Thanks for the Memories

Professional associations are a powerful force within our society, yet their important role is unknown to many people. And IFT is no different. IFT serves both the interests of its members while allowing its members to unite in serving a greater good. The IFT community is on the front lines of the challenges facing humanity with regard to a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for everyone. IFT does not exist as a matter of convenience, but one of urgent necessity. And I am so honored to have been president of this great association this year.

As president of IFT, I have had the very unique opportunity to see what it takes to operate a global organization with a broad mandate to convene, engage, publish, and report on the important food issues and innovations of our time, across global networks of professionals and partnering institutions. IFT is a mission-driven, tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation that holds itself accountable to the highest possible standards of governance and transparency in the pursuit of an important and bold vision.

Our members are key to IFT’s success. Being president has given me the opportunity to work in partnership with volunteer leaders across the spectrum of IFT’s many connected parts. Leaders working in sections, divisions, committees, and task forces are the engine of IFT’s mission. These busy professionals volunteer their time and leadership skills to give back to IFT and to make it stronger. Seeing this work up close for the past year has given me a new sense of awe for all the contributions made by volunteers.

This year has also allowed me a behind-the-scenes look at the amazing and dedicated work of IFT’s 85 staff members. Professionals in finance, food safety, product development, marketing, social media, sales, curriculum design, human resources, leadership development, event management, and more work to advance the mission and vision of IFT with a sincerity and dedication that is inspiring. Our governance is designed for a partnership between volunteer leaders and staff, and that design is what propels us forward with trust, focus, and mission-driven leadership.

The IFT presidency is certainly not a figurehead position. Sure, those of us elected to this role have the honor to represent IFT to various groups and organizations. But your elected president takes on very real, complex, and demanding tasks required to advance a global organization that is part of an increasingly complex and demanding global food system. This work occurs in an extraordinarily close partnership with IFT’s CEO, Christie Tarantino-Dean, who brings continuity and exemplary executive leadership to the role.

One of the highlights of my year has been the many inspiring interactions that I’ve had with members. For example, in April, while speaking at a student event at the University of Florida, I was introduced by a graduate student in food science. Before the event, she told me that as a middle schooler, she watched a program with her father called NOVA Science Now, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. One specific episode was a pivotal moment in her life. Dr. Tyson visited Johnson Space Center for an episode on “Can We Make It to Mars?” and he interviewed yours truly. While watching, this grad student, then just 12 years old, turned to her father and said, “Dad, that’s what I’m going to do when I grow up.” And so she did. I thought that being interviewed by Neil deGrasse Tyson would be the highlight, but instead it was this student’s story.

Stories like these are evidence that being a member of IFT is both personal and professional. And therein lies the promise of the Institute of Food Technologists. While IFT offers the best content available for professionals in the science of food, it takes more than that to make IFT successful. What it takes is you. We want your experience, your knowledge, your mentorship, your ideas, your expertise, and your stories. We want you to be part of a community that gives and takes in equal measure because we share a common vision that extends well beyond our professional lives, but is also deeply personal: a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for everyone.

I will miss the energy and excitement that has come from the daily interactions from every corner of our community. But I know that IFT will be in good hands when I pass the baton to IFT’s next president, Pam Coleman. It has indeed been an honor, a privilege, and a true pleasure to be president of IFT this year. And one that I could not be more grateful for. Thank you, IFT members, for this awesome opportunity!