Mar 1, 2023

IFPA food safety leader plans to leave association

Jennifer McEntire, the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) chief food safety and regulatory officer, is leaving the association.

McEntire plans to “step away” from her role with the association on May 5, according to an IFPA news release.

McEntire joined the United Fresh Produce Association (which merged with the Produce Marketing Association to become IFPA) in July 2016, focusing on food safety, education and training, and public health. With more than 20 years in the industry, she is highly respected, providing insights and guidance to member companies, regulatory partners, policy makers and the media, according to the release.

McEntire is “looking to rebalance her personal and professional life and will continue to support the industry through select consulting engagements,” according to the release.

“Jennifer has been an incredible advocate for the IFPA member community and fresh produce industry, both in collaboration with regulatory agencies so that they understand how our industry works, but also in the role of a trusted and credible resource to help members with their produce safety issues,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said in the release. “Most recently her voice and leadership in pushing for reform in FDA’s foods program has been a steady drumbeat that we expect will result in more effective agency partnerships, policy, and regulations.”

McEntire built a strong food safety team at IFPA, with Emily Moyer, vice president of regulatory compliance and global food standards; Gretchen Wall, director of food safety and quality; and Tressie Jefferson, food safety support manager. They, along with IFPA’s government relations team, will continue IFPA’s food safety initiatives.

“In my 20-plus years working in food safety, I can truly say that serving the fresh produce industry has been a career highlight,” McEntire said in the release. “When I joined United Fresh, it was clear that collaborating with PMA was a priority. I’m thankful to have supported the formation of IFPA, and with it, a food safety team able to serve member needs.”

McEntire will provide transitional support to the association, and IFPA will begin a search for her successor immediately.

“Thanks to Jennifer’s efforts, IFPA’s food safety programs will continue to deliver value to our members and industry,” Burns said in the release. “Throughout the PMA-United integration process and first year of IFPA, she was a wonderful contributor to our staff culture by always putting the members’ needs first. I will miss her and wish her nothing but success in her next chapter.”