North American Food Safety & Quality

Frank Yiannas is a renowned food safety leader and executive, food system futurist, author, professor, past president of the International Association of Food Protection, and advocate for consumers.

Most recently, he served under two different administrations as the Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a position he held from 2018 to 2023, after spending 30 years in leadership roles with two industry
giants: Walmart and the Walt Disney Company.

After retiring from the FDA, Yiannas founded Smarter FY Solutions to help organizations address critical food safety and supply chain challenges. He also advises several prestigious companies, offering consultancy services to modernize compliance strategies and ensure clients meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Throughout his career, Frank has been recognized for his role in strengthening food safety standards in new and innovative ways, as well as building effective food safety management systems based on modern, science-based, and tech-enabled prevention principles.

Mahir is a Master in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and currently is a Vice President at PepsiCo leading Global FSQA (Food Safety and Quality Assurance) Organization based in New York.

Mahir has four years of work experience in Unilever, India and then 28+ years of experience with PepsiCo. He has worked in Supply chain operations, EHS (Environment , Health and Safety) , R&D, Digitization and most of all in Food Safety and Quality Assurance across three continents – India, Dubai and USA. He is currently responsible for formulating and implementing strategic plans for all Food Safety and Quality initiatives across the entire product portfolio ( Snacks, beverages, Dairy, Bread and meat snacks in over 1300 company-owned and third-party manufacturing sites around the globe.

With deep-rooted knowledge across product categories and differing regulatory and cultural environments, he plays a pivotal role in establishing rigorous standards and systems. He has shared countless lessons learned during his career. His innovative approaches ensure that PepsiCo consistently delivers products that not only meet stringent safety guidelines but also resonate with consumer expectations and satisfaction. Under Mahir’s guidance, the company’s commitment to food safety, quality assurance, compliance, and consumer trust remains unparalleled.

Liz Duffy is a seasoned compliance and food safety leader with more than 20 years of experience leading teams to develop and implement comprehensive compliance programs that prioritize food safety and ethical business practices.

Liz began her career at Walmart in 2006 and now serves as Vice President, Global Food Safety & Compliance for the Fortune 1 retailer. In this role, Liz leads the team that supports Walmart’s approach that enables an end-to-end food safety and compliance program and culture. Liz recently transitioned from her previous role as Vice President, Global Omnichannel and eCommerce Compliance at Walmart, where she was responsible for compliance strategy, controls, and continuous improvement processes for the company’s eCommerce, Walmart Business, and Online Pickup and Delivery business offerings.

Liz’s passion lies with food safety, having started her career at Walmart as a Food Safety Manager for Walmart U.S. Stores and Sam’s Clubs. Throughout her nearly two-decade tenure at Walmart, Liz served in a wide variety of compliance roles supporting food safety program development, recall execution, store operations, eCommerce, and omnichannel compliance program acceleration.

Prior to joining Walmart, Liz worked at Cargill Value Added Meats where she supported role in Quality Assurance at a poultry processing facility in Arkansas.

A graduate from the University of Arkansas, Liz holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA with a focus on Leadership and Ethics. Liz and her family reside in Northwest Arkansas. On the weekends you can find her spending time with her family and her horse.

In his role as the Vice President of Corporate Food Technology and Regulatory Compliance for The Kroger Company, Cincinnati, OH. Howard has the overall strategic responsibility and direction for food safety, quality assurance and product development for the entire Kroger company, this includes approximately 2500 retail stores, 42 Warehouses, and Kroger’s 32 own manufacturing facilities – Dairy, Bakery, Pet Food and Grocery plants. Prior to joining Kroger, he led product integrity and regulatory compliance functions as Vice President at Topco Associates – a private label procurement company in Elk Grove Village, IL.

Howard is the co-chair of the steering committee of global food safety initiative (GFSI), he has over 25 years of experience in the food industry with 18 of those in executive leadership roles, he started his career with the United Nations and he has had the opportunity to work at several food companies and in progressive food safety and quality functions including US Foods, Nestle, Kraft and Darigold, Howard is a food microbiologist by training and has advanced degrees in Integrated supply chain management from Michigan State University.

Sara Mortimore is the former Vice President and Global Subject Matter Expert for Food Safety at Walmart Inc. In this role, Sara was responsible for the global development and oversight of all Food Safety programs and initiatives for the company’s more than 10,500 stores, manufacturing facilities, distribution, and fulfilment centers. A proud accomplishment was leading the team to be awarded the IAFP Black Pearl Award in 2024.

Prior to joining Walmart in May 2019, Sara held the position of Vice President of Product Safety, Quality and Regulatory Affairs with enterprise-wide responsibility at Land O’Lakes, Inc. In this capacity, she covered both human and animal foods and supported non-profit international development work.

Sara began her career with Glaxo SmithKline as a Research Technologist in Research & Development. In 1989, she joined Grand Metropolitan Foods, which later became Pillsbury and was subsequently incorporated by General Mills Inc. Here she led food safety, quality, and regulatory teams throughout international markets, including support of brands such as Haagen Dazs, Wanchai Ferry, Old El Paso, and Green Giant.

She is the co-author of several successful books, chapters and papers on HACCP and food safety management. Sara has served on the board of trustees for the Royal Society of Public Health, for the BRC International Advisory Board, and is a past member of the Global Food Safety Initiative Steering Committee.

Jaime Boyes, is a food scientist by training, receiving her BS degree from The Ohio State University. She holds a MS in Animal Sciences, focused on Meat Science, from the University of Kentucky.  As a Mars Associate for 21 years, she has held a variety of roles within research and development, most recently leading Quality and Food Safety for Mars Wrigley North America. With a true passion for digitalization, Jaime drives efficiency within processes while maintain high standards of quality and evolving the function to meet the needs of the future. Jaime is passionate about building high performing teams, believing that the contribution of a great team is much higher than the contribution of any individual. Jaime is a proud wife and mother. In her spare time, she loves to travel with her family and make memories, as well as spend time in the gym to maintain her health (and her peace of mind).

My professional passion is bringing industry and food regulators together in a way that promotes public health and delivers safe, affordable foods that people love and enjoy. My unique and successful approach combines deep technical knowledge of food safety, understanding of food manufacturing and the ability to lead cross-functionally in a matrix organization.

I’ve been fortunate to have the perspective of working in food law, environmental health and safety, and food safety for over twenty years. Over more than a decade at Kellogg and now at WK Kellogg Co, I’ve been responsible for building the right capabilities in the organization, training our people, and enhancing our regulatory relationships.

I currently lead crisis, regulatory compliance and litigation for WK Kellogg Co. The thing I love most of about my job is the time I get spend in our factories.

I’m particularly proud of the role I played as part of Kellogg’s crisis team in keeping our people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic while fulfilling our company’s duty to feed the nation.

Prior to joining Kellogg, I was a partner in the Seattle office of Stoel Rives practicing food and environmental law. I “grew up” as an environmental and products liability trial lawyer honing my effectiveness as a “nice litigator” and becoming engrossed in regulatory compliance and science.

When not hard at work fulfilling professional passions, I spend time admiring the amazing accomplishments of my children and managing the chaos at home caused by my dog and two cats.

John Burns is the VP of Supply Chain Quality Assurance and Food Safety, at Whole Foods Market, with extensive experience in Global Food Production, Distribution and Regulatory Compliance. He oversees food safety and quality across Whole Foods’ vast network of suppliers, owned food production operations and distribution. John collaborates with peers and industry leaders on the integration of World Class food safety and quality programs in business. His expertise lies in developing robust programs for private label and non private label food categories in retail. He works extensively in international and domestic supply chains, emphasizing sustainability, trust and partnership. With a focus on fostering excellence, John spearheads initiatives to uphold industry-leading standards, nurturing global relationships and driving Whole Foods Market’s commitment to quality and product safety.

Mark Moorman is the Senior Science Advisor to Human Foods Program leadership at the Food and Drug Administration. In this role Mark drives prevention efforts with stakeholders to assure the safety of our food supply. Mark previously was the Office Director for the Office of Food Safety and prior to joining the FDA, Mark was the Senior Director of Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs for the Kellogg Company. Prior to joining the Kellogg Company in 1998, Mark spent 10 years with Silliker Laboratories as the Technical Director of Microbiology. Mark has his undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees from Michigan State University in Microbiology and Food Science

Marlenea Jackson is a visionary Quality and Operations leader with a track record of transforming teams into high-functioning units. Currently serving as the Vice President of Quality, North America at Mondelēz International, she has amassed extensive experience across various leadership roles within the food and consumer packaged goods industry. Marlenea is renowned for her strategic leadership, fostering enduring partnerships, and implementing robust Quality and Food Safety programs that safeguard consumers while driving business growth. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biological Sciences from Oklahoma Christian University, she is acclaimed for her adeptness in DMIAC methodology, lean manufacturing principles, and food safety audit schemes. Marlenea is lauded for her exceptional leadership, adept problem-solving skills, and ability to inspire teams to achieve organizational objectives.

Heidi Saunders, a seasoned leader in global Quality and Food Safety, currently serves as the Vice President at Schwan’s Company. With a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology from The Manchester Metropolitan University, she brings over two decades of experience in the food industry. Heidi’s journey includes pivotal roles at esteemed companies like C.H. Guenther & Son, Mondelēz International, and Kellogg Company, where she spearheaded quality initiatives across various regions. Her expertise spans from operational management to global quality strategy development. Recognized for her adeptness in driving compliance and fostering a culture of quality, Heidi is a catalyst for organizational excellence. She continues to shape the industry landscape through her unwavering commitment to food safety and consumer satisfaction.

Dr. Ata (Al) Baroudi joined The Cheesecake Factory in 2008 with broad experience in the food industry as a quality assurance executive. He is an agricultural engineer with a MS degree in FS & Technology / Microbiology from the University of California at Davis. He received his Ph.D. in Food Processing and Technology / Regulatory Affairs from The Ohio State University in Columbus. He served as the head of QA and Food Safety (Snacks and Dairy) for Borden Foods Company in Columbus, OH, before moving to the west coast as VP, Corporate QA/Food Safety and Regulatory/Environmental Affairs for the Vons/Safeway Supermarkets, Arcadia, CA. Dr. Baroudi then served as VP of QA and Technical Services, Harry & David Corporation, Medford, OR., before becoming the Chief Scientific, Health and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Yum! Brands in Louisville, KY.

Dr. Baroudi Developed a new product line “Ketchip” that exceeded sales projections, rolled over to all manufacturing plants, heralded in the Wall Street Journal and resulted in receipt of Borden’s President Award (1983). He is the recipient of the Sani “Food Safety Champion Award”, and the “Outstanding Food Safety Program Innovation Award”, and the Southern California IFT “Distinguished Achievement Award”, In 2022, The NRA presented him their inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for “Outstanding Leader in Food Safety”. He was instrumental in passing the Food Facilities Sanitization Bill “AB 1427” in California State Assembly that cleared the way for the ozone to be approved in California Cal Code (2012).

Dr. Baroudi has served on numerous industry boards and committees including the E. coli O157:H7 government/industry Blue Ribbon Task Force Committee during the Jack-In-The-Box meat outbreak and then on the Board of Directors of the International HACCP Alliance representing The Food Marketing Institute (FMI). He also served on the Board of Advisors for the Center for Food Safety (CFS) – University of Georgia, and on the Board of Directors of the Abound Food Care, and the Educational Advisory Board (EAB) of the Food Safety Summit Group. Dr. Baroudi served as the Chairman, of the Food Safety Advisory Council, LA County in California, the Chairman of the NRA Food Safety & Quality Assurance Expert Exchange Steering Committee, and on the GS1 Community Advisory Board (CAB), as well as on the NCCR Food Safety Task Force, CFP Council I, II & III and several committees. He is a “Certified Food Scientist” CFS