Industry Personnel News

Caravan Ingredients announced the promotion of Jim Wells to Director, Commercial Insights. In this role, Wells will be responsible for both the Business Development and Consumer Insight groups, coordinating commercial championing roles within innovation projects and supporting Caravan Ingredients Innovation portfolio. He will also continue to extend Caravan Ingredients category management technologies to develop strategic business building partnerships with key customers.

Renee Zonka, RD, CEC, CHE, associate dean of the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College, has been promoted to managing director, effective immediately. In her new role, Zonka will continue her duties as associate dean, which include responsibility for academics, assessment of student-learning outcomes, managing faculty and staff, and directly interfacing with students to help them maximize their educational experience. Additionally, she will be responsible for budgeting, working with the schools Culinary Advisory Board, and forecasting student flow to assist in scheduling classes.

Ody Maningat, Ph.D., vice president of applications technology and technical services at MGP Ingredients, Inc. received an Outstanding Alumni Award from the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University during a recognition celebration at the International Grains Program Conference Center in Manhattan, Kan.
In addition, Dan Schmerbach has been named corporate controller at MGP Ingredients, Inc. In this position, Schmerbach becomes responsible for leading the accounting team in the day-to-day accounting and reporting functions for the company. He is responsible for the reporting of monthly, quarterly and annual financial data to internal management, banking partners and company stakeholders.

GLG Life Tech Corporation announced that Samuel S. Newberg has joined GLG as vice president, sales. Newberg brings an impressive track record within the food and beverage industry to the company and will drive the global distribution and use of GLG stevia sweetener systems among major food and beverage companies.

Autocrat, Inc. named Jeffrey E. Gerdes as Vice President of Sales.  In this newly formed position, Gerdes will be responsible for providing strategic sales direction, managing sales processes, and driving sales growth.
The company also announced that Susan Maiocchi, Director of Technical Services, recently completed the rigorous SQF (Safe Quality Food) 2000 Level 3 course, achieving the title of SQF Practitioner. 

The new board members of the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) Board of Directors are Mary Fund, Melinda Hemmelgarn, and Lee Valkenaar. All three have deep roots in the food and farm community, and all three hail from farm states in the Heartland. The Board also elected organic fruit grower Deirdre Birmingham as OFRFs sixth Board President.

Penford Food Ingredients Co. announced the appointment of industry veteran Michael Buttshaw as Vice President, Sales and Marketing, a new position.

Janet  Carver, Culinology® Group Leader for National Starch, has been elected President of the Research Chefs Association. It is the first time a woman has been elected President since the organizations inception in 1996.

Kalsec announced Julie Heine, has been promoted from Group Sales Director, North America to Sales Director, North America. In her new position, Julie has direct responsibility for the eight account managers that work in this region. She will partner with Phil Schlein who previously had these responsibilities. Phil will move into the newly created position of Managing Director Sales Operations focusing on all backstage sales operations and analysis, emphasizing efficient and dedicated service to our customers.

Charkit Chemical Corporation announced that Sean Maggert has been appointed to the position of New Business Development Manager. Mr. Maggert is responsible for the sales of existing Charkit products as well as for the development of new selling opportunities for the company.

Andrea Astrachan, of Ahold USA, was elected chair of Produce for Better Health Foundation's (PBH) board of trustees. Astrachan most recently served as PBH vice chair.
Roger Pepperl, of Stemilt Growers, Inc., was elected vice chairman, and Paul Palmby, of Seneca Foods Corporation, was elected secretary/treasurer. Marty Ordman, of Dole Food Company, Inc., was elected chair of PBH's consumer marketing and communications committee. Mac Riggan, of Chelan Fresh Marketing, assumes chairmanship of the foundation's donor marketing and outreach committee. 

ITI Tropicals, Inc. announced Gene Jezek as Senior Account Manager, with responsibility for existing accounts in the western portion of the US including, among others, Colorado, Utah, Texas, as well as Canada.  Gene will also focus on new product/business development. 

Justin's  announced its newly restructured and reinforced management team, which includes current VP of sales and marketing Lance Gentry as the new company president, with founder Justin Gold remaining as CEO and face of the brand.
  
Burdock Group announced the expansion of its management team with the addition of Loren A. Brown, Associate Director of Business Development.  Lorens primary focus will be to increase the level of awareness of Burdock Group capabilities to new and existing clients.
The company also announced that Nancy J. Szabo, Ph.D., has joined the firm as a Staff Toxicologist. 

David Michael & Co. hired Luis Gayo as the Operations Manager for David Michaels Philadelphia office. Lou's background is in the chemical and flavor industry and has previous experience with Cognis Corporation and Frutarom USA Inc.
The company also announced two promotions in its production department: Russell Kauffman has been promoted to the position of Production Manager; and Mike ONeill has been promoted to 3^rd Shift Supervisor.
David Michael also announced the following new employees and promotion at its international facilities: Jorge L. Zarco has joined David Michael de Mexico as an Account Executive; and Monica Perez has been named Account Executive for David Michael de Mexico.  

Kemin Health L.C. announced the appointment of Michael Ceddia, Ph.D., to vice president of research and development, based in Des Moines, Iowa. In this role, Dr. Ceddia is responsible for the Kemin Health innovation process as well as serving as a member of the executive team.