Past Presidents' Committee

Mission Statement: To serve as an advisory committee to the Executive Board.

Next Meeting

IAFP 2025

07/27/2025 — 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Room 11

Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland, Ohio

A full listing of PDG and Committee Meetings can be found here:

https://www.foodprotection.org/annualmeeting/programs-and-activities/committee-meetings/

How to Join

Involvement in committees and professional development groups (PDGs) offers Members the opportunity to share a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Members of committees and PDGs are the architects of the Association structure. They plan, develop and institute many of the Association's projects, including workshops, publications and educational sessions. Technical challenges facing the food safety industry are discussed, examined and debated. Members may volunteer to serve on any number of committees or PDGs that plan and implement activities to meet the Association's mission.

Special Committees provide support services to IAFP on a continuous basis. Membership consists of Past Presidents of IAFP. 

Minutes

Board Responses

2024 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. 1. None.
2023 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. The Committee recommends that IAFP policies outlining membership continuity requirements for IAFP Fellows and Honorary Life Membership Awards be amended to remove the word “continuous”. Should there be a break in membership during the required time period, the Committee recommends that the Awards Committee consider the contribution of the nominee to IAFP or affiliates prior to and after the break when evaluating the strength of the nomination.

    Board Response: The Board will provide this recommendation to the Awards Committee for its consideration.

  2. The Committee recommends that the Board consider recognition at the Opening Ceremony of Past-Presidents who have passed away during the previous year; the means of doing so being the prerogative of the Board.

    Board Response: The Board will incorporate a “moment of silence” into the Opening Session for recognition of IAFP members who have passed.

  3. Given the extent of enhanced food safety regulations and food safety certification over the last 10 years, the Committee recommends that the Board continue to evaluate innovative means to encourage membership by young professionals such as, for example, provision of member-sponsored and funded “certificates with a one-year introductory membership”.

    Board Response: IAFP staff will examine methods to track and recognize introductory memberships sponsored by current IAFP members.

2022 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. This committee is enthusiastic about the work of the DEI council and recommends that the board strive for transparent gathering and use of information provided in a timely manner by the DEI Council to the Executive Board.

    Board Response: Agreed

2021 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. 1. The Past Presidents’ Committee recommends approval of Roger Cook as the new Vice Chair-Elect.

    Board Response: Agree

  2. 2. The Past Presidents’ Committee recommends the Board consider the addition of a general statement on the IAFP Annual Meeting Registration page stating, “if extenuating circumstances apply, we recommend contacting IAFP for a registration waiver.” The Board can establish the approval process.

    Board Response: The Board is sympathetic to these situations. The Foundation Committee will consider funding this recommendation.

2020 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. The Past Presidents’ Committee recommends approval of Kali Kniel as the new Vice Chair-Elect.

    Board Response: Agree.

  2. The Past Presidents’ Committee recommends the Board direct David to investigate necessary logistics required for staff to work from home if necessary due to COVID-19 restrictions.

    Board Response: Agree. IAFP staff will investigate, gather costs and report to the Board. The Board suggests writing a business continuity plan.

  3. The Past Presidents’ Committee recommends the Board conduct contingency planning in case the 2021 Annual Meeting must also be conducted virtually.

    Board Response: Agree.

  4. The Past Presidents’ Committee recommends the Board direct staff to survey exhibitors regarding a pilot program to develop a Technology Showcase to occur at a time other than the Annual Meeting.

    Board Response: Agree. IAFP staff to work with Dave Larson to see if the exhibitors have interests in such a program.

  5. The Past Presidents’ Committee recommends the Board investigate asking the Foundation to support scholarships for attendance at IAFP virtual annual meetings, including those individuals who are not allowed to pay registration fees to participate in virtual meetings.

    Board Response: This seems too specific of a need to establish a “scholarship” program to address the need. Suggest that if the need arises in the future that individuals contact the IAFP office for the needed support.

2019 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. The Past Presidents’ Committee recommends approval of Tim Jackson as the new Vice Chair-Elect.

    Board Response: Agree.

2018 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. An article for Food Protection Trends should be developed that provides the history of the Black Pearl Award, the sponsor, some of the highlights of the companies who have received the award over the past 25 years, and information and tips on preparing a strong application. IAFP staff could facilitate the preparation of the article by providing the identified author additional materials on the Black Pearl Award as needed.

    Board Response: Agree. Mickey Parish and Linda Harris will collaborate to co-author this article.

  2. Approve Mickey Parish as incoming Vice Chair.

    Board Response: Agree.

2017 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. Advertise in publications by NEHA, the Canadian Association of Public Health and other applicable organizations in North America, for the Sanitarian and Travel awards.

    Board Response: Agree, staff will look at associated costs vs. benefits.

  2. Explore how CEUs work with NEHA – Board to charge Retail and Education PDGs with exploring process and value of offering CEU accreditation.

    Board Response: Agree, staff will look at associated costs vs. benefits.

2016 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. Explore a collaboration with NEHA.

    Board Response: The Board requests more information on what benefits IAFP would gain.

  2. Find ways to engage the Affiliates to nominate candidates for the Sanitarian Award

    Board Response: Affiliates and their Members are encouraged to make Award nominations including the Sanitarian Award.

  3. Modify the Sanitarian Award to include travel to the Annual Meeting, registration and a one-year membership.

    Board Response: The Award criterion requires nominees to be IAFP Members. The sponsor could be asked to provide additional support for travel expense or the Award recipient could use the honorarium.

  4. Explore a connection with the Canadian Association of Public Health (the Canadian equivalent of NEHA).

    Board Response: The Board requests more information on what benefits IAFP would gain.

  5. Look into CEU certification: Which certifying groups could we use and how would we implement?

    Board Response: Different organizations have differing requirements. Most all will accept IAFP’s Annual Meeting program. The certification body should be contacted in advance of the Annual Meeting.

  6. Ask the Board to direct the Program Committee to have one symposium that is targeted to the interests and needs of local and state public health inspectors.

    Board Response: The Program Committee can be made aware of this request.

2015 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. Approve Don Zink as incoming Vice Chair.

    Board Response: Approve.

  2. The Executive Board PDG talking points should include an encouragement of PDG members to encourage award nominations.

    Board Response: This was included. In addition, the Board included encouragement of members to consider a nomination for IAFP Secretary. IAFP staff will send early reminders to all members on Awards and Secretary nominations.

  3. The board should re-evaluate the Nominating Committee selection and operating process to ensure it meets our current needs. Options could include adding Past Presidents to the Committee and terms of office for the Nominating Committee (as with most other IAFP Committees).

    Board Response: Board will review the process and suggest revisions where needed.

2014 Board Response to Recommendations
  1. Approve Don Schaffner as incoming Vice Chair.

    Board Response: Approved. Don’s term begins at IAFP 2015.

  2. Investigate whether working with National Geographic on food related efforts is feasible for IAFP. What are their objectives? Tell them who we are, our objectives and determine if we can work together.

    Board Response: Staff will investigate.

  3. Develop a plan to rapidly respond to Facebook and other social media activity. This may require a dedicated staff person, and at a minimum, assigned responsibility. Develop “ready” responses. For example: “IAFP is a professional scientific society and not an advocacy group.”

    Board Response: This is being closely monitored.