The US Produce Marketing Association (PMA) will welcome a new face this year with the appointment of food safety veteran Johnna Hepner, who will join the trade association on 15 February.
Ms Hepner will take up the role of director of food safety and technology, bringing over 20 years of experience to a team that is headed up by PMA chief science and technology officer Bob Whitaker.
In her new position, Ms Hepner will work alongside Mr Whitaker and key members to implement programmes, events, products and services in the areas of food safety and science, the latter including production technology, environmental sustainability and biotechnology.
Responsibilities will include monitoring, evaluating and collaborating on produce-specific food safety guidance and standards, as well as legislation and regulation, PMA said, as well as representing the association to members, commodity groups and allied industry organisations along with external groups including federal regulators and legislators.
'Johnna's hiring significantly enhances the value we can offer our members in our industry's most critical areas of food safety and related technology,' said PMA president and CEO Bryan Silbermann. 'Her experience will provide PMA with a unique perspective on the real-world management of produce safety she gained in the foodservice industry, and will complement Bob's capabilities.'
Ms Hepner, who is joining PMA from Markon Cooperative Inc., said: 'I am looking forward to having this opportunity to work on behalf of the entire industry. Working with Dr Whitaker and the other professionals at PMA, I know we can further broaden the value that PMA brings to our members in the areas of food safety and technology.'
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