WASHINGTON, D.C., November 18, 2015 – David B. Schmidt, president and CEO of the International Food Information Council (IFIC), has elected to step down after 23 years of leadership, including 10 years as CEO at the Washington, D.C.-based communications association. He will remain president & CEO of IFIC and CEO of the IFIC Foundation to ensure a smooth transition through the end of 2015 or later, depending on the timing of his future role and the selection of a new CEO.
Korn Ferry, the leading global people and organizational advisory firm, has been retained to search for the new president and CEO. Interested candidates may contact Korn Ferry directly for more information by sending an email to Lorraine.Lavet@kornferry.com.
“I am very proud of the work we have done at IFIC to connect with many audiences on consumer issues with food safety and nutrition – to inform, to clarify and to educate about our incredible and complex food supply,” said Schmidt.
“The opportunities and challenges are great, and I have been privileged to lead a talented team of professionals that has reached more consumers this year than ever. After 10 years at the helm of IFIC, however, it is time for a new leader to move us ever forward.” Schmidt is in discussions regarding his next role and affiliation and an announcement is expected in the near future.
The immediate need for credible, science-based information to inform food conversations consumers can trust continues to be the centerpiece of IFIC’s strategy, and the organization has begun an immediate search to continue that momentum.
“Dave has been an integral part of IFIC for more than two decades, and the organization has benefited from his knowledge and leadership on food issues and opportunities regarding health, nutrition, food safety and food production,” added IFIC Chairman Roger T. Lawrence.
“During Dave’s tenure as president and CEO, IFIC and the IFIC Foundation have launched critical programs to advance the knowledge and understanding of food science, edify a broad range of audiences from around the world, and establish IFIC as the go-to source for credible, science-based information by developing a strong platform for social and traditional media. We thank him for his service.”
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Founded in 1985, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to effectively communicate science-based information on food safety, nutrition and food production to health and nutrition professionals, educators, government officials, journalists, and others providing information to consumers. In addition, IFIC has helped shape the global dialogue with food information organization (FIO) partners and other stakeholders in key regions around the world.
The IFIC Foundation has grown to become a highly visible organization that has expanded into a strong digital media base for credible information on food policy, issues and consumer choice. It established the FACTS (Food Advocates Communicating Through Science) Network, a consumer-friendly website, the Food Insight Newsletter, and built a third-party network of more than 400 experts to help inform consumers, correct misinformation and de-mystify food science.
The International Food Information Council Foundation is dedicated to the mission of effectively communicating science-based information on health, nutrition and food safety for the public good. The IFIC Foundation is supported primarily by the broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries. Visit http://foodinsight.org