Celebrating a Legacy of IFT Volunteerism and Leadership

Next year is the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Food Technologists. It’s an important milestone for IFT, a time to reflect on our many accomplishments and look forward to our future achievements as an organization. During the next few weeks, we will elect new leadership for the 2013–2014 fiscal year. These leaders will be charged with ensuring that we live up to our legacy, and we’ll need dedicated volunteers to make sure the next 75 years are as successful as the first 75 have been.

Most professional societies rely on their volunteers for expertise, but I’ve never seen an organization like IFT where such a high percentage of members get involved. I think it’s what makes us stand apart, and it certainly makes us tick. We definitely need more of you to step up and make a difference to your organization. Throughout my career, I’ve found that volunteering activities were a win/win; I brought the skills that I had learned from my professional roles to the volunteer position, but I gained tremendous experience and knowledge from IFT and other organizations, which benefited me, my career, and my employer. I hope you will volunteer and benefit as I have.

On January 3, 2013, IFT announced the slate of candidates for the 2013 Leadership Election. IFT’s voting membership must select one member for President-Elect, four members for the Board of Directors, and three members for the Nominations & Elections Committee. The 15 candidates are accomplished and hardworking professionals who offer their own experience in the food profession, a history of volunteer service within IFT, and a steadfast belief in the value of our organization.

For President-Elect, the candidates are Mary Ellen Camire and P. Michael Davidson.

Board Member candidates are Casimir Akoh, Martin Cole, Anne Goldman, Dallas Hoover, Cathy Kapica, Larry Keener, Jean-Francois Meullenet, and Conrad Rebello.

Candidates to serve as members of the Nominations & Elections Committee are Bruce Ferree, Mario Ferruzzi, Martha Roberts, Lu Ann Williams, andRay Winger.

IFT members may cast their ballots during our election from February 13 to March 14, 2013. All current IFT members will receive an email with username and password to vote online. It is simple, convenient, and so important to the future of IFT.

Please take the time to read each candidate’s biography and consider whether he or she is best suited to lead IFT into the future. Which of the candidates will motivate other members to be more active and support the roles and goals of IFT? Who will build consensus and think strategically? Who will embrace a leadership position and give it the attention it deserves?

Thanks to our Nominations & Elections Committee, we have an excellent slate of candidates. I would like to recognize them for their devoted service to IFT and our election process. A very special thank you to Moira McGrath (Chair), Paul Cole (Chair Designate), Suzanne Nielsen (Past Chair), Bob Brackett, John Floros, Marianne Gillette, Jaime Reeves, John Rupnow, Jenny Scott, and Lauren Shimek.

It’s essential to vote in the IFT election and to make sure that we choose a great team to lead us through our future challenges and achievements, but it’s also important to volunteer within IFT this year. Members consistently tell us that the more they volunteer, the more they get out of their membership. Opportunities for IFT members to get involved in the food science and technology community are almost limitless. You can lead a work group, develop sessions for the Annual Meeting Scientific Program, or participate in IFT Cares.

The easiest way to engage with other IFT members is to build a profile online in our IFT community on IFT.org. Join a key issue group, search for colleagues and new contacts, start a discussion, or create a food science blog. Whether you have lots of spare time, a few hours, or just a minute, you can make a difference through IFT’s World Without Food Science campaign. To learn more, use our Action Kit at IFT.org/WorldFoodDay.

Attend IFT meetings including Wellness 13, February 27–28 in Rosemont, Ill., or join one of our 50 regional sections. You’ll meet local colleagues and find a wide variety of activities and functions to enhance your career as a food professional.

Thousands of IFT members volunteer each year and reap the rewards of their efforts. I hope you will too.

John Ruff,
IFT President, 2012–2013
[email protected]