Dr. Jennifer McEntire Steps Down as Chief Food Safety Officer at IFPA

February 28, 2023

Washington, D.C. – International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer, Dr. Jennifer McEntire, will step away from her role with the association on May 5, 2023.

Dr. McEntire joined IFPA legacy organization, United Fresh Produce Association, in July 2016 and has continued her career dedicated to food safety, education and training, and public health as the chief food safety and regulatory officer at IFPA. In her more than 20 years in the industry, she has become one of the most highly respected leaders in food safety, providing insights and guidance to member companies, regulatory partners and policy makers, and members of the media. After six and a half years with the association, Dr. McEntire is looking to rebalance her personal and professional life and will continue to support the industry through select consulting engagements.

“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,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “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.”

Dr. McEntire has built a strong food safety team at IFPA including Dr. Emily Moyer, vice president of regulatory compliance and global food standards; Gretchen Wall, director of food safety & quality; and Tressie Jefferson, food safety support manager. The team, in addition to IFPA’s government relations team, will continue IFPA’s food safety initiatives.

“In my 20+ years working in food safety, I can truly say that serving the fresh produce industry has been a career highlight,” says McEntire. “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.”

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

“Thanks to Jennifer’s efforts, IFPA’s food safety programs will continue to deliver value to our members and industry. 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,” Burns added.

Dr. Jennifer McEntire Steps Down as Chief Food Safety Officer at IFPA

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