry for Merck in 1996 where she took on roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in position of Head of Quality Operations at the Merck North Carolina facility. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Xavier University, and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
Marla A. Phillips, Ph.D. Director, Xavier Health. Xavier University. Marla joined Xavier University in 2008 as the Director of Xavier Health, where she leads initiatives with FDA officials and Pharmaceutical and Medical Device professionals. Marla began working in the pharmaceutical industry for Merck in 1996 where she took on roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in position of Head of Quality Operations at the Merck North Carolina facility. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Xavier University, and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
Jennifer Pierquet, Program Planner, Iowa Department of Inspection & Appeals
Jennifer Pierquet (P-R-Key) works for the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Food and Consumer Safety Bureau as the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) Coordinator. She is a member of the Iowa Rapid Response Team. Jennifer participates in several food safety related committees including: MCAFDO, AFDO, MFRPA, and PFP. She also sits on a FDA Phase II Implementation work group for the FSMA Intentional Adulteration Rule. Jennifer earned a MPH from the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health in 2007. She also is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Fun fact, Jennifer spent ten weeks in Ghana during her Masters program.
Jennifer Pierquet (P-R-Key) works for the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Food and Consumer Safety Bureau as the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) Coordinator. She is a member of the Iowa Rapid Response Team. Jennifer participates in several food safety related committees including: MCAFDO, AFDO, MFRPA, and PFP. She also sits on a FDA Phase II Implementation work group for the FSMA Intentional Adulteration Rule. Jennifer earned a MPH from the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health in 2007. She also is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Fun fact, Jennifer spent ten weeks in Ghana during her Masters program.
Vincent Radke, Sanitarian, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Vince Radke has worked at the Water, Food, and Environmental Health Services Branch of the National Center for Environmental Health at CDC since 2001. Most of his time at CDC Vince was part of the Environmental Health Specialists Network working on a number of research studies looking at contributing factors and antecedents to contributing factors of foodborne illness. Vince has been involved in a number of foodborne and waterborne outbreaks during his career. He was instrumental in developing the National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS) as well as the Environmental Assessment Training Series (EATS). Prior to CDC, Vince spent 22 years in the environmental health field at the state and local levels in the states of CT, WV, VA and MN. He was the Director of Environmental Health for the City of Stamford, CT. Vince is a Registered Sanitarian, a Certified Professional in Food Safety, and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Pittsburgh (1977). He is the current CDC advisor to the Board of Directors of the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) as well as the CDC advisor to the Board of Directors of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO).
Vince Radke has worked at the Water, Food, and Environmental Health Services Branch of the National Center for Environmental Health at CDC since 2001. Most of his time at CDC Vince was part of the Environmental Health Specialists Network working on a number of research studies looking at contributing factors and antecedents to contributing factors of foodborne illness. Vince has been involved in a number of foodborne and waterborne outbreaks during his career. He was instrumental in developing the National Environmental Assessment Reporting System (NEARS) as well as the Environmental Assessment Training Series (EATS). Prior to CDC, Vince spent 22 years in the environmental health field at the state and local levels in the states of CT, WV, VA and MN. He was the Director of Environmental Health for the City of Stamford, CT. Vince is a Registered Sanitarian, a Certified Professional in Food Safety, and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Pittsburgh (1977). He is the current CDC advisor to the Board of Directors of the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) as well as the CDC advisor to the Board of Directors of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO).
Joseph Reardon, Assistant Commissioner of Consumer Protection, North Carolina Depart of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Mr. Joseph W. Reardon recently joined North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to serve as the Assistant Commissioner for Consumer Protection. In this role, he will oversee the divisions responsible for food safety, agricultural emergency response, animal health and regulation of the structural pest control industry, pesticide use and various weighing and measuring devices.
Mr. Reardon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in food and feed safety and defense at both the State and federal level. He served as Senior Advisor for Federal-State Relations and Director for the Division of Federal-State Relations in the Office of Regulatory Affairs of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2009 through 2012. In these roles, he worked collaboratively with Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial partners to enhance the public health infrastructure and served as the point of contact for State programs on matters dealing with food and feed safety and defense.
As the Senior Advisor, he provided the leadership, vision and strategic direction to increase collaboration and communication with Federal, State and local partners to achieve a national integrated food safety system. He co-chaired the Integration Task Force and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Federal-State Integration Team in addition to working closely with the Partnership for Food Protection Executive and Coordinating Committees. He served as the FDA representative for several national public health and regulatory professional associations and was the primary contact for State and local regulatory agencies on issues related to Federal-State integration.
Prior to joining the FDA, Mr. Reardon served the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for more than 28 years in various regulatory positions, including as the Director of the Department’s Food and Drug Protection Division and Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Agriculture for Food and Agriculture Projects. He received the Department’s coveted Cornerstone Award in 2002-2003 in recognition for his outstanding leadership and commitment in the integral role as coordinator of special agricultural projects.
He has provided testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment for the State of the Nation report on food defense, animal disease, and potential economic impact of bioterrorism. In addition, he is the co-author of several national articles including Histamine Poisoning in Tuna Burgers and Outbreak of Listeriosis among Mexican Immigrants as a result of Consumption of Illicitly Produced Mexican-Style Cheese.
Mr. Reardon holds a degree in Food Science from North Carolina State University and is currently completing an interdisciplinary program for a Bachelors of Science degree in Emergency Preparedness and Response with the Emergency and Disaster Management Program at Western Carolina University.
Mr. Joseph W. Reardon recently joined North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to serve as the Assistant Commissioner for Consumer Protection. In this role, he will oversee the divisions responsible for food safety, agricultural emergency response, animal health and regulation of the structural pest control industry, pesticide use and various weighing and measuring devices.
Mr. Reardon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in food and feed safety and defense at both the State and federal level. He served as Senior Advisor for Federal-State Relations and Director for the Division of Federal-State Relations in the Office of Regulatory Affairs of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2009 through 2012. In these roles, he worked collaboratively with Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial partners to enhance the public health infrastructure and served as the point of contact for State programs on matters dealing with food and feed safety and defense.
As the Senior Advisor, he provided the leadership, vision and strategic direction to increase collaboration and communication with Federal, State and local partners to achieve a national integrated food safety system. He co-chaired the Integration Task Force and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Federal-State Integration Team in addition to working closely with the Partnership for Food Protection Executive and Coordinating Committees. He served as the FDA representative for several national public health and regulatory professional associations and was the primary contact for State and local regulatory agencies on issues related to Federal-State integration.
Prior to joining the FDA, Mr. Reardon served the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for more than 28 years in various regulatory positions, including as the Director of the Department’s Food and Drug Protection Division and Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Agriculture for Food and Agriculture Projects. He received the Department’s coveted Cornerstone Award in 2002-2003 in recognition for his outstanding leadership and commitment in the integral role as coordinator of special agricultural projects.
He has provided testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment for the State of the Nation report on food defense, animal disease, and potential economic impact of bioterrorism. In addition, he is the co-author of several national articles including Histamine Poisoning in Tuna Burgers and Outbreak of Listeriosis among Mexican Immigrants as a result of Consumption of Illicitly Produced Mexican-Style Cheese.
Mr. Reardon holds a degree in Food Science from North Carolina State University and is currently completing an interdisciplinary program for a Bachelors of Science degree in Emergency Preparedness and Response with the Emergency and Disaster Management Program at Western Carolina University.
Sarah Robbin, AFDO Body Art Committee Chair
Sarah studied at Iowa State University for her Bachelor of Science Degree, and then went to Washington State University for her Master of Science Degree. Following school, she took an internship with Glacier National Park as an educational ranger. In 2007 she moved from Great Falls Montana to Colorado Springs Colorado with her husband and was hired by El Paso County Public Heath as an Environmental Health Specialist and later for the State of Colorado in the Water Quality Control Division as an Assistance Provider. Late in 2014, a family situation brought her and her family back to Montana. She worked for Cascade County as a Registered Sanitarian until spring of 2017. She currently works full time for Rural and Tribal Environmental Solutions (RATES) as an Assistance Provider to drinking water systems in Montana and throughout EPA Region 8. She also continues to work part time as a Registered Sanitarian for Liberty and Broadwater Counties. In her off time, she and her husband volunteer for the Uptown Optimist Club, run a cherry orchard on Flathead Lake, and play with their dogs.
Sarah studied at Iowa State University for her Bachelor of Science Degree, and then went to Washington State University for her Master of Science Degree. Following school, she took an internship with Glacier National Park as an educational ranger. In 2007 she moved from Great Falls Montana to Colorado Springs Colorado with her husband and was hired by El Paso County Public Heath as an Environmental Health Specialist and later for the State of Colorado in the Water Quality Control Division as an Assistance Provider. Late in 2014, a family situation brought her and her family back to Montana. She worked for Cascade County as a Registered Sanitarian until spring of 2017. She currently works full time for Rural and Tribal Environmental Solutions (RATES) as an Assistance Provider to drinking water systems in Montana and throughout EPA Region 8. She also continues to work part time as a Registered Sanitarian for Liberty and Broadwater Counties. In her off time, she and her husband volunteer for the Uptown Optimist Club, run a cherry orchard on Flathead Lake, and play with their dogs.
Bruce Ross, Supervisor, International and Federal Engagement Office of Partnerships, ORA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Bruce brings a wide-range of U.S. Government and international public health experience together having previously served for over two decades in 7 different countries with different public health agencies. Currently he serves as the Supervisor for the International and Federal Engagement Group within the Office of Partnerships, in the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He was the Deputy Regional Director for FDA’s Latin America Region based in Mexico from 2013-2015, where he served as the principal liaison for a variety bilateral issues with Mexico’s regulatory government agencies and exporting food industry. Bruce served as FDA’s Country Director in India for four years (2009-2013), helping to establish FDA’s presence there while interacting and collaborating with government and industry counterparts. On joining FDA, Bruce worked at headquarters (2008-2009) as the Acting Director of the Asia, Africa and Capacity-building Office before his assignment in India (2009-2013). He was also assigned to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as the Health Attaché in Beijing, China 2006-2008; with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the Associate Director for Operations in Bangkok, Thailand 2002-2006 and in Kampala, Uganda 2000-2002 with the same title. Earlier assignments internationally include a detail to the Carter Center’s Global 2000 Guinea Worm Eradication Program as the Resident Technical Advisor for south Sudan, based in Nairobi, Kenya, from 1998-2000; and on detail with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Mission for Central Asia, as CDC’s Deputy Director, based in Almaty, Kazakhstan 1995-1998.
Bruce brings a wide-range of U.S. Government and international public health experience together having previously served for over two decades in 7 different countries with different public health agencies. Currently he serves as the Supervisor for the International and Federal Engagement Group within the Office of Partnerships, in the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He was the Deputy Regional Director for FDA’s Latin America Region based in Mexico from 2013-2015, where he served as the principal liaison for a variety bilateral issues with Mexico’s regulatory government agencies and exporting food industry. Bruce served as FDA’s Country Director in India for four years (2009-2013), helping to establish FDA’s presence there while interacting and collaborating with government and industry counterparts. On joining FDA, Bruce worked at headquarters (2008-2009) as the Acting Director of the Asia, Africa and Capacity-building Office before his assignment in India (2009-2013). He was also assigned to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as the Health Attaché in Beijing, China 2006-2008; with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the Associate Director for Operations in Bangkok, Thailand 2002-2006 and in Kampala, Uganda 2000-2002 with the same title. Earlier assignments internationally include a detail to the Carter Center’s Global 2000 Guinea Worm Eradication Program as the Resident Technical Advisor for south Sudan, based in Nairobi, Kenya, from 1998-2000; and on detail with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Mission for Central Asia, as CDC’s Deputy Director, based in Almaty, Kazakhstan 1995-1998.
Robert Ruff, Executive Director, Medical Device Training, NSF International (former Medical Device Specialist and Senior Investigator at CDRH, FDA)
Robert Ruff, Executive Director, Training and Education, NSF Medical Devices, NSF International; former FDA Medical Device Specialist Investigator and MDSAP International Development Team Lead.
Robert (Rob) Ruff joined NSF International as the Executive Director of Medical Device Training and Certification in December 2017. Rob has over 30 years of experience in the medical device and public health sectors. Prior to joining NSF International, Rob worked in the orthopedic device manufacturing industry and completed a long, distinguished career with the US FDA. Rob was a highly regarded District Medical Device Specialist Investigator in FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA), where he conducted inspections and investigations for a broad range of device technologies. During this time, he was a member of the ORA Medical Device Investigator Certification Board, where he co-developed ORA’s Level II Medical Device Investigator Certification Program. From ORA, Rob was recruited by FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) to lead an international team of subject matter experts tasked with the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP). Rob’s in-depth knowledge of the MDSAP now serves as a valuable asset to NSF clients marketing products around the globe. Rob’s extensive regulatory experience includes co-authoring the MDSAP Audit Model and Companion Document; and the Quality System Inspection Technique (QSIT). Training has been a hallmark of Rob’s distinguished career, having developed FDA’s computer-based training for QSIT, the Quality System Regulation, and the Medical Device Reporting Regulation. Rob received many awards for his honorable service with the FDA.
Robert Ruff, Executive Director, Training and Education, NSF Medical Devices, NSF International; former FDA Medical Device Specialist Investigator and MDSAP International Development Team Lead.
Robert (Rob) Ruff joined NSF International as the Executive Director of Medical Device Training and Certification in December 2017. Rob has over 30 years of experience in the medical device and public health sectors. Prior to joining NSF International, Rob worked in the orthopedic device manufacturing industry and completed a long, distinguished career with the US FDA. Rob was a highly regarded District Medical Device Specialist Investigator in FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA), where he conducted inspections and investigations for a broad range of device technologies. During this time, he was a member of the ORA Medical Device Investigator Certification Board, where he co-developed ORA’s Level II Medical Device Investigator Certification Program. From ORA, Rob was recruited by FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) to lead an international team of subject matter experts tasked with the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP). Rob’s in-depth knowledge of the MDSAP now serves as a valuable asset to NSF clients marketing products around the globe. Rob’s extensive regulatory experience includes co-authoring the MDSAP Audit Model and Companion Document; and the Quality System Inspection Technique (QSIT). Training has been a hallmark of Rob’s distinguished career, having developed FDA’s computer-based training for QSIT, the Quality System Regulation, and the Medical Device Reporting Regulation. Rob received many awards for his honorable service with the FDA.
Dr. John M. Ryan, Ph.D. PCQI, Ryan Systems, Inc
Dr. John Ryan is a certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PQCI). He holds a Ph.D. in research and statistical methods and has extensive international manufacturing quality and operations experience in large and small manufacturing operations. He is a retired Hawaii State Department of Agriculture Quality Assurance Division administrator where he won multiple awards for food traceability systems. He currently operates two business divisions focused on food safety system validation (http://www.RyanSystems.com) and transportation food safety controls (http://www.SanitaryColdChain.com). He has recently published books entitled “Food Fraud”, “Guide to Food Safety During Transportation: Controls Standards and Practices, 2nd Edition”, “Validating Food Safety and Quality Controls” and “The Quality Team Concept in Total Quality Control”.
Dr. John Ryan is a certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PQCI). He holds a Ph.D. in research and statistical methods and has extensive international manufacturing quality and operations experience in large and small manufacturing operations. He is a retired Hawaii State Department of Agriculture Quality Assurance Division administrator where he won multiple awards for food traceability systems. He currently operates two business divisions focused on food safety system validation (http://www.RyanSystems.com) and transportation food safety controls (http://www.SanitaryColdChain.com). He has recently published books entitled “Food Fraud”, “Guide to Food Safety During Transportation: Controls Standards and Practices, 2nd Edition”, “Validating Food Safety and Quality Controls” and “The Quality Team Concept in Total Quality Control”.
Peter Salsbury, Project Manager, CFSAN, Retail Food Partnerships, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Pete Salsbury is currently a project manager in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Retail Food Protection Staff.
Pete’s projects include a Cooperative Agreement with the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) on Retail Food Safety policy, the Partnership for Food Protection Governing Council, and food safety partnership projects with the Restaurant and Retail Food Store industries. Pete previously has worked at CFSAN as a science policy analyst and a Special Assistant in CFSAN’s Office of the Center Director.
Pete Salsbury is currently a project manager in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Retail Food Protection Staff.
Pete’s projects include a Cooperative Agreement with the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) on Retail Food Safety policy, the Partnership for Food Protection Governing Council, and food safety partnership projects with the Restaurant and Retail Food Store industries. Pete previously has worked at CFSAN as a science policy analyst and a Special Assistant in CFSAN’s Office of the Center Director.
Adam E. Saltman, M.D., Ph.D. Medical Officer, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Compliance, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dr Saltman obtained his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, his MD and PhD degrees from Columbia University, and trained in general and cardiothoracic surgery on the Harvard/Deaconess Surgical Service. In 2013, he joined FDA as a Medical Officer in the CDRH Office of Compliance. In addition to reviewing manufacturer recalls, signals, and manufacturer communications, Dr. Saltman has been leading CDRH’s cross-cutting policy revisions concerning benefit-risk and corrections and removals, projects for which he has developed decision analysis tools that advance FDA’s mission to protect and promote the public health. Dr. Saltman is a fellow of several professional societies, has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, has advanced training in Health Informatics, and is certified as a Quality Improvement Associate by the American Society for Quality.
Dr Saltman obtained his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, his MD and PhD degrees from Columbia University, and trained in general and cardiothoracic surgery on the Harvard/Deaconess Surgical Service. In 2013, he joined FDA as a Medical Officer in the CDRH Office of Compliance. In addition to reviewing manufacturer recalls, signals, and manufacturer communications, Dr. Saltman has been leading CDRH’s cross-cutting policy revisions concerning benefit-risk and corrections and removals, projects for which he has developed decision analysis tools that advance FDA’s mission to protect and promote the public health. Dr. Saltman is a fellow of several professional societies, has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, has advanced training in Health Informatics, and is certified as a Quality Improvement Associate by the American Society for Quality.
Nicholas Scire, Consumer Safety Officer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Nick Scire serves as FDA’s Senior Emergency Response Coordinator within the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) for the Office of Medical Product and Tobacco Operations. His current responsibilities include serving as the liaison between FDA’s District/Divisions, Centers, and the Office of Emergency Operations regarding incident preparedness and response. Prior to assuming his current position, Nick spent 5 years as a firefighter as well as worked as a FDA investigator and response coordinator for ORA’s Northeast Regional Office. Nick completed his undergraduate work at Salem University and his graduate work at the University of Massachusetts.
Nick Scire serves as FDA’s Senior Emergency Response Coordinator within the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) for the Office of Medical Product and Tobacco Operations. His current responsibilities include serving as the liaison between FDA’s District/Divisions, Centers, and the Office of Emergency Operations regarding incident preparedness and response. Prior to assuming his current position, Nick spent 5 years as a firefighter as well as worked as a FDA investigator and response coordinator for ORA’s Northeast Regional Office. Nick completed his undergraduate work at Salem University and his graduate work at the University of Massachusetts.
Mandy Sedlak, RS/REHS, Food Safety and Public Health Manager for EcoSure, Division of Ecolab
Mandy is the Food Safety and Public Health Manager for Ecolab’s EcoSure business. She is responsible for health department response, foodborne illness response and food code interpretation, and for providing education and recommendations to help customers adopt best practices and mitigate risks in their day-to-day operations.
Mandy has 20+ years of experience in food safety and QA management with leading foodservice brands. Mandy is also a member of Food Safety Organizations including Conference For Food Protection (CFP), National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), Minnesota Environmental Health Association (MEHA) and the Minnesota Food Safety Partnership. Mandy has a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from the University of North Dakota.
Mandy is the Food Safety and Public Health Manager for Ecolab’s EcoSure business. She is responsible for health department response, foodborne illness response and food code interpretation, and for providing education and recommendations to help customers adopt best practices and mitigate risks in their day-to-day operations.
Mandy has 20+ years of experience in food safety and QA management with leading foodservice brands. Mandy is also a member of Food Safety Organizations including Conference For Food Protection (CFP), National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), Minnesota Environmental Health Association (MEHA) and the Minnesota Food Safety Partnership. Mandy has a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from the University of North Dakota.
Robert Seevers, Senior Advisor, Pearl Pathways
Robert Seevers serves as Senior Advisor for Pearl Pathways with over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical research and development of both large and small molecules. Robert’s expertise includes CMC regulatory, cold chain shipping, stability, determining regulatory starting materials, radiopharmaceuticals, setting global specifications, determining product critical quality attributes, quality by design (QbD), global regulatory submissions, and interactions with global regulatory agencies. His knowledge spans all major therapeutic areas with specific expertise in CNS, Endocrine, Metabolism, Autoimmune, Oncology, Pediatric drug formulation and clinical research, Radiopharmaceuticals, and drug delivery systems. Robert’s industry experience includes eight years at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Team Leader responsible for managing a staff of Ph.D. reviewers for the evaluation of CMC sections of INDs and NDAs. His diverse career includes 16 years with Eli Lilly and Company in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, where he led the regulatory CMC submission strategy for drugs in preclinical development through their NDA/MAA submission and the approval process for both small and large molecules. Bob started his career in Nuclear Medicine, leading radiopharmacy operations at Michael Reese Medical Center where he oversaw preparation and dispensing of product, led clinical trials, and served on an institutional IRB. Robert Seevers’ influence within the life science industry includes numerous publications, speaking engagements at national and international conferences, as a member of the United States Pharmacopeia Packaging, Storage, and Distribution Expert Committee, and serving as a World Health Organization (WHO) invited lecturer on drug development, and a recognized expert on drug stability. Robert earned a B.S. In Chemistry from Lehigh University and a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Ann Arbor.
Robert Seevers serves as Senior Advisor for Pearl Pathways with over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical research and development of both large and small molecules. Robert’s expertise includes CMC regulatory, cold chain shipping, stability, determining regulatory starting materials, radiopharmaceuticals, setting global specifications, determining product critical quality attributes, quality by design (QbD), global regulatory submissions, and interactions with global regulatory agencies. His knowledge spans all major therapeutic areas with specific expertise in CNS, Endocrine, Metabolism, Autoimmune, Oncology, Pediatric drug formulation and clinical research, Radiopharmaceuticals, and drug delivery systems. Robert’s industry experience includes eight years at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Team Leader responsible for managing a staff of Ph.D. reviewers for the evaluation of CMC sections of INDs and NDAs. His diverse career includes 16 years with Eli Lilly and Company in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, where he led the regulatory CMC submission strategy for drugs in preclinical development through their NDA/MAA submission and the approval process for both small and large molecules. Bob started his career in Nuclear Medicine, leading radiopharmacy operations at Michael Reese Medical Center where he oversaw preparation and dispensing of product, led clinical trials, and served on an institutional IRB. Robert Seevers’ influence within the life science industry includes numerous publications, speaking engagements at national and international conferences, as a member of the United States Pharmacopeia Packaging, Storage, and Distribution Expert Committee, and serving as a World Health Organization (WHO) invited lecturer on drug development, and a recognized expert on drug stability. Robert earned a B.S. In Chemistry from Lehigh University and a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Ann Arbor.
Nancy Singer, President, Compliance-Alliance
Nancy Singer, JD, LLM founded Compliance-Alliance LLC in 2004 to specialize in the professional development for FDA and industry staff. Previously she served as the Special Counsel for the Advanced Medical Technology Association. Nancy received Vice President Gore’s Reinventing Government Hammer Award and the FDA Commissioner’s Special Citation. She began her career as an attorney with the United States Department of Justice doing litigation for FDA enforcement cases. Subsequently, she was a partner at the law firm of Kleinfeld Kaplan and Becker. Nancy is on the faculty of George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and is a retired commander in the Naval Reserve.
Nancy Singer, JD, LLM founded Compliance-Alliance LLC in 2004 to specialize in the professional development for FDA and industry staff. Previously she served as the Special Counsel for the Advanced Medical Technology Association. Nancy received Vice President Gore’s Reinventing Government Hammer Award and the FDA Commissioner’s Special Citation. She began her career as an attorney with the United States Department of Justice doing litigation for FDA enforcement cases. Subsequently, she was a partner at the law firm of Kleinfeld Kaplan and Becker. Nancy is on the faculty of George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and is a retired commander in the Naval Reserve.
David Smith, Training & Compliance Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture - Food Safety Program
David Smith has been in the Food Safety Program at the Washington State Department of Agriculture for six years and is currently the Interim Regional Manager for Eastern Washington. Prior to joining the agency David spent fifteen years managing quality and food safety programs for several large food processing companies in Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas after completing a Master’s Degree in Food Science from the University of Arkansas.
David Smith has been in the Food Safety Program at the Washington State Department of Agriculture for six years and is currently the Interim Regional Manager for Eastern Washington. Prior to joining the agency David spent fifteen years managing quality and food safety programs for several large food processing companies in Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas after completing a Master’s Degree in Food Science from the University of Arkansas.
Jayne E Smith, RS, Berkshire Public Health Alliance Inspector, Egremont, Massachusetts
Jayne Smith, R.S., is a Senior Inspector for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. For the past 2 years, Ms. Smith has been part of an eight year effort to standardize Retail Food inspections and permitting among Berkshire communities with populations ranging from to 533 to 43,303. These efforts have included the creation and adoption of common forms and procedures, uniform food inspector training in both classroom and field settings, and the adoption of online permitting in several communities. Ms. Smith came to public health with a BS Degree in Natural Resources from University of Maine and holds the many certifications needed to provide comprehensive public health services in Massachusetts, including certification as a Registered Sanitarian and FDA Standardized Inspector. Much of her work during the last 20 years, both in the public and private sector, has focused on increasing collaboration between organizations and communities.
Jayne Smith, R.S., is a Senior Inspector for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. For the past 2 years, Ms. Smith has been part of an eight year effort to standardize Retail Food inspections and permitting among Berkshire communities with populations ranging from to 533 to 43,303. These efforts have included the creation and adoption of common forms and procedures, uniform food inspector training in both classroom and field settings, and the adoption of online permitting in several communities. Ms. Smith came to public health with a BS Degree in Natural Resources from University of Maine and holds the many certifications needed to provide comprehensive public health services in Massachusetts, including certification as a Registered Sanitarian and FDA Standardized Inspector. Much of her work during the last 20 years, both in the public and private sector, has focused on increasing collaboration between organizations and communities.
Mark Speltz, Retail Program Lead/Training Specialist, Iowa Department of Inspection & Appeals
Mark Speltz, Chief Inspector, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Food and Consumer Safety Bureau.
Mark Speltz, Chief Inspector, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Food and Consumer Safety Bureau.
- Mark received a BS from Iowa State University in 1994.
- He spent the next 6 years managing food service operations in Arizona, Maryland, and Iowa before coming to DIA.
- Mark worked for 10 years as a retail and manufactured food inspector; 5 years as the Retail Food Program Lead Inspector; and currently serves as the Chief Inspector for the Department.
- In his current role Mark supervises the Department’s field operations and works directly with Iowa’s 13 local contracting health departments providing support and assessing performance.
- Mark has conducted numerous Retail Program Standards Self-Assessments for the State of Iowa and has conducted verification audits for 17 jurisdictions. Mark is also a member of the CFP Retail Food Program Standards Committee.
Kristen Spotz, Senior Manager, Food Safety and QY Manager, Grocery Manufacturers Association
Kristen Spotz is the Senior Manager of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), Washington, D.C., representing the world’s leading food, beverage, and consumer products companies. Kristen has an extensive background in food safety, sanitation, continuous improvement and change control. At GMA, Ms. Spotz oversees the Regulatory Inspection Compliance Committee and Allergen committee. She has lead various FSMA work streams at GMA and has also organized the work at GMA to assess the economic impact of the different FSMA rules. In addition, she is an instructor of the Preventive Controls for Human Food course and the Foreign Supplier Verification course that were developed by FSPCA. She is also a HACCP trainer and reviews HACCP plans along with food safety plans for GMA member companies. Prior to her role at GMA, Ms. Spotz was a Quality Engineer along with a Quality Supervisor in a wide range of fields including medical device, snack foods and dietary supplements. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Central Florida where she graduated Cum laude.
Kristen Spotz is the Senior Manager of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), Washington, D.C., representing the world’s leading food, beverage, and consumer products companies. Kristen has an extensive background in food safety, sanitation, continuous improvement and change control. At GMA, Ms. Spotz oversees the Regulatory Inspection Compliance Committee and Allergen committee. She has lead various FSMA work streams at GMA and has also organized the work at GMA to assess the economic impact of the different FSMA rules. In addition, she is an instructor of the Preventive Controls for Human Food course and the Foreign Supplier Verification course that were developed by FSPCA. She is also a HACCP trainer and reviews HACCP plans along with food safety plans for GMA member companies. Prior to her role at GMA, Ms. Spotz was a Quality Engineer along with a Quality Supervisor in a wide range of fields including medical device, snack foods and dietary supplements. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Central Florida where she graduated Cum laude.
Ken Coleman Stevenson II, VP Regulatory Affairs, Ceutical Laboratories, Inc
Ken Stevenson has been with Ceutical Labs for over 13 years. He is VP of Regulatory Affairs and manages the electronic submission of regulated data and information to FDA from Ceutical Labs. Mr. Stevenson is the current Secretary of the Structured Product Labeling (SPL) Industry Working Group. He participated in the Regulated Clinical Research Information Management (RCRIM) – Study Data Standards Project to develop data standards for the submission of clinical and non-clinical research study protocols and study designs. He is the current Chair of the AFDO Body Art Committee. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University where he has served as a guest lecturer and industry liaison to the Biomedical Engineering Department at the Texas A&M College of Engineering. Ken is a founding member of the BioNorthTX Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance (RA/QA) Committee.
Ken Stevenson has been with Ceutical Labs for over 13 years. He is VP of Regulatory Affairs and manages the electronic submission of regulated data and information to FDA from Ceutical Labs. Mr. Stevenson is the current Secretary of the Structured Product Labeling (SPL) Industry Working Group. He participated in the Regulated Clinical Research Information Management (RCRIM) – Study Data Standards Project to develop data standards for the submission of clinical and non-clinical research study protocols and study designs. He is the current Chair of the AFDO Body Art Committee. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University where he has served as a guest lecturer and industry liaison to the Biomedical Engineering Department at the Texas A&M College of Engineering. Ken is a founding member of the BioNorthTX Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance (RA/QA) Committee.
M. Isabel Tejero del Rio, MD PhD, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Compliance, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dr. Tejero was born in Spain where she trained as a physician. Moved to the United States where she got a PhD in Integrative Physiology. Worked as family physician in Spain, and in cardiovascular research in the States, reaching the position of Research Assistant Professor at GWU. She joined the Office of Compliance at CDRH in 2009, where she currently a Lead Consumer Safety Officer in the Front Office working with the Clinical Team. She has several years of experience working with combination products both from a regulatory-policy perspective and as an expert reviewer of premarket applications and post-market compliance actions.
Dr. Tejero was born in Spain where she trained as a physician. Moved to the United States where she got a PhD in Integrative Physiology. Worked as family physician in Spain, and in cardiovascular research in the States, reaching the position of Research Assistant Professor at GWU. She joined the Office of Compliance at CDRH in 2009, where she currently a Lead Consumer Safety Officer in the Front Office working with the Clinical Team. She has several years of experience working with combination products both from a regulatory-policy perspective and as an expert reviewer of premarket applications and post-market compliance actions.
Thuy Vu, Founder & CEO, Thuy Vu Consulting, LLC
Thuy is the Founder and CEO of Thuy Vu Consulting, a consulting firm committed to training and educating industry and government agencies on the food safety and life safety concerns of marijuana and industrial hemp operations, in efforts to promote public health and public safety. Thuy earned her Bachelor of Sciences in Microbiology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY and holds certifications as a Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), ServSafe Food Protection Manager, ServSafe Instructor and ServSafe Proctor. She was employed by Denver Environmental Health Public Health Inspections Division as the lead foodborne illness, outbreak, and marijuana investigator for the City and County of Denver for five years. Following Colorado marijuana legalization in 2010, Thuy spearheaded inspections, investigations, and enforcement of the burgeoning marijuana industry, issuing the first five food safety recalls of marijuana infused products and leading the first foodborne illness outbreak investigation of a licensed marijuana operation in the nation. As an Environmental Public Health Investigator, Thuy promoted interagency collaboration by working with Denver Fire Department, Denver Public Health, Denver Police Department Vice and Drug Bureau, and the Colorado Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division, becoming the first marijuana specialist in the nation. Thuy went on to work in the marijuana and industrial hemp industries specializing in solvent and solventless extractions; post-extraction processing and refinement; concentrate and infused products manufacturing; new product development; packaging and labeling; inventory tracking; and compliance. Thuy oversaw the product research and development of marijuana concentrates and infused edibles for Leafs By Snoop, the first commercial celebrity cannabis product line. Thuy consulted with the Denver Fire Department, resulting in the hazardous location classification requirements for Class I Division I and Class I Division 2 Extraction Rooms in the City and County of Denver in 2015, helping set the precedent for the rest of the nation. Currently, Thuy works closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability following the announcement of their new Industrial Hemp Policy in July of 2017 and has connected the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division with key agencies concerning VOCs released during cannabis extraction and post-extraction processing operations. In October 2017, Thuy successfully petitioned for rezoning approval of the first industrial hemp extraction operation in Colorado. Thuy sits on the cannabis planning committees for the Rocky Mountain Food Safety Conference (RMFSC), Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), and Western Association of Food and Drug Officials (WAFDO). She has presented at numerous food safety conferences, the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council (ICC), and at the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). Thuy has also conducted marijuana training for the Alaska Division of Environmental Health Food Safety and Sanitation Program, the Hawaii Department of Health Sanitation, Food and Drug Branch and the Louisiana Department of Health.
Thuy is the Founder and CEO of Thuy Vu Consulting, a consulting firm committed to training and educating industry and government agencies on the food safety and life safety concerns of marijuana and industrial hemp operations, in efforts to promote public health and public safety. Thuy earned her Bachelor of Sciences in Microbiology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY and holds certifications as a Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), ServSafe Food Protection Manager, ServSafe Instructor and ServSafe Proctor. She was employed by Denver Environmental Health Public Health Inspections Division as the lead foodborne illness, outbreak, and marijuana investigator for the City and County of Denver for five years. Following Colorado marijuana legalization in 2010, Thuy spearheaded inspections, investigations, and enforcement of the burgeoning marijuana industry, issuing the first five food safety recalls of marijuana infused products and leading the first foodborne illness outbreak investigation of a licensed marijuana operation in the nation. As an Environmental Public Health Investigator, Thuy promoted interagency collaboration by working with Denver Fire Department, Denver Public Health, Denver Police Department Vice and Drug Bureau, and the Colorado Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division, becoming the first marijuana specialist in the nation. Thuy went on to work in the marijuana and industrial hemp industries specializing in solvent and solventless extractions; post-extraction processing and refinement; concentrate and infused products manufacturing; new product development; packaging and labeling; inventory tracking; and compliance. Thuy oversaw the product research and development of marijuana concentrates and infused edibles for Leafs By Snoop, the first commercial celebrity cannabis product line. Thuy consulted with the Denver Fire Department, resulting in the hazardous location classification requirements for Class I Division I and Class I Division 2 Extraction Rooms in the City and County of Denver in 2015, helping set the precedent for the rest of the nation. Currently, Thuy works closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability following the announcement of their new Industrial Hemp Policy in July of 2017 and has connected the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division with key agencies concerning VOCs released during cannabis extraction and post-extraction processing operations. In October 2017, Thuy successfully petitioned for rezoning approval of the first industrial hemp extraction operation in Colorado. Thuy sits on the cannabis planning committees for the Rocky Mountain Food Safety Conference (RMFSC), Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), and Western Association of Food and Drug Officials (WAFDO). She has presented at numerous food safety conferences, the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council (ICC), and at the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). Thuy has also conducted marijuana training for the Alaska Division of Environmental Health Food Safety and Sanitation Program, the Hawaii Department of Health Sanitation, Food and Drug Branch and the Louisiana Department of Health.
Lisa Weddig, Vice President, Regulatory and Technical Affairs, National Fisheries Institute
Lisa Weddig is the Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the National Fisheries Institute in McLean, Virginia. NFI is the leading trade association in the United States advocating for the seafood community, representing the seafood commerce chain from “water to table.” Joining NFI in 2007, she serves as the primary liaison for food regulatory issues and food safety developments for the association members as well as the Secretary for NFI’s Better Seafood Board, an organization formed to address seafood fraud. She earned a B.S. in Food Science from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia and a M.S. in Nutrition Education from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Ms. Weddig serves on the Executive Committee, Steering Committee and Editorial Committee of the Seafood HACCP Alliance and has accompanied the U.S. Codex Delegation to the Codex Committees on Fish and Fisheries Products and Food Hygiene as an industry advisor.
Lisa Weddig is the Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the National Fisheries Institute in McLean, Virginia. NFI is the leading trade association in the United States advocating for the seafood community, representing the seafood commerce chain from “water to table.” Joining NFI in 2007, she serves as the primary liaison for food regulatory issues and food safety developments for the association members as well as the Secretary for NFI’s Better Seafood Board, an organization formed to address seafood fraud. She earned a B.S. in Food Science from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia and a M.S. in Nutrition Education from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Ms. Weddig serves on the Executive Committee, Steering Committee and Editorial Committee of the Seafood HACCP Alliance and has accompanied the U.S. Codex Delegation to the Codex Committees on Fish and Fisheries Products and Food Hygiene as an industry advisor.
Abbey Willard, Agricultural Development Division Director, Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Abbey Willard is the Agriculture Development Division Director at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and serves as the Principal Investigator on their state’s Produce Safety Rule Cooperative Agreement with FDA. Abbey has a Soils & Environmental Science Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s of Science in Conservation Biology. Her work with the VT Agency of Agriculture supports business development and market access opportunities for Vermont agriculture and food businesses. Abbey has been focused on produce program development with NASDA, FDA, and states since 2013.
Abbey Willard is the Agriculture Development Division Director at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and serves as the Principal Investigator on their state’s Produce Safety Rule Cooperative Agreement with FDA. Abbey has a Soils & Environmental Science Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s of Science in Conservation Biology. Her work with the VT Agency of Agriculture supports business development and market access opportunities for Vermont agriculture and food businesses. Abbey has been focused on produce program development with NASDA, FDA, and states since 2013.